FELLSMERE — After six years of finding investors, property and a suitable location, officials from Florida Organic Aquaculture broke ground on its facility to cultivate “happy, healthy shrimp” meant to be sold to area restaurants and grocers.
“It has been a long, winding road,” founder and CEO Cliff Morris said, explaining that up until six months ago he’d been running on adrenaline – now, he’s switched to excitement.
Located near SunAg where County Road 512 makes the sharp turn south toward State Road 60, Florida Organic Aquaculture is busy building what is being hailed as the nation’s largest pole-barn, a 4.2-acre structure the length of 3.5 football fields. The structure will be utilized for growing the shrimp and other aquatic organisms.
“It’s like watching a ballet,” Morris said of watching the construction of the massive building. “This facility will put Fellsmere on the aquaculture map in the world.”
Approximately 300 people turned out to the official ground breaking ceremony to celebrate the endeavor. Those who were expected to attend included U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Representative Bill Posey, and Florida Representative Debbie Mayfield. All three sent their regrets they were unable to attend.
The plan is to start with what Morris calls “table” shrimp – those meant for consumption – and later “bait” shrimp, those used for fishing. The facility will also farm oysters, which help circulate and clean the water used for the shrimp, and sea asparagus. Sea asparagus, though not a mainstay in American cuisine, is popular in Asian markets, according to Morris.
Funding for the shrimp farm came largely from foreign investors, Morris said. A federal program provides a Green Card in exchange for a $500,000 investment in American businesses. Investors are vetted by federal agencies and must prove the source of their funds is legitimate.
“I can’t think of a better way to start the day, to start the week,” said Fellsmere City Manager Jason Nunemaker of breaking ground on the shrimp farm. “What could be more fun than job creation?”
When Morris was scouting sites for the endeavor, Indian River County Economic Development Director Helene Caseltine referred him to Fellsmere – a place known for large stretches of undeveloped land and a strong history of agriculture.
Nunemaker, according to Morris, was the reason his firm decided on Fellsmere for its home.
Both Nunemaker and Mayor Susan Adams point to aquaculture as a natural fit for the city, expanding on its agricultural offerings.
“This builds on our economic past,” Adams said. “We’re taking (agriculture) to the next level.”
The first shrimp harvest is expected later this year, though restaurants in the area have already gotten a sample.
Adams, who also runs Marsh Landing Restaurant in Fellsmere, said the shrimp from the farm received positive reviews from patrons.
“It’s very tasty,” she said, adding that it has a sweeter, more natural flavor than other, more prevalent types of shrimp. “They cook up well.”