| Aquaculture (The
production of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in a controlled environment) is the
fastest growing segment of agriculture in America.
As consumer demand has grown, so has the aquaculture industry; farm-raised fish and
shellfish now account for about 15% of the market.
The vast majority of U.S. trout are grown in Idaho which accounts for an estimated 75% of
the production
Follow this link to the
USDA Trout Production Report.
It's no secret that Idaho's success is linked to a vast system of aquifers and springs.
However, water of high purity and cold temperatures are found elsewhere in our country,
giving rise to an industry that is truly national in scope. Other leading states include
Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Washington, California and Michigan.
Today, almost 70 million pounds of trout, mostly rainbow trout,
are grown in the U.S. primarily for the food fish
market. Substantial numbers are also grown for recreational use.
Trout for the food fish market are sold fresh or frozen to restaurants, supermarkets and
institutions. The process/packaging phase of the industry is highly sophisticated. Trout
are marketed as dressed or boned and boneless fillets. They may be breaded or stuffed.
Trout also available canned, like tuna or salmon, as pate or smoked product. It is not
unusual for trout to be harvested, processed, chilled and packaged for shipment in less
than 90 minutes!
Quality Assurance
Food quality, particularly that of seafood, has become a major consumer issue of the 90's.
To ensure the continuing safety and quality of American farmed trout, the U.S.Trout
Farmers Association has developed a producer's quality
assurance program for the entire trout industry.
The trout producers quality assurance program focuses on the scientific monitoring of
farming and processing to insure that consumers receive the most safe and wholesome
products possible. The program will emphasize good management practices and a systematic
analysis of current production techniques. This quality assurance program is among the
first of those developed by the U.S. aquaculture industry.
Recreational Trout Fishing
While trout are good to eat, they also provide family fun. Many farm-raised trout are
supplied to recreational areas or clubs for the purpose that helped make trout famous -
sport fishing. Throughout the country there are "fish out" or
"fee-fishing" lakes where catches are "guaranteed." Generally, a
license to fish at these facilities isn't necessary. Complete resorts, offering a motel or
campground, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis courts or other amenities are also often
available. Most important, the fish are the same farm-raised trout available in
restaurants and supermarkets.
So, now is a good time to enjoy all the good things about trout...the fun of catching
them, quick and easy preparation, a variety of
ways to cook them, high protein content, low in calories,
and - most importantly - great taste!!
111 WEST WASHINGTON ST., SUITE ONE
CHARLES TOWN, WV 25414-1529 USA
TELEPHONE (304) 728-2189 FAX (304) 728-2196
USTFA@FRONTIERNET.NET
|
HOME
