A Newsletter for the Seafood Industry published by the Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing
June 2008
Bronson Calls For Federal Probe Of Fuel Prices; Urges Washington To Continue Alternative Fuel Push
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson called on Congress and the Bush Administration to launch full and thorough investigations into skyrocketing fuel prices which are threatening the state and U.S. economy, as well as jeopardizing national security.
At the same time, Bronson is urging Congress to resist efforts to slow down the production of ethanol and bio-diesel, arguing that the production of alternative fuels is the most effective option in assuring that fuel prices moderate and that future energy costs are affordable.
“We’re being taken for a ride, and the evidence is everywhere, from the escalating prices we pay to fill up our vehicles with gasoline to the purchase of virtually all consumer goods”, Bronson said. “It is almost impossible to conceive of a product that is not dependent on oil in either its production or transportation to the stores in which it is sold.”
To see the complete press release, click here
Florida Shrimp and Farm-raised Clams Sizzle at Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Cooking for Solutions 2008, May 16-17
Florida’s Michelle Bernstein, of Michy’s in Miami, wowed attendees at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s "Cooking for Solutions 2008" with her snappy entree Wild Florida Shrimp Tiradito with Avocado and Popcorn. Bama Sea Products of St. Petersburg, provided the wild Florida shrimp for Chef Bernstein. She was sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing.
As a Celebrity Chef Ambassador, Chef Bernstein was one of seven culinary greats recognized by the Aquarium for their leadership in promoting cuisine that protects the health of the ocean and the soil. This two-day celebration featured the chefs creating gourmet dishes, hosting food and wine adventures, and presenting cooking demonstrations that featured sustainable seafood and organic ingredients.
Florida farm-raised clams were also in the spotlight. Bureau Chief Joanne McNeely gave an informative presentation about Florida farm-raised clams to attendees, chefs and media representatives backed up by a chef preparing succulent samples for the crowd. Cedar Key Aquaculture Association provided the clams for the event.
Trying to Fund an Innovative Business Idea?
Finding innovative ways to fund business development and research initiatives is a constant challenge. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing, consistently searches for grant opportunities applicable to the Florida seafood and aquaculture industries. Many of the grants are only open to nonprofit organizations. However, some are open to business and other for-profit organizations. The focus of these grant opportunities varies. The one listed below is an example of a current opportunity for a combination grant and loan. Other grants may focus on small business innovative research or development. As we learn about these opportunities, we email the information to the Florida companies that have requested this notification. If you would like to be added to this grant notification email list, please contact Phyllis McCranie at mccranp@doacs.state.fl.us or (850) 488-0163.
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants and Guaranteed Loans. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, announced that is accepting applications for fiscal year 2008 to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements for agriculture producers and rural small businesses in eligible rural areas. The program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation’s critical energy needs. Funding is available in the form of grants and loan guarantees. The deadline for a grants only application has past. Applications for a loan or combination loan and grant package are due by June 16, 2008. For details about this opportunity, click here. The Florida contact is Joe Mueller, USDA Rural Development, 4440 NW. 25th Place, Gainesville, FL 32606, (352) 338–3482.
Oyster Taste-off
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Shellfisheries Association, Apalachicola participated in the National Shellfisheries Association Oyster Taste-off April 7 in Providence, Rhode Island. The event provided an opportunity to meet with knowledgeable oyster growers and discuss the finer points and nuances of different oysters. Attendees were schooled on the sustainability of oyster culture and viewed a slide show of various oyster culture techniques from around the country.
There were 28 grower representatives and 19 different varieties of oysters on hand. Tommy Ward represented Florida with his 13-Mile Brand Oysters. Chef David Carrier, owner of Avenue Sea at the Gibson Inn in Apalachicola, was also on hand to serve as a judge. Samples of the oyster varieties are being sent to Brown University for chemical analysis of their salt and mineral content in an attempt to determine why one oyster variety tastes different than another.
Besides tasting great, oysters clean the water and help thwart eutrophication, the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients (as phosphates) that stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life (algae.) Eutrophication usually results in the depletion of dissolved oxygen by removing excess nutrients, and is a serious issue in Florida and throughout the nation.
