Blue Ridge Aquaculture`s vision is to become the leading domestic producer of high quality seafood using indoor recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The company plans to accomplish this goal by 1) sequentially expanding its tilapia production capacity to 10 million pounds (phase I), then to 100 million pounds (phase II), 2) developing a fresh fillet product which will provide access to larger markets, and 3) developing the production of other species in similar systems.

Blue Ridge Aquaculture is committed to the idea that we can, and should produce more of our seafood in the United States. These products should be free of hormones, antibiotics, and industrial pollutants; it is our responsibility to provide the consumer with a healthy product. And this seafood should be produced in a way that does not do damage the local environment, respects our gift of water, and enhances the local social system that produces it.

Currently, the United States imports over 80% of the seafood it consumes. Imported products arrive with little oversight for food safety, ecological impacts and social issues. This large seafood trade deficit is in stark contrast to the other food proteins we grow in the United States, chiefly poultry, beef and pork.

Blue Ridge Aquaculture has been producing tilapia in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems for nearly two decades, and has proven that large-scale RAS is a viable production method. This unique system requires a fraction of the land necessary to produce the same amount of fish with traditional pond aquaculture techniques. They can be located close to markets, and away from expensive and ecologically sensitive coastal areas. These systems allow the producer to capture the waste streams and prevent them from entering the local environment. This effluent can be commercialized, converting the waste into a revenue stream; turning a liability into an asset.

These systems allow for complete control over every aspect of the growout process, giving the producer a level of husbandry and animal care not available in any other production system. This is the key difference between these systems and other large-scale farming operations- the ability to produce a protein source without using antibiotics and growth hormones. This is achieved by reducing the stress on the fish as much as possible; stress causes the animals to stop eating, and greatly increases their susceptibility to disease. Focusing on reducing stress will reduce mortalities, reduce Feed Conversion Ratios, increase growth rates and quality, and improves the performance of the business.

Because of the high water re-use and the small footprint, these systems are very scaleable. The farm has developed a proven system that raises a healthy, sustainable food source. The business has generated attractive financial returns with a dedication to social responsibility. The demand for a healthy seafood product raised in the United States will continue to grow and be strong. With these concepts, Blue Ridge Aquaculture sees large-scale expansion very possible, and has developed a strong business model to achieve its vision. BRA is actively seeking investment partners to facilitate the expansion of its tilapia production.

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