News Summary
New York State has allocated $1.2 million to support 17 Long Island businesses within the aquaculture industry. This funding aims to enhance operations, increase production capacity, and modernize equipment, crucial for boosting the local seafood economy. The Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program will open additional funding applications of $3 million, fostering growth within this sector. Awardees, including the Hampton Oyster Company, will implement innovative technologies to enhance productivity, emphasizing the importance of supporting local food systems.
New York State has announced the allocation of $1.2 million in funding to support 17 businesses in the Long Island aquaculture industry. This financial boost is aimed at enhancing equipment, improving operational efficiency, and increasing production capacity within these companies.
This funding initiative falls under the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program, which is a part of the broader Blue Food Transformation Initiative first introduced in 2024. The overarching goal of this initiative is to rejuvenate both New York’s aquaculture and wild-caught seafood sectors while fortifying local food systems.
The next application period for additional funding, amounting to $3 million for aquaculture infrastructure projects, will open on November 3, allowing more businesses to seek support for their operational needs.
Among the recipients, the Hampton Oyster Company in New Suffolk has been recognized for receiving funds to implement digital grading technology, which is expected to significantly enhance oyster throughput.
This funding is particularly vital as it aims to help Long Island aquaculture businesses modernize their operations, thereby supporting New York’s growing seafood economy. In 2023, Long Island’s commercial fishermen sustainably harvested over 16 million pounds of finfish, a market valued at over $28 million. Meanwhile, the aquaculture industry now represents more than 25% of farms on Long Island, comprising a total of 170 operations across Suffolk and Nassau counties.
In 2022, Suffolk and Nassau counties generated over $14.5 million in sales from aquaculture activities, while strong indicators of growth are apparent, with over 10 million oysters harvested on Long Island in 2024.
Industry representatives have noted a consistent trend of double-digit growth in the aquaculture sector on Long Island, emphasizing the crucial need for capital to expand production capabilities and infrastructure. This funding is viewed as essential in overcoming challenges related to market access and setting up necessary infrastructures.
The Long Island Shellfish Company, Scrimshaw Enterprises, and Great South Bay Oyster Farms are among other awardees benefiting from this funding initiative aimed at boosting local seafood production.
Juan Miceli-Martinez, president of the Long Island Farm Bureau, has underscored that this funding will provide critical infrastructure support necessary for aquaculture farmers to thrive in a competitive sector.
Governor Kathy Hochul earlier announced the establishment of a Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, also funded through the Blue Food Transformation Initiative. This trail aims to promote businesses and tourism focused on locally sourced seafood, highlighting establishments that serve sustainably harvested seafood from the region.
The Blue Food Transformation Initiative is geared towards increasing consumer demand for local food and strengthening the local food system, fostering a sustainable economic environment for aquaculture on Long Island.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Long Island Business News
- Morning Ag Clips
- The Suffolk Times
- Google Search: Long Island Aquaculture
- Wikipedia: Aquaculture
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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