Indiana soybean producers in the United States are diving into new opportunities within the aquaculture industry, aiming to leverage investments in Central American shrimp and tilapia production.

Investing in Aquaculture Innovation

During a recent visit to Panama, Carey McKibben, Treasurer of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and a farmer from Northeast Indiana, gained insights into the Alliance’s investments in Central American aquaculture. The region is a global leader in shrimp and tilapia production, and Indiana soybean producers are contributing to advancements in this sector.

One key area of focus is enhancing fish diets to incorporate more soybean, improving digestion and overall efficiency in shrimp and tilapia growth. McKibben notes, “Aquaculture in this region has exploded. And part of the reason is we’ve helped fund some of the research in getting the species able to digest more soybean into their diet.”

Projected Growth and Opportunities

McKibben highlights the significant growth potential for soybean producers in aquaculture, with projections indicating a remarkable 12% growth within the next few years. Central America currently stands as the largest producer of shrimp globally, setting the stage for substantial expansion in the industry.

Apart from boosting production, the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s investments also prioritize sustainability. By improving fish diets and implementing innovative raceway systems in ponds, the Alliance aims to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. McKibben explains, “Not only have we helped on the diet side, we’ve also helped implement the race system to where the fish are basically in raceways in ponds and feed gets recirculated, the waste gets recirculated.”