Heartland Catfish Company is committed to supplying the highest-quality products since 1996. Their promise of quality comes from a defining factor of being U.S. Farm-Raised. So, what does it mean for catfish to be U.S. Farm-Raised, and why should you care? Continue reading to learn more about the importance of sourcing U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish.

What is U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish?

When you buy U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, you are buying American-produced fish. It is important to understand the stringent safety regulations and qualifications that go into American-farmed fish to ensure you know the product you are purchasing for yourself or your consumers. The Catfish Institute was formed to promote U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish as a healthy, sustainable and delicious menu option. The organization also works to certify catfish processors as U.S. Farm-Raised through a set standard of criteria. The list ensures certified processers do four things:

1. Be in the U.S. and listed on the industry’s monthly “Catfish Processing Report” used to monitor production, sales and inventory of the nation’s largest aquaculture sector.
2. Process grain-fed channel catfish, 100% farm-raised in the U.S., and delivered live to the processing plant.
3. Be inspected and approved by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, making U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish the nation’s first and only seafood product to meet these strict standards and requirements for food safety and hazard controls.
4. Receive most live fish from farms that use feed products from TCI Member Feed Mills.

Why is U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Important?

When you buy Heartland Catfish, you are getting locally grown and harvested catfish with a consistent mild flavor profile. As a consumer or restaurateur, when you source food, especially seafood, there should be many factors going into your decision. As of late, sustainability and health benefits have been top of mind. Choosing U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is more important than ever because it provides transparency to your customers who are becoming more conscious of where their food is coming from.

There are a lot of catfish-like options on the market, but it is important to be aware that these fish do not follow the same rigorous farming and processing standards of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. Some of these options include Basa, Swai, Pangasius and Chinese Catfish. When you choose Heartland U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish you can feel confident that you know the exact product you’re getting. What comes out of our ponds is exactly what is sent to groceries, distributors and your table.

Not all seafood is the same and it’s important to keep in mind where your seafood is sourced from. When you choose Heartland Catfish or any U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish you are choosing to support U.S. businesses that are committed to sustainable seafood practices. To learn more about U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish visit our blog.