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National Grocers Association 
1005 North Glebe Road
Suite 250
Arlington, Virginia  22201-5758
Phone: (703) 516-0700      
E-mail: feedback@nationalgrocers.org 
Web: http://www.nationalgrocers.org/home
 
Dear National Grocers Association, 

	The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that overfishing of the world’s oceans has caused the collapse of 30% of the world’s fisheries (UN FAO, 2011). With the world’s population continuing to increase, if nothing is done, the world could face the collapse of 100% of the world’s ocean fisheries by 2050 (UN FAO, 2011).  The answer is farming of fish the same way that we farm crops. Aquaculture (the farming of seafood) and aquaponics (the farming of fish and plants in a single symbiotic system) are successful techniques being used to increase fish production.  Although these techniques are already producing over 40% of the world’s seafood, only a tiny fraction of the production is done in the US. Overseas aquiculture operations, particularly in Asian countries, sometimes have questionable quality practices including the overuse of antibiotics (UN FAO, 2012). For the health of the American people, the health of the American farm economy and US job creation, we need to develop and expand aquaculture and aquaponics in the US.
	The National Grocers Association should support these industries and by encouraging its members to increase their buying of fish products and vegetables from aquaponic and aquaculture operations located in the US. By purchasing fish and produce from aquaponic farmers, your members will be supporting a more environmentally friendly solution to food production. Aquaponics uses up to 98% less water than conventional farming methods, produces up to ten times more vegetables and crops in the same amount of space and time and uses up to 75% less energy than almost any other farming method (Nor Cal, 2014).  Two Aquaponics companies that I highly recommend are:

Nor Cal Aquaponics
Willits, CA 95490
E-mail: info@norcalaquaponics.com
Phone: (707) 841-7087
Web: http://norcalaquaponics.com/

Future Farm Food and Fuel, LLC
2047 County Road E
Baldwin, Wisconsin 54002
E-mail: smeyer@afuturefarm.com
Phone:	(715) 688-3618
Website: http://www.afuturefarm.com

Purchases more from fish and vegetables from US aquaculture and aquaponic farmers would provide benefits for your association members. More and more people are making food choices based on how food is made. Aquaponics grown foods are environmentally friendly and sustainable. As an additional benefit, your members would also be supporting the American economy and helping to create good American jobs. I look forward to hearing from you and your thoughts on these important questions.

Sincerely,

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< Your Name >