THE oyster industry accounts for almost 70 per cent of the value of NSW aquaculture production and is invaluable in providing employment and economic opportunities to NSW coastal communities. With an increasing demand for high quality seafood, aquaculture is a growing industry in NSW, which aims to develop a profitable, diverse and resilient industry, producing the best quality oysters for Australia and the rest of the world. A major focus of oyster production in the state is the Sydney rock oyster, but growers in NSW also produce Angasi and Pacific Oysters.
NSW Farmers is a proud sponsor of the NSW oyster conference, in Merimbula from August 22 to 24. This is the first time the state conference has been convened in Merimbula and so far, it has had very good support from oyster farmers and associated company representatives. The NSW oyster conference is an exciting opportunity for the industry to get together and share knowledge. There will be a series of conference seminars discussing topics including innovation and technology, biosecurity, oyster health, the industry’s future, selective breeding and oyster tourism and marketing. A barbecue and blue harvest gala will also be highly enjoyable social events. The NSW oyster industry is a dynamic and exciting industry, and the NSW oyster conference is a great opportunity for all involved to get together and look at where we are and where we want to take this significant contributor to NSW agriculture. I really encourage all members of the industry to head to Merimbula next week. You can find all of the information at: http://www.nswoysters.com.au/2017conference.html
NSW Farmers oyster annual general meeting is after the conference, on August 24 from 1.30pm until 4.30pm at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club. All NSW Farmers’ members are encouraged to attend the meeting, an important policy setting forum.
- NSW Farmers oyster committee chairperson Caroline Henry.
