The Maine Seafood Promotional Council, an initiative designed to drive market growth and opportunities for Maine’s seafood sector, is preparing for a two-year pilot phase. This project is funded by a grant through the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Domestic Trade Grant Program funded by Governor Mills’ Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan and the American Rescue Plan Act.
This initiative, led by FocusMaine and guided by industry input, is a direct result of the recommendations outlined in the Roadmap for the Future of Maine’s Seafood Economy, a comprehensive study conducted by the Maine Economic Accelerator. Seafood for Maine (SEA Maine), funded by the Economic Development Fund. Administration (EDA). Industry engagement and feedback has been a key element of the concept since its inception before the pandemic.
Maine’s fisheries are a major economic driver for the state. This effort seeks to boost markets within and outside the state, supporting both thriving and traditional fisheries, and will strengthen Maine’s food economy through the responsible use of our state’s natural resources.
By tapping into consumers’ desire for traceable seafood, this initiative is aligned with broader nationwide market trends. Currently, Maine is one of the few East Coast states without a broad seafood promotion entity, putting it at a distinct disadvantage. This initiative seeks to change that.
Andrea Cianchette Maker, co-founder, co-president and president of FocusMaine, shared her enthusiasm, stating: “With the growing demand for locally grown seafood, we need the expertise that has been passed down and developed over many generations, as well as the new expertise that comes from a more active aquaculture community, to harness the potential of Maine’s fishing industry. “The Maine Seafood Promotional Council will establish a place for our fishermen and fish farmers to strengthen their businesses and create greater impacts in their coastal communities.”
The initial pilot phase of establishing the seafood promotion council covers a period of two years. Over the course of these two years, the project will host two events to raise awareness of Maine seafood, work with the Department of Marine Resources to leverage assets created during the pandemic (the Seafood from Maine website and social platforms ), defend yourself. an industry-led advisory council, create a governance mechanism for the promotion council and seek sustainable funding. These efforts will complement the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, the state’s legally mandated marketing initiative for the Maine lobster industry.
The Seafood Promotion Council Working Committee is actively seeking industry members and other interested parties to get involved in the effort. If interested, please contact courtney@focusmaine.org.
About FocusMaine: Guided by a board of private sector leaders, FocusMaine coordinates and sponsors a synergistic set of programs delivered by high-impact organizations to strengthen high-growth, globally competitive industries, develop workforce skills for those sectors, and increase the interest in moving forward. racing in Maine. This work catalyzes jobs by strengthening businesses and the workforce they need and increases income by displacing imports and expanding markets beyond Maine. Learn more about FocusMaine at focusmaine.org.
About SEA Maine: SEA Maine, or Seafood Economic Accelerator for Maine, is an industry-led initiative that brings together leaders from Maine’s commercial fishing, aquaculture and fishing economy. Initially funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, with matching funding from the Maine Institute of Technology and FocusMaine, the state initiative developed a roadmap and action plan for economic growth, development market and workforce, and greater resilience in Maine’s fishing economy. Learn more about SEA Maine at seamaine.org.
For inquiries, please contact angie@nemediaassociates.com and mari@focusmaine.org
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