Today, industry members gathered alongside the Province of Prince Edward Island as new support programs were announced to help oyster growers, fishers, and processors navigate the ongoing impacts of MSX.
Monique Horne, Vice President of the Island Oyster Grower Group and a third generation oyster farmer from Western PEI, spoke on behalf of growers about the realities facing the industry:
“MSX has been really hard. Some bays have been hit harder than others, and many growers have lost up to three years of their entire crops. You cannot imagine the mental and financial stress this causes unless it is your reality.”
Monique emphasized the importance of today’s provincial programs, including interest relief on commercial loans and a wage subsidy to help cover increased labour needs caused by the disease. These supports will give families time to stabilize, plan, and keep their operations moving forward.
She also highlighted recent federal approval allowing the import of MSX and Dermo resistant oyster seed from the U.S.—a short term bridge to maintain production while local hatcheries continue developing disease resistant native stock.
“The oyster industry has been here for generations, and it will be here for generations more. What matters most is that the right supports continue to land when our members can use them.”
Monique closed by thanking the Province for its ongoing collaboration with industry, noting that strong partnerships are essential to keeping rural employment and local economies strong.
Provincial Supports for Prince Edward Island Oyster Industry