Tilapia is more than just a tasty fish.

That’s why Golden Area Initiatives (GAI) is in the process of applying to the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) to get the wheels spinning on an aquaculture project right here in the Rocky Mountains.

Rob Miller, manager at GAI, explained that two years ago, the Golden Food Bank hosted a food security forum with various stake-holders in attendance.

Miller said the GAI prepared a presentation on Aquaculture which is a project that incorporates an indoor, closed-loop, organic year round fish farm.

“The reason we did this is that this service can provide an export commodity, employment in the production process and distribution and can provide a local food source at a more competitive cost. The product is also an organic and sustainable one that ensures food quality.”

Tilapia is the oldest farm-raised fish in the world, Miller explained, adding that Tilapia is also the fastest growing fish, with a low cost on its feed. They are known to have a strong immune system and the highest disease resistance of all fish.

From a commodity perspective, Tilapia is the favoured fish of most Asian consumers and with the changing immigration demographic in Western Canada, Miller said the GAI thinks there is an opportunity to address this demand.

“Twelve years ago, there were no Tilapia producers in Canada. Since that time there have been a few aquaculture projects developed in Western Canada, but there still isn’t enough production to meet the demand. Two years ago, when I asked if anyone at the forum had ever eaten or tasted Tilapia, under six people put their hands up.”

Today, Miller said, the popularity of the product has grown with many restaurants around Golden featuring the light white fish.

“But it is still grown, flown and shipped from outside the country at a cost that surpasses what we could be paying if we were producing it locally.”

GAI is still pursuing the study, and has recently had the opportunity to reposition the feasibility study request.

“We are excited to have submitted an application to the Community Adjustment Fund through the Federal government who is quite supportive of innovative, community economic development projects.”

Miller said that having compiled a significant amount of research regarding food security and sustainable food production, the GAI is confident that there is a reliable opportunity for Golden and Area A to become a leader in the emerging field of sustainable food production.