U.S. Soy and Colombian Fish Farms: How Partnership Drives Innovation in Aquaculture

Across the beautiful countryside of Colombia, fish farms are reshaping the future of food. What began as a way to fill the gap left by dwindling wild fish stocks has grown into something much bigger: a thriving aquaculture industry that supports local communities, powers exports, and sets new standards for sustainability.

Behind this transformation is a partnership built on trust and collaboration between Colombian farmers and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). Together, we’re proving that when people share knowledge and high-quality ingredients across borders, the results ripple everywhere: healthier fish, stronger businesses, and a more secure food system for us all.

Knowledge that travels across borders

For aquaculture producers, success starts with practical knowledge. That’s why USSEC has invested in training programs that give Colombian fish farmers access to the latest science, whether in university classrooms or in hands-on demonstrations at local farms. These experiences spark ideas that farmers bring back to their operations – from new production systems to better approaches to certifications and sustainability.

Here’s how Diana Milena Pasos, Production Manager at Piscicola Botero Farm, explains the experience of attending one of these programs: “The training course offered by USSEC at Auburn University was very beneficial because of the technical information received and the interaction with different producers from other countries, seeing other production systems, and other ways of producing with different technologies.”