About the FTFFA

The Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association is a trade Association of professional ornamental tropical fish and aquatic plant breeders, the mission of which is to represent its members in governmental matters, provide a cooperative for purchasing necessary materials to produce member products, and support research and development for the production of ornamental species.

The Association does not breed fish or grow plants, if you are looking for a supplier please use our Member Directory to find and contact the farms directly.

President's Message

Once again, the FTFFA Aquatic Lounge at the 2010 Global Pet Expo at the Orlando Convention Center was another big success. We had 22 members showing the record breaking attendance at the Expo that the “best fish come from Florida”. I must say that despite having gone through one of the coldest and longest winters on record, the fish and plants on display were outstanding. Traffic in and around the Aquatic Lounge was very high all three days. A number of farms had to restock their business card holder because of the tremendous interests in Florida fish. I want to thank Marineland and United Pet Group for once again doing a outstanding job of setting up and maintaining the MaRS unit for our use.

While at the Aquatic Lounge I got to talk with a number of members, buyers, and sellers and my observation is that due to economic pressures more and more distributors and wholesalers are turning to imports. As a business owner myself, I can appreciate the need to control costs. However, the danger in relying exclusively on imports means that a domestic source may become unavailable in the future. If something were to happen to the international airfreight infrastructure, such as a terrorist attack on an aircraft, importers would suddenly find themselves in a difficult position. If an item is not selling, Florida farmers will stop producing that species, and when demand suddenly returns it could take up to three to six months to gear up production. The main reason I address this subject is because I feel it is important for the industry to be aware of the jeopardy they place themselves in by being heavily dependant on foreign imports. Consider the many other industries in the US that have been devastated by foreign imports, and you will understand my concern for the Florida fish farmer.

As I reported in the last newsletter very few farms escaped this winter without some losses due to the record cold temperatures we experienced in January. On average the industry loss nearly 75% of the fish in production at that time. For those who had NAP coverage the matter of having their claim paid promptly meant the difference of being able to pay expenses and stay in business or being forced out of business. Fortunately, with the assistance of Congressman Adam Putnam and Gus Bilirakis the County FSA office that services Hillsborough and Polk County expedited the payment process in record time. I want to thank Congressman Bilirakis and his aide Clint Shouppe for being of assistance to our industry during this disaster event.

Just a couple months away, is FTFFA Annual Membership Meeting/Dinner/Casino Night. Once again, we will be returning on June 12th, to the Cypress Creek Golf Club in Ruskin. During the meeting we will be paying a special tribute to Ross Socolof who passed away last year. Elsewhere, in this newsletter you will find a schedule of activities, map to the golf club, and a registration form. I urge all of you to show your support of your association by attending and participating in our Annual Meeting. Following the reception/dinner we will enjoy a Casino Night, and who knows, you could be the lucky one to take home a cash prize.

I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting. Life is good.

Sincerely,

Art Rawlins