New Brunswick oyster growers affected by diseases will soon rebuild their harvest with new federal funding.
Canada-U.S. and Internal Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced on June 12 that the province will receive $4.6 million over the next three years.
According to a press release, the funding is being provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Business Development Program and is meant to support aquaculture operators and wild oyster harvesters in New Brunswick.
The investment is being given to the Community Business Development Corporation of Kent, which provides potential and existing entrepreneurs living in rural communities with access to capital and other business resources.
The agency will fund New Brunswick growers affected by MSX and Dermo diseases, helping cover the cost of disease‑resistant oyster seed and support the rebuilding of future harvests.
The investment is made in addition to previously announced federal support, including:
- A one-time license buy-back for wild oyster harvesters
- An investment of 130,000 to develop a comprehensive strategy for Atlantic Canada’s oyster industry in response to MSX and Dermo diseases
- A customer support program for the oyster sector was launched by Farm Credit Canada.
Minister LeBlanc, who is also the president the King’s Privy Council for Canada, said in the release that overcoming the challenges presented by the diseases is critical to the well-being and livelihoods of fishers, producers, and growers in New Brunswick and across Atlantic Canada.
“New Brunswick is recognized internationally for producing high-quality oysters,” he said. “By working with industry partners and local governments, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the long-term future of the industry.”
