About Us
The core agricultural business objective of Verbigena Farms (VBG Farms) is the operation of an environmentally neutral, zero or near zero waste, commercially sustainable shrimp and fish farming business. Organically raised shrimp is an underdeveloped area of aquaculture with much potential. The business will be an indoor tank-farming aquaculture operation.
The business will implement the Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) indoor farming model. The RAS indoor farming model is a closed-loop system with zero or near-zero waste. Using an organic farming approach will significantly reduce the risk of disease, and subsequent losses. We are based in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Products
Our primary focus is in aquaculture. Our produce is organically bred shrimp raised without the use of inorganic additives or chemical boosters. Organic aquaculture has attracted positive attention due to consumers’ awareness about food quality, overfishing in natural aquatic stocks, environmental degradation, health risks and sustainability. Organic food products including organic seafood is an expanding and growth niche market where consumers express higher satisfaction with product quality.
Target Market
VBG Farms shrimp will appeal to consumers seeking locally farmed high quality, organic food. Our target markets are Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC and suburbs. With the increasing organic and health-conscious trends in the US, the nutrient-dense and low calorie shrimp is growing in popularity. Additionally, consumer interest in, and demand for, local foods is creating a significant growth in direct to consumer (DTC) sales.
With the VBG Farms DTC sales model, consumers will have access to a superior “pond to table” product within 6 hours of harvesting. A Food Marketing Institute survey indicates freshness is the number one reason consumers buy locally grown food. The customer base will be Loudoun and surrounding counties.
Our Development and Expansion Plans
VBG Farms will have three phases of development over a six-year period.
Phase One
Establishment of the shrimp farm business which is promoted locally in part by agritourism.
Phase Two
The addition of organically bred crawfish and the construction of visitor cabins on the farm for private retreats.
Phase Three
Addition of either crabs or channel catfish and the construction of a farmhouse kitchen.
Competition
Other locally farmed shrimp would be VBG Farms’ primary competitors. Being differentiated from the imported mass produced high count shrimp is a major differentiating factor that will be emphasized in marketing and customer outreach activities.
Organic Certification
Additionally, VBG Farms plans to pursue organic certification when it becomes available. There is currently no organic certification available for aquaculture in the United States. However, the USDA is in the process of creating a standard which is estimated to be finalized in 2017.
Being one of the first farming aquaculture operations to display the USDA Certified Organic seal will set VBG Farms far above the competition. Organic certification will create entrepreneurial opportunities and allow VBG Farms to capitalize on consumer growth in the organic sector.