$20 million funding to grow state’s aquaculture industry
Good news for oyster growers
The NSW Government has today launched the $20 million Aquaculture Industry Development Program to strengthen and expand the NSW seafood industry’s economic contribution to NSW.
The program is designed to boost productivity and increase sustainability across farming operations for oysters, mussels, kelp, and algae, plus freshwater and marine fish hatcheries and bioproducts.
By investing in sustainability and productivity, the Minns Government is helping future-proof the industry, attract investment, and ensure regional communities continue to benefit from a strong, resilient seafood sector.
This grant program enables further action for implementing the Minns Government’s Aquaculture Vision Statement released last year.
The vision was developed by the NSW Government with close input from industry and experts to deliver a strategic pathway to achieve the goal of doubling the state’s aquacultural farmgate production to $300 million by 2030.
Under the program, the aquaculture and commercial fishing industries will have access to two targeted funding streams, offering grants from $500,000 to $2 million, for the following:
- Stream One – Projectsfocused on infrastructure upgrades to support growth and productivity, such as equipment upgrades, supply chain improvements and new product development.
- Stream Two – Projectsthat reduce carbon emissions and promote reuse and regeneration of materials, such as converting equipment to lower emissions or creating bioproducts and utilising waste streams such as processing of oyster shells.
The Aquaculture Industry Development Program is part of the NSW Government’s broader commitment to support local manufacturing, food security, net zero goals, and economic development in regional communities.
This $20 million investment will help the sector address opportunities and challenges facing the industry such as:
- incoming mandatory Country-of-Origin