Fishery Trade Leads
Trade leads are obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service and directly from foreign and domestic companies. They are compiled by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing, and distributed to more than 200 Florida seafood and aquaculture companies free of charge by email or fax. Recipients of the trade leads are surveyed annually, and in fiscal year 2007-2008 the preliminary numbers for new sales total more than $1,332,500.
For more information on how to take advantage of this opportunity and start receiving the Trade Leads, please contact John Easley at easleyj@doacs.state.fl.us or (850) 488-0163.
Chef Justin and Ocean Conservancy “Unleash Your Palate” at Tampa Bay Wine and Food Fest, May 16
Chef Justin Timineri and the Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing teamed up with the Ocean Conservancy to promote Florida seafood and sustainable fishery education at the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival’s “Unleash Your Palate” event on May 16 in St. Petersburg. Chef Justin, along with the Governor’s Chef, Josh Butler, served wild Florida shrimp on the sandy beaches of the Don CeSar Resort to a select crowd of restaurant owners, chefs and foodservice attendees. His recipe, Florida Pink Shrimp with Ancho Chili-Orange Blossom Honey Glaze, was a crowd pleaser.
In the afternoon, Chef Justin and Kathryn Novak of the Ocean Conservancy hosted a cooking demonstration and information session about Florida red snapper sustainability. Chef Justin’s recipe, Pan-Grilled Florida Snapper with Avocado-Strawberry Salsa, made for a colorful and mouth-watering end to the day. Red snapper for the cooking seminar was provided by Ariel Seafoods in Destin.
Florida Seafood Season Advisory
The Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing publishes the Florida Seafood Season Advisory, topical information for the Florida retail, wholesale and restaurant seafood industry of seasonal openings and closures, as well as changes to quotas and bag limits. This advisory is published and distributed via email when the information dictates.
If you would like to receive the Florida Seafood Season Advisory, please contact Paul Balthrop at balthrp@doacs.state.fl.us or (850) 488-0163 and provide your email address.
Department Helps Florida Seafood Companies Gain Millions in Export Sales During European Seafood Exposition
Southern U.S. seafood companies made inroads in the European market by reeling in more than $42 million in actual sales and an additional $14 million in anticipated sales during the 2008 European Seafood Exposition held in April in Brussels.
Beaver Street Fisheries and Marky’s Caviar, two Florida seafood companies, partnered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to participate in the three-day event, which was coordinated by the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). Potential buyers sampled Florida and Southern U.S. seafood items prepared by the department’s executive chef while viewing products displayed by the participating companies.
More than 1,600 exhibiting companies from 87 countries were represented at the event which brought together seafood buyers and sellers from all over the world. An estimated 25,000 decision-making buyers – representing supermarket buyers, foodservice companies, seafood processors and import companies – attended the exposition.
The SUSTA pavilion, which included a display of seafood products from the Southern United States, helped attract show participants to discuss products and collect trade leads. Products exhibited included pink shrimp, croaker, spiny lobster, Atlantic mackerel, clams, American caviar, scallops, catfish and striped bass.
Recruitment for 2009 ESE will begin this month. If your company would like to participate contact Barbera Turnbull at (850) 488-0163 or turnbub@doacs.state.fl.us.
SUSTA International Food, Drink and Hospitality Exhibition
SUSTA, the Southern United States Trade Association, is offering an opportunity for Florida seafood companies to showcase products at the International Food, Drink and Hospitality Expedition in Cairo, Egypt, November 10-13, 2008. Companies will be given the opportunity to meet with importers and key buyers. There is no participation fee for this event.
Interested companies should contact Deb May with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (850) 921-1727 or mayd2@doacs.state.fl.us. Companies who are interested in the Egypt market but cannot attend the event may supply product for Florida’s Culinary Ambassador, Chef Justin Timineri, to prepare for the attendees.
45th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival celebrated Florida’s delicious wild-caught shrimp at its 45th anniversary May 2-4, 2008. The festival is well known for its live music and hundreds of booths featuring antiques, arts and crafts, and food specializing in Florida wild-caught shrimp.
Shrimp Producers Association
The Shrimp Producers Association hosted a booth serving Florida wild-caught shrimp at the Bausch and Lomb Tennis Championships in April at Amelia Island. Over 150,000 fans attended the 10-day tournament. Worldwide media coverage broadcast the event giving excellent exposure to Florida’s delicious wild-caught shrimp.
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