P.E.I. announces new programs to support oyster growers and processors

Shown are oysters harvested in Canada at Bryan Szeliga's Fishtown Seafood in Haddonfield, N.J., Thursday, March 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Matt Rourke

The Government of Prince Edward Island announced two new programs to deliver short-term relief for the province’s oyster growers and processing sectors in response to industry challenges caused by oyster diseases in the region.

The Oyster Growers Income Stabilization Program offers interim support to eligible oyster growers who have experienced significant income losses due to oyster disease.

The province says the program is designed to:

• provide targeted aid to those hit hardest by unexpected drops in earnings
• help oyster growers manage immediate costs so they can maintain operations
• support growers through this challenging period as they plan for their future

The Oyster Processors Inventory Mitigation Program provides interim financial support to oyster processors who purchase and hold oysters from fishers and growers.

The province says the program will help reduce financial risk if the product does not reach market.

The goals of the program are to:

• offset undue financial exposure for processors holding inventory
• encourage continued purchasing from oyster fishers and growers
• provide targeted, interim support to limit disruptions in the oyster supply chain

“Our Island’s oyster industry is facing unprecedented challenges with the emergence of MSX and Dermo,” said Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Zack Bell in a news release. “These programs are designed to provide short-term relief to help oyster growers and processors manage immediate impacts during this period of uncertainty,”

The programs will be open for submissions until January 5, 2026.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.