About

History of how we got started and what we are about…

The Virginia Aquaculture Association, Inc., VAA (www.virginiaaquaculture.org) originated the Virginia Aqua-Farmers Network (VAN) concept in 2004 as a means to assist small-scale aqua-farmers and flue-cured tobacco producers seeking an alternative income stream from existing on-farm infrastructure (irrigation ponds and greenhouses) in south central Virginia. A Working Group was formed in Spring 2005 to outline the concept for VAN and establish a support network. A meeting was held between the VAA and Virginia State University to discuss partnering options for the development and support of VAN. Other key individuals were contacted for networking and support services, and a proposal was drafted to apply for a feasibility study grant. In October 2005 the VAA was awarded a USDA Value-Added Producer Grant to conduct a feasibility study and fine-tune a developmental document. In October 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the VAA and VSU outlining how VSU will assist with VAN’s early phases of development. In December 2006, the feasibility study was complete, the VAN concept document was in place, and a producers meeting was held.

In January 2007, a VAN Producer Steering Committee was formed. A Marketing Plan was written in cooperation with Virginia Commonwealth University’s Executive MBA Program and completed in April 2007. Finally, in May 2007 a Business Plan was completed in cooperation with Longwood University’s Small Business Development Center. On May 16, 2007 the Virginia Aqua-Farmers Network held their first meeting with 18 members and one affiliate. Over 60,000 catfish fingerlings, 15,000 hybrid striped bass fingerlings, and 233,000 prawn larvae were staged for production in Summer 2007.

In January 2008, the VAA was awarded a $200,000 Virginia Tobacco Indemnification & Community Revitalization Commission Grant to hire a VAN manager and implement a VAN cost-share program.  In May and June of 2008, over 300,000 prawn juvenilles were stocked in our farmers ponds.  Nearly 10,000 lbs of prawn were harvested in September and October of 2008.  This year 450,000 prawn juvenilles were stocked into the ponds of Virginia Natural Fish Company members.  We are excited for this years harvest and look to have over 10,000 lbs of fresh prawn this fall. 

Today, Virginia Aqua-Farmers Network is 23 members strong.  Everyday our farmers are making considerable improvements to making our products the freshest and safest around.  If you are interested in becoming a member of our organization then contact us and we will be happy to explore the opportunity further.  We are always looking for new members who care about aquaculture, the environment, and producing a safe, local, sustainable product.