Delivering for Florida Shellfish Farmers

2026:

  • Secured $500,000 in state funding to expand the capacity of clam research for commercial clam farmers. The funds will hire a research position based on Cedar Key, FL and launch a clam breeding program to improve Florida stocks.

  • Secured a definition for excessive heat for clams from the USDA Farm Service Agency of Florida. Defining excessive heat as 93 degree water temperature for 3 consecutive days. This definition allows clam farmers to file for crop loss due to excessive heat through ELAP and NAP.

  • Continued Partnership with Fresh from Florida to improve state marketing for Florida farm raised shellfish. All FFF marketing materials changed from “seasonal” to year round availability for FL farm raised clams and oysters ensuring restuarants and consumers know they can get high quality shellfish year round. Produced a radio spot that ran throughout June promoting Florida farm raised shellfish; promoted Florida shellfish farmers through Farmer Friday social media profiles that also were promoted by AG Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

  • Held first of its kind Toast to the Coast Fundraiser in Tallahassee featuring 18 Florida clam and oyster farms at Proof Brewery with over 300 people raising $20,000 to support the work of FSAA.

2025:

  • Secured $500,000 in state funding to support and enhance commercial clam and oyster hatcheries and nurseries across our state. Funding supported 8 projects producing clam and oyster seed.

  • Secured $500,000 in recurring state funding to support oyster research at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab. This funding is game changing in developing Florida’s capacity to conduct research beneficial to the commercial industry.

  • Established a Direct Support Organization (DSO) called the Florida Aquaculture Foundation in state statute.  It creates critical infrastructure for the shellfish industry to receive state support after hurricanes or other natural disasters.

  • Passed HB1143 “Kill the Drill” Legislation unanimously through the Florida Legislature and secured the Governor’s signature. This bill provides permanent protections to shellfish farmers in the Apalachicola Bay Region from the threat of oil drilling upriver.

  • Increased promotion of Florida farm-raised shellfish through the Fresh From Florida Program including statewide radio promos during the summer.

    2024:

  • Secured $500,000 for Hatchery and Nursery Grants from the State of Florida. These grants supported 6 new and existing Hatchery projects and 4 Nursery projects that helped meet the growing demand for high quality seed for clam and oyster farmers across the state.

  • Conducted FSAA first ever Lobby Day with 10 clam and oyster farmers meeting with 14 lawmakers and their staff to uplift the story of Florida shellfish and the need to support our industry.

    2019-2023:

  • Supported the successful passage of FL legislation to protect the confidentiality of shellfish aquaculture farmers inventory and production reports.

  • Prevented FDACS from imposing 5:00 PM harvesting deadline for the harvest of clams in Florida.

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