So you’re considering an aquaculture business?
Remember the old saying: most people do not plan to fail, they simply fail to plan.
The success of an aquaculture farming venture will primarily be determined by its ability to operate as a profitable business.
No two businesses are exactly the same and therefore a business plan specifically addressing your production and marketing matters needs to be developed first alongside selecting a suitable site for the aquaculture farm.
The business plan will need to demonstrate sound reasoning for your aquaculture business and the justification for financial support from a bank or other funding/grants body. Its importance cannot be over-stated as potential investors or financial institutions will use it to evaluate the business.
A Commercial Farm Development Plan (CFDP) is required under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 as part of the application for an aquaculture permit. The requirements of the CFDP will be predominantly addressed by the business plan developed for your aquaculture farm. Therefore, the business plan can either be used to complete the CFDP or if it addresses all of the matters within the CFDP, it can be submitted as your CFDP.
Sole proprietorship is common for NSW aquaculture enterprises but there are also partnerships/family and company run aquaculture farms.
You should seek advice from a business planner, accountant and/or legal advisor about the options and potential of different business structures and how they may affect an aquaculture business at different phases of development.
The aim of commercial aquaculture is to maintain a profitable business.
To put it simply, you need to produce sufficient quantities of marketable product and receive a price greater than the production costs.
A marketing plan is a core part of the business plan, and getting it right can fundamentally influence the businesses profitability.
The main areas of the domestic seafood market are:
Product promotion is essential and one of the best forms of promotion is the product’s reputation supported by a quality assurance protocol. Individual business promotion may dovetail with the promotion of the State, region or the industry as a whole. Promotion through regular appearances at regional or promotional events, markets and direct contact with customers is effective, particularly as it provides opportunity for customer feedback.
A quality assurance program is necessary to ensure consistent quality of product. All products should meet the National Food Standards and will be required to meet NSW Food Authority requirements.
Packaging and presentation must be considered, especially in the retail market. The use of well designed innovative packaging can add value and increase returns.
Market acceptance is critical. You must do your own research as market acceptance can change for a wide range of reasons.
Market location including the distance to market and the logistics costs of supplying the products is another major practical business planning issue. You will need to determine available delivery options (eg. using agents, distribution companies or own staff) and costs in reaching your markets.
Tourism may have potential for additional returns, but must warrant the added expense. It is important that the full cost of a tourism component to the business (eg. customer amenities, insurance, sales display area, equipment and additional staff costs) and costs associated with disruption to the daily operations of the farm. Tourism projects may include fishouts or guided tours.
Once the business planning has determined that there is a potential market for the product, a full production feasibility assessment is undertaken. The production feasibility assessment should consider all fixed and variable costs, including:
A cash flow projection (statement) is required within the business plan to help predict possible cash deficits as well as profitability. It is critical for those enterprises where there will be a single harvest per year while the production and marketing expenses will be spread over the year.
A cash flow projection plan should include monthly budgets for preferably three years or until the operation is likely to be ‘in the black’. In many operations, expenditure occurs in spurts, with higher costs experienced during stocking and harvesting when additional labour may be required. You need to distinguish between:
On the revenue side, there can be difficulties in making predictions because of price variability and harvest quantities. Therefore, it is essential that you consider variations in:
Example of cash flow items is attached.
A risk analysis should also consider the short and longer term viability of the business if various scenarios occur. These may include:
A comprehensive business plan greatly assists in acquiring insurances. Some policies are compulsory and others are essential to mitigate potential risks to the business. Examples of insurances that should be considered include:
Under insurance as well as lack of insurance, particularly those required by law, could endanger your business and it should be reviewed on a regular basis. You should seek advice regarding your insurance requirements prior to commencing business.
Business planning doesn’t stop once a business has been established – a business plan should be a living document. It needs to be checked from time to time and whenever there are major events or changes.
It is good practice to have a regular cycle of review, covering issues including:
Aquaculture like any business has potential pitfalls that may hamper the development of a strong business. Some pitfalls include:
There are many resources available to assist with preparing a business plan. The Internet is a useful source of information and Business Planning section of the NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy also provides further details.
Cash Flow Items | |
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Income | |
Fish Produced Kgs | This will provide an indication of how production is progressing and any trends during and over the year/s. |
Fish Sales | This will not only provide indication of income but can be used to track price per kg and any pricing trends over a year |
Total Income | Note that depending on the species you may not get a return for over twelve months. |
Expenditure | |
Land purchase/lease | Not applicable if using own land. It is important to note that you require not just enough land for the culture ponds but additional land for disposal water dam, irrigation and also for expansion. |
Consultants | In preparation of DA and Aquaculture permit information. May include soil testing, mapping, etc. |
Council DA fees | This will vary depending on cost of the development and other matters to be considered by council. |
Aquaculture Permit fees | Application and ongoing fees which vary depending on the permit type and these are varied with CPI each year. |
Legal Costs | Especially if a lease or any other agreement is required. |
Utilities (power, phone, internet, gas, etc.) | For office and farm (on farm for pumps, aerators, lighting, etc.) |
Water | Cost to purchase. If relying on rainfall you need to check your harvestable right limit. Need to calculate filling of ponds and account for evaporation, seepage and 5% exchange per week. |
Insurances | Including Public Liability, vehicle and other business insurances. |
Bank Loan interest | |
Bank Fees | |
Accounting | Needed to assist in assessing the business at all stages. |
Contractors | This could be for construction of dams, building sheds or during general running of the farm (electrician, etc.) |
Dam construction | This will vary greatly depending on soil and species to be grown. |
Predator exclusion | Bird netting or fencing for yabby farms on eastern drainage. |
Buildings and fixtures | Sheds for stores, feed, quarantine, office, purging tanks. If you are to undertake tank based culture you will also need sheds to house the tanks and water treatment systems. |
Equipment (Purchase/rent) | Eg. Tractor, buggies, utility, trailer, pumps, aerators, harvest nets, etc. |
Juvenile stock supply | Cost per animal is likely to increase over time and should be factored in. |
Feed | Cost per kg is likely to increase over time and should be factored in. |
Chemicals | For treatment of water or stock. |
Vehicles including running costs | On farm activities, important if undertaking a Class E activity where large distances may be covered between farm dams. |
Packaging, ice, to market transport | Depending on the species and the markets you may target these cost will vary. |
Wages | |
Superannuation | |
Repairs and Maintenance | Things will break or wear out so this needs to be budgeted for so it is not a shock when it happens. |
Income tax | |
Total Expenditure | In the first year this may be greater than any income. |
Total Income | |
Total Expenditure | |
Balance | This provides an overview of how your business is going. |