USDA Assistance for Aquaculture
Gao ID: RCED-94-69R November 5, 1993Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the availability of commercial and federal financing for aquaculture. GAO noted that: (1) although there is little quantitative data on the availability of financing for aquaculture, such financing is difficult to obtain because of the inherent risks in the industry; (2) since 1990, the Farmers Home Administration has guaranteed almost $38 million in aquaculture loans; (3) in 1993, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) budgeted over $24 million for aquaculture activities including research, information services, and export promotion; and (4) USDA services may not be adequate to support the immediate needs of the aquaculture industry.