Federal Assistance Available to Illinois Fish Farmers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2009

Federal economic stimulus money soon will be available for Illinois fish farmers, the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced today.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 set aside $50 million for aquaculture, including approximately $77,000 for producers in Illinois.

Illinois fish farmers are eligible if their 2008 feed costs were at least 25 percent of their total operating cost. They also are eligible if their feed costs are 25 percent above the average cost of feed from 2003-2007.

Applications will be mailed directly to aquaculture producers who held valid aquaculture permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources during calendar years 2008 and 2009.

Program details are available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture's website at www.agr.state.il.us or by calling 217/524-9129.