Grains Beneath the Surface – How Grain is Powering the Aquaculture Boom

Grains Beneath the Surface - How Grain is Powering the Aquaculture Boom

Welcome to Global Grain Perspectives, a series from In-Grain that explores how grain is used across industries worldwide. Each edition highlights a unique aspect of grain processing, emphasizing the innovations and market opportunities shaping the future of global grain.

In this edition, we turn our focus to aquaculture-one of the fastest-growing sources of protein in the world. As the demand for fish and seafood rises, grains are playing a central role in how those fish are raised, fed, and brought to market.

A New Frontier for Grain Demand

Aquaculture now supplies over half of all seafood consumed globally. This growth has fueled a rising demand for fish feed, and grains are stepping in to meet it. Traditionally, fish were fed diets based on fishmeal and fish oil, ingredients made from wild-caught fish. But with sustainability concerns and limited supply, the industry has moved rapidly toward plant-based alternatives.
Grains like soy, corn, and wheat are now core ingredients in fish and shrimp diets. In fact, soybean meal is the most-used protein in aquaculture feed worldwide, replacing much of the fishmeal once considered essential.
For grain handlers, this shift represents a significant new market. Aquafeed production now exceeds 50 million metric tons annually, and grain-based ingredients are the foundation of that growth.

Soy: The Backbone of Modern Fish Feed

Soybean meal has become the go-to protein source for farmed fish and shrimp. It's high in protein, widely available, and cost-effective. For species like tilapia and catfish, soy can make up a large portion of their diet. Even in salmon and shrimp production, more refined soy products-such as soy protein concentrate-are helping reduce reliance on fishmeal.
Soy also offers environmental benefits. By replacing marine ingredients, it helps reduce pressure on ocean ecosystems. And when sourced sustainably, it supports responsible farming practices on land as well.

Corn Coproducts Gaining Ground

Corn is playing a growing role in aquafeeds too. Corn gluten meal is widely used in salmonid feeds for its protein and natural pigments, which help give salmon its familiar color.
Distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a co-product of ethanol production, are also finding a place in fish and shrimp diets. New high-protein versions of DDGS are making it easier to include corn-based ingredients in aquafeeds that once relied more heavily on marine proteins or soy.
Grain byproducts like these are not just cost-effective-they help reduce waste and increase the value of every bushel grown.

Feed Manufacturing and Processing Needs

Aquaculture feed is manufactured using specialized equipment like extruders, which cook and shape the feed into pellets. These pellets must float or sink, depending on the species, and hold together in water.
Grains play a key role in this process. Ingredients like wheat flour and corn starch help bind pellets, while consistent grind size and moisture levels are critical to ensuring pellet quality.
As the industry continues to grow, feed manufacturers are looking for grain ingredients that meet strict quality and performance standards. This creates new opportunities for grain processors to supply precision-milled, high-value products.

Sustainability and Market Access

Sustainability is a driving force in aquaculture, and feed sourcing is under increasing scrutiny. Certifications such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) require feed ingredients to be responsibly sourced and traceable.

U.S. soybean exporters have responded by highlighting sustainability protocols like the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), which ensures responsible farming practices from field to feed mill.

At the same time, reducing reliance on wild-caught fish for feed has become a global priority. Using grains in aquaculture diets not only helps protect marine resources, but it also supports climate goals and long-term food security.

A Growing Market for U.S. Grain

Aquaculture is expanding in nearly every region of the world. While Asia leads in overall production, the U.S. and Latin America are growing quickly-especially in high-value species like shrimp, trout, and salmon.

U.S. grain exports already support fish farms across Latin America and Southeast Asia. Trade groups like the U.S. Soybean Export Council and U.S. Grains Council are helping expand these markets by connecting U.S. suppliers with global feed manufacturers and aquaculture companies.

This is not just a short-term trend-it's a long-term opportunity for grain handlers and processors to diversify and grow.

Looking Ahead

Aquaculture is on track to become the world's leading source of animal protein. As it grows, so will the demand for efficient, sustainable, and scalable feed ingredients. Grains-especially soy and corn-are well-positioned to meet that demand.

For grain professionals, this means more than just new buyers. It means new partnerships, new quality expectations, and a new role in supporting global food systems.

Grain is no longer just for land-based livestock. It's now a driving force in the world's fastest-growing protein sector-beneath the surface and beyond.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Global Grain Perspectives, where we'll continue exploring how grain powers industries across the globe.