News

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has significantly expanded the Emergency Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to include a greater variety of aquatic species, including clams and oysters. ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including losses from excessive wind, excessive heat, floods, hurricane, and tidal surge, as determined by the USDA Secretary. Producers can receive benefits from both NAP and ELAP for eligible losses covered by each program. FSA has posted a recording of a webinar held in June to inform the aquaculture community

Shellfish growers are now eligible for a new disaster assistance program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Service Agency, is hosting a webinar regarding updates to the Emergency Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised aquatic animals for livestock and feed losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions as determined by the Secretary. This webinar provides an opportunity for US shellfish aquaculture industries to learn about recent changes to the ELAP program, general application process, and required documentation to participate. The webinar

Resources are available to help the shellfish aquaculture industry and others develop preparedness plans and strengthen response to different scenarios. Information is current on the date posted. Access websites below for up-to-date information. April 2, 2021 COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of

The Nature Conservancy and The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR) program issued on March 29, 2021  a request for proposals for the new $1 million Shellfish Growers Resiliency Fund (Fund). The Fund aims to pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable U.S. shellfish industry that benefits the ocean and the communities which rely upon it. Funding will be open to applicants in the United States and will be distributed equitably. The small award will fund one-year projects (up to $20,000) and will target shellfish growers, shellfish aquaculture industry associations, and closely linked supply chain companies supporting

Florida cultured oysters, Treasure Coast Oysters, and Dr. Ashley Smyth, a University of Florida biogeochemist, were featured in a recent segment of Mission Unstoppable.  Learn how oysters help to clean up the coastal environment!   https://youtu.be/ucHRaQCDQFI

An invitation to view from your computer, laptop, or tablet, the latest in aquaculture equipment and supplies. The Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition (NACE) and the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association (ECSGA) have teamed up to host a two-day virtual (using ZOOM) trade show from 3:00-5:00 PM EST each afternoon of January 12-13, 2021. NACE exhibitors are scheduled with 15 minute time slots to describe their products and answer questions in real time with zoom attendees. If you miss a presentation, they will be recorded and posted on the NACE and ECSGA web sites. If you have questions, contact Chris