Governor Hochul today announced that $3 million has been awarded to 14 small businesses to support Long Island’s aquaculture industry through Round 2 of the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program. Funding will help these producers make infrastructure upgrades, streamline operations and increase production. The program, which has dedicated a total of $4.2 million to New York’s aquaculture industry through two rounds, is a part of the State’s Blue Food Transformation initiative, first announced in Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Governor Hochul’s request for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for Suffolk County following the severe economic losses growers sustained this past winter as a result of severe ice conditions.
“New York State is home to a thriving, unique agriculture industry that doesn’t stop when you reach the shoreline. Long Island’s historic seafood industry is second to none, helping to strengthen local food supply chains, bolster our state’s economy, and upholding a legacy of excellence and dedication to industry,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to champion this program that provides critical infrastructure support for our aquaculture farmers, ensuring that they can continue to thrive for years to come.”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Long Island’s abundant, historic aquaculture industry is one of the things that makes our agricultural landscape so rich, diverse and unique.
Source : ny.gov