This session addresses regulations for product safety which growers must adhere to when harvesting their oysters. Additional topics focus on marketing and product branding strategies and preferences of oyster consumers. Federal and State agencies should be contacted to obtain current information.
Kim Norgren is a shellfish specialist with the Shellfish Sanitation Branch of the federal agency that oversees the sanitary control of molluscan shellfish produced and sold for consumption in the U.S.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Email: Kimberly.Norgren@fda.hhs.gov
Dan Petrolia, Ph.D. is a professor in Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University. Most of his research focuses on the economics of coastal resources, valuation of coastal systems, and consumer preferences for Gulf seafood.
Mississippi State University
Email: d.petrolia@msstate.edu
Vicki Pruente, Ph.D. is the research director for Palacios Marine Agricultural Research, an agricultural organization dedicated to oyster farming and restoration. She has extensive experience working with Vibrio bacteria and oyster aquaculture.
Palacios Marine Agricultural Research, Inc.
Email: vpruente@pmartexas.org
Bob Rheault, Ph.D.
Bob (“Skid“) is executive director of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, serving as an industry advocate and active member of the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference.
East Coast Shellfish Growers Association
Email: bob@ecsga.org
Leslie Sturmer provides extension support to the molluscan shellfish industry in Florida. She conducts applied research in all phases of production management including genetic improvement, management strategies, and evaluation of alternative species for culture.
University of Florida/IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension
Email: Lnst@ufl.edu
Bethany Walton is executive director of Oyster South, a non-profit organization that connects communities and provides resources to foster the success of oyster farming in the southern U.S.
Oyster South
Email: beth@oystersouth.com
