Tools & Links for Commercial Farmers
Water Quality & Coastal Flooding
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VDH Growing Area Classification Program informationThe Virginia Department of Health, Shellfish Safety routinely monitors the water quality of all waters where shellfish are grown to ensure that harvesting only occurs from very clean water. The coastal waters are broken down into “growing areas” which are monitored and given a rating – as either approved for shellfish harvest, or condemned, meaning not approved for shellfish harvest. Keep in mind that waters approved for the direct harvest of shellfish must be much cleaner than waters for other activities, like swimming or fishing. VDH Division of Shellfish Safety put together a series of short videos to address industry questions that arose during the Virginia Aquaculture Conference (January, 2022) and to provide transparency on the Growing Area Classification Program. |
Industry Events & Trade ShowsThese events are geared toward growers to provide relevant educational content. Consider investing in these key networking events to meet other growers, learn about a variety of suppliers, researchers, agency representatives, and industry leaders.
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Grants & Cost Share ProgramsThere are grant opportunities to expand your business, test an idea to improve efficiency and/or conserve the natural resource, and restore oyster bottom habitat.
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Advocacy - Industry Trade AssociationsConsider supporting your local industry trade association along with regional and national associations as you are able. Membership is crucial to fund advocacy on behalf of the entire industry. Associations track local, regional, and national issues, meet with lawmakers and in many cases shut down potentially damaging legislation before it hits the floor. Much of what they do is behind the scenes and membership support is critical. |
Marketing, Sustainability, & Tourism
MarketingThe Virginia Marine Products Board is the marketing arm of the Virginia Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). Sustainability
Tourism
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