More government support for East Coast oyster farmers
A $1-million funding program is being created to assist oyster growers in expanding production, reports The Guardian from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The tiny island Province has a thriving shellfish aquaculture industry, mainly based on mussel and oyster production;
The program will assist growers in expanding the cultivation of quality oysters on Prince Edward Island. By increasing the production and quality of Prince Edward Island oysters, it is expected this will enhance demand in the marketplace and increase product value.
Fisheries Minister Gail Shea joined P.E.I. Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair and Linda Duncan, executive director of the P.E.I. Aquaculture Alliance, in announcing the new initiative on Friday. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is contributing $700,000 through its Business Development Program towards the new initiative and the government of Prince Edward Island is contributing $300,000. “The Government of Canada understands the significant economic impact the aquaculture industry generates in Atlantic Canada,” said the federal minister. “Our investment will help support the productivity and sustainability of this increasingly competitive global industry.”
Growers will benefit from this program through an increased quality product that can achieve higher market prices, increased incomes, better environmental stewardship and more sustainable aquaculture practices. “This new agreement builds upon the initiatives that are already being undertaken to enhance the oyster fishery in this province,” said LeClair. “Increasing the quality and quantity of our oyster production will provide new jobs and growth in rural areas, and help support the strong reputation our products enjoy in the international marketplace.”
The announcement was made at the Ship to Shore restaurant in Darnley on Friday. The program will be a great boost for cultured oyster farms in P.E.I., Duncan added. “It will support our members belief that an incremental expansion of production, using some new and innovation techniques, will allow us to produce the wonderful consistent attributes in our oyster that is demanded by the marketplace.”
