USSEC participated in the 9th International Aquaculture Forum 2014 (FIACUI 2014), which was held November 5-7 in Guadalajara, Mexico.  USSEC’s participation helps to establish and increase relationships with people involved with the aquaculture industry, to promote the use of soybean products in aquaculture and to contact projects of trade and technical servicing with this industry.
USSEC was one of the sponsors of this event, which was organized by Mexican aquaculture producers, through their aquaculture health committees, with the participation of the business sector, research centers, many universities and Jalisco’s Ministry of Rural Development.  An international conferences program was included to provide producers with information to help them optimize their processes, packaging and marketing of seafood products.  FIACUI 2014 also co-hosted the Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture (LACQUA 2014), a scientific conference organized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), through its Latin American and Caribbean Chapter.  Business meetings took place between aquaculturists, fishermen and potential buyers, with the aim of expanding their marketing channels.  USSEC consultant Jairo Amezquita gave a presentation titled “Soybean Protein:  An Alternative Protein Source and the Role of USSEC in the Development of Global Aquaculture.”
During the upcoming year, the Mexican aquaculture industry will produce close to 120,000 metric tons (MT) and will demand more than 70,000 MT of soybean meal from the U.S.  This market has good potential for continued growth in the next several years, mainly with the tilapia specie.