There are a number of limitations that still affect the expansion and profitability of aquaculture in the north central region, whichwill be addressed in projects funded by the center

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Iowa State University of Science and Technology $934,772 on September 15, 2026, under the Regional Aquaculture Center Program (CFDA 10.271) to support the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center's research, extension, and demonstration projects addressing limitations to aquaculture expansion and profitability in the region.

The center conducts competitively solicited projects targeting species selection, animal health, marketing, economics, regulations, alternative feedstuffs, and extension and education products. Project outcomes and proposals are reported annually to USDA-NIFA and posted on the center's website; current aquaculture issues are communicated through social media and regional listserv.

The award runs from September 15, 2026, through September 14, 2031, with place of performance at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The program funds research, extension, education, and demonstration activities to enhance the viability and profitability of commercial aquaculture production. Applications undergo peer and merit review by qualified scientists and other specialists, evaluated on scientific merit, relevance to producers and the public, and alignment with regional and national priorities. Indirect costs and tuition remission are not allowable under this award.

These limitations include, in part, limited extension/education products, species selection, regulations, economics, animal health, marketing and alternative feedstuffs for cultured animals. The purposeof the north central regional aquaculture center (ncrac) is to conduct viable research, extension, and demonstrationprojects which will overcome these limitations. The projects funded by the center are competitively solicited and reportedannually to USDA-nifa. Expected outcomes and anticipated benefits for each of the center-funded projects are presented inthe annual reports, and those reports, as well as the project proposals, are posted on the center's website at WWW.ncrac.ORG.updated information on current aquaculture issues are communicated using social media and regional listserv.