Australia: Harvest Road Group to acquire Albany oyster operation

Harvest Road Group, one of Western Australia’s largest integrated agriculture businesses, has entered into a formal agreement to acquire the Albany-based oyster farm operation, Ocean Foods International (OFI).

Established in 1991, by the Singaporean-owned company of the same name, the Oyster Harbour aquaculture leases operating out of Emu Point in Albany are the only supplier of Western Australian oysters to the local market.

Mr. James Ang first established OFI in 1991 with a vision to become one of Australia’s premier shellfish producers. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals.

“We are proud to bring a Western Australian aquaculture operation into local hands and invest in its future,” said Greg Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Harvest Road Group.

“We believe with ongoing support from local and state governments, Western Australia is positioned to become a major producer of shellfish, supplying both the domestic and export markets.”

Dr Andrew Forrest AO, Chairman of Minderoo Group, the parent company of Harvest Road Group, said the acquisition would also bring benefits to the local people of the Great Southern region.

“At Harvest Road Group we believe there is a great opportunity for the aquaculture industry to drive environmentally sustainable economic growth in regional WA,” Mr Forrest said.

“I think this is particularly true when it comes to oysters, which are filter feeders that require no feed to be added to the marine environment and help to naturally remove excess nutrients from the water. By building oyster production in Oyster Harbour, we hope to contribute to improved water clarity and support seagrass health in the area.”

Harvest Road Group said it is committed to further investment in the local aquaculture industry, including the adoption of the most advanced, efficient and sustainable oyster growing technology. It is intended this investment would complement existing aquaculture activities in the area, including the state government’s multi-species mollusc hatchery at the Albany Aquaculture Park.

“This acquisition provides us with a unique opportunity to modernise aquaculture in Albany. It will also make Harvest Road one of the largest lease holders for shellfish aquaculture in the country,” Mr Harvey said.

“We believe Albany and the wider Great Southern region will benefit from our local investments, which will allow us to produce shellfish on-site all year round. This will result in increased farmgate sales which will be a boost for jobs, aquaculture and tourism in the region. We look forward to finalising our plans with all relevant stakeholders and engaging closely with the local community and existing workforce.”