Florida Organic Aquaculture (FOA) has opened its new organic shrimp production and research facility in Fellsmere in Indian River County, a move which will create 512 jobs.
The project was first announced in 2013, and is considered to be the largest closed-water, shrimp production facility in the country.
The 180,000ft² facility features an environmentally-safe, energy-efficient system and produces chemicals- or preservatives-free shrimp.
FOA CEO/president Clifford Morris said, "The economic impact that this project brings starts in Fellsmere, Florida, but will extend throughout the state and the country."
Florida's aquaculture sector is a growing and diverse part of the state's agribusiness. During 2007, the country's aquaculture sales were over $1.4bn, with Florida ranking seventh in total sales.
