Federal support will help affected growers buy oyster seed, rebuild supply and protect one of Canada's signature industries
In recent years, PEI's oyster industry has faced a series of significant challenges, with the latest threat coming from the spread of two diseases, which have led to high mortality rates in oysters and substantial losses for the entire sector. As a result, the stability of local businesses and the livelihoods of growers, harvesters, and processors across the Island and the region are increasingly at risk.
A healthy and sustainable oyster industry is essential to families and communities, as well as to the economy and cultural heritage. Recognizing the serious challenges facing the sector, the federal government is providing support to help oyster harvesters and fishers adapt, restock, and rebuild.
The Government of Canada's support for Atlantic Canada's oyster industry includes:
1. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has approved the import of broodstock from the U.S. for the development of disease resistant oysters, with approval for disease-resistent oyster seed to follow in the coming weeks for aquaculture use in Atlantic Canada. The amount allocated for seed import approvals is expected to be approximately $1.5 million.
2. Helping PEI growers cover the cost of disease-resistant oyster seed through a new investment of more than $4.2 million, helping affected growers in PEI put more young oysters in the water, rebuild future harvests, and keep our oyster supply strong for years to come.
3. Supporting active wild oyster harvesters by launching a one-time license buy-back for affected licences. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is dedicating up to $6 million to support wild harvesters who choose to participate in this program. DFO will engage with the wild oyster industry and licence holders to craft program details.
4. Investing $130,000 to develop a comprehensive strategy for Atlantic Canada's oyster industry in response to the growing threat of MSX and Dermo diseases, focused on disease management, supply, markets, processing, jobs, training, and practical options for affected workers and businesses.
5. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is launching a Customer Support Program (CSP) for the oyster sector. FCC will work with customers to come up with solutions for their operations including options to adjust loan payment schedules and reduce short-term financial pressures.
The Government of Canada will continue working with all levels of government, industry partners, growers, harvesters, and processors on practical solutions to help our oyster industry restock, rebuild, and remain synonymous with Atlantic Canada for generations to come.
This announcement was made by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries; Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont; and Kent MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Cardigan.
