The Arkansas catfish industry is getting a boost. The Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board recently approved more than $80,000 in funding for research and promotion projects set to support growth and market development in the sector.
“As the birthplace of U.S. commercial catfish farming and the national third-largest producer, Arkansas plays a defining role in the industry’s success,” said Brad Graham, chairman. “Strategic investments from the Catfish Promotion Board ensure continued innovation, visibility and long-term growth for Arkansas producers.”
The board received six proposals requesting more than $154,000 in funding. Of those, three promotion projects totaling more than $50,000 and one research project totaling more than $29,000 were approved:
- Ag Learning Center at Four States Fairgrounds: A $10,000 project will expand aquaculture education at the Ag Learning Center at Four States Fairgrounds in Texarkana through interactive lessons and demonstrations focused on Arkansas catfish, providing students and families with clear, engaging information about catfish production and its role in the state’s agriculture economy.
- Catfish Farmers of Arkansas: A $16,350 project of Catfish Farmers of Arkansas will highlight the quality and value of Arkansas-grown catfish through event sponsorships, advertising and processor-supported promotions. Activities will strengthen consumer awareness with the goal of increasing demand for products raised by Arkansas farmers.
- Catfish Processors: A $25,000 project of Catfish Processors will expand restaurant promotion of Arkansas-grown catfish through advertising support, menu specials and in-store materials such as table tents and children’s activity sheets. The project seeks to increase visibility and consumer access to locally raised catfish by reducing promotional costs for restaurants.
- Mississippi State University: A more than $29,000 project of Mississippi State University seeks to determine environmental factors that enable the proliferation of Aphanocapsa, a bacterium that can lead to fish mortality, and evaluate current monitoring and treatment strategies to help Arkansas producers better predict and manage harmful blooms.
Arkansas catfish production generated $16.3 million in food-size fish sales in 2024. Arkansas Money & Politics reported in April on the state of the industry, which faces pressure from competing foreign markets and other challenges.
The state has taken steps to support catfish producers, passing a country-of-origin labeling law in 2015 to encourage consumption of U.S. farm-raised catfish. The Arkansas Plate Initiative is set to further enhance the industry by promoting the inclusion of Arkansas catfish in public school lunches.
Photo Credit: AGFC
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