Tasmania government pledges $350,000 for shellfish growers

Tasmania Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Guy Barnett, has said a contribution of $350,000 will be made to the Shellfish Market Access Program (ShellMAP), which will directly reduce the levies required to be paid by the state’s oyster growers.

Oysters Tasmania Chief Executive David Balk said the funding represents approximately 50 per cent of the total levy per grower and a saving of around $3,500 per licence.

“This fee relief comes at the perfect time,” said Mr Balk. “Growers are still having a tough time but we can see the market recovering and look forward to being able to return to supporting the Tasmanian economy.”

The ShellMAP program provides regulatory services that are consistent with the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program to ensure that Tasmanian shellfish are of the highest quality, can be enjoyed safely, and meet the requirements of domestic and export markets. Funding of this program means farmers can continue to provide Tasmanian oysters to markets across Australia and the rest of the world.