Press Releases
KDA aquaculture specialist named to national task force
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
For more information contact:
Ted Sloan
(502) 564-1138
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Angela Caporelli, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s aquaculture marketing specialist, has been appointed to the National Organic Program’s Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force, the U.S. Agricultural Marketing Service has announced.
“From this post, Angela will be able to influence national agriculture and aquaculture policy,” state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said. “This appointment is a tribute to Angela’s hard work and dedication. It’s also a compliment to Kentucky’s agriculture industry as a national leader.”
“With aquaculture , aquaponics, and hydroponics being the fastest growing sector in agriculture, consumers have the right to demand healthy, sustainably grown products,” Caporelli said. “Like all good farmers and organic farmers, we build our water like building our soils to maintain a healthy and productive growth environment while re-using all the water and minimizing any waste. These farmers should have the same advantage in the marketplace as certified organic farms have and, with good standards developed, that will be available to them.”
In her capacity with the department, Caporelli helps Kentucky seafood producers with product development and marketing strategies. She also manages the Restaurant Rewards program, which reimburses restaurants and food service institutions for purchases of Kentucky Proud products.
Caporelli joined the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in 2001. She has traveled throughout the United States and abroad to promote aquaculture and take part in aquaculture projects. Caporelli is a member of the World Aquaculture Society, the American Aquaculture Society, and numerous other professional organizations, and has served in the Peace Corps. She is working toward a master’s degree in aquaculture from Kentucky State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in resource development/aquaculture and fisheries from the University of Rhode Island.
Caporelli is one of 16 people from throughout the United States who were appointed to the Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force. The task force is charged with preparing a report for the National Organic Standards Board about the current state of technologies and practices for hydroponics and aquaponics, and how those practices align with U.S. Department of Agriculture organic regulations.
