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Brunswick County, North Carolina, has long been known for its bountiful seafood. Our local fishermen harvest a variety of top quality seafood products, including shrimp, blue crabs, grouper, flounder, oysters and clams to name a few. Comprised of many second and third generation commercial fishermen, our industry has faced and adapted to many changes through the years. At present, however, the seafood industry is facing a "Perfect Storm." Population growth in coastal regions has caused such a demand for waterfront property that many fishermen can no longer afford dock space for their vessels. This, coupled with sharp fluctuations in fuel costs and influx of lower-cost imported seafood is threatening the fishing industry, both locally and throughout the United States. In order to promote and highlight the Brunswick County seafood industry, a dedicated group of commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and restaurant owners developed a local seafood recognition program called Brunswick Catch. Formed with the assistance of the Brunswick County Economic Development Commission, Brunswick County Commissioners, North Carolina Sea Grant and Carteret Catch, the ultimate goal of the program is to sustain the livelihood and heritage of the Brunswick County seafood industry. Through public education and promotion we hope to increase the demand for locally harvested seafood among residents and visitors, with a long term goal of making Brunswick Catch seafood a recognized brand throughout the eastern United States. BrunswickCatch.com Fishermen FYI
TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE
This week, the TAA folks with assistance from Sea Grant and DMF will be mailing out a package of information and application materials to the 515 shrimp fishermen in NC who produced shrimp in 2008 (the marketing year associated with the TAA program). Fishermen who landed shrimp in 2008 and in at least one of the three previous years (2005-2007) need to submit an application to TAA – regardless of whether they qualify based on “production” (Option 1) or “price” (Option 2) guidelines. I say this because we are still working on “Option 3: Blanket Approval” which would make all 515 shrimp producers eligible to receive at least $4,000 if they complete the mix of online and in-person training and submit a 2 page business plan. If approved in the next few weeks – this “option 3” designation would be applied retroactively to all submitted applications. Fishermen must apply by the deadline of Sept 23, 2010 with the FSA office in Bolivia (or their closest one). "What is TAA?" Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (TAA for Farmers) provides free training to producers of agricultural commodities and to fishermen who have been adversely affected by import competition.
For more information, including instructions on how to fill out your forms, visit the TAA website. Click Here! Meetings
September Meeting!
Tuesday, September 14th - 6pm
Brunswick County Economic Development (conference room)
County Complex in Bolivia, NC
Board Members should plan to attend. All others welcome! Get Directions!
Events Patrick Kelly of Fishy Fishy Cafe will be representing Brunswick Catch at the NC Seafood Festival October 1-3 at the Morehead City Waterfront. Patrick will be preparing Grilled Grouper with a red pepper romesco sauce over saffron rice. YUM! See him on Sunday, October 3rd from 11:00 to Noon at the Cooking with the Chef's event. Jon Haag of Haag & Sons will supply the grouper. See Cooking with the Chef's See the NC Seafood Festival website |
