Seafood businesses across NSW will be given a helping hand to promote their businesses and get more local seafood on plates, thanks to a grass roots campaign from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Eat More Seafood program gives fish shops and co-ops the opportunity to reel in grants of up to $100,000 to increase community awareness of the benefits of buying seafood locally.
"Our seafood industry is still getting back on its feet after consecutive years of drought and floods impacting production, so it's more important than ever to support small seafood businesses and pile up our plates with local fish, oysters, mussels and more, caught from NSW waters," Mr Saunders said.
"With this funding, applicants can organise events, run marketing campaigns or just increase their advertising capabilities - anything that helps promote the state's world-class seafood."
The previous round of the Eat More NSW Seafood program saw 11 businesses net a share of the support package.
"The successful projects included a regional seafood cookbook, seafood festivals and the development of school education programs," Mr Saunders said.
"It is now more important than ever to buy local seafood and the Eat More Seafood program puts that front and centre for both businesses and consumers."
NSW Seafood Industry Council will administer the program, with Chair Bryan Skepper saying the program will help shore up the future of the seafood sector.
"The grants provide seafood businesses with the resources they need to promote their produce locally and right across NSW," Mr Skepper said.
"The previous round of the Eat More Seafood Program saw businesses come up with creative ways to promote the industry, so we are expecting some exciting innovation from this year's applications."
CEO of the Professional Fishers Association Tricia Beatty said it's encouraging to see the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government continuing to promote the industry.
"Commercial fishers across NSW work around the clock to keep our marine environments clean and healthy to ensure we can continue to provide top quality seafood to the community," Ms Beatty said.
"Getting the community involved and promoting the work we do will help."
For more information or to apply, visit Eat More NSW Seafood Program 2023.
Applications are open until 17 March, 2023.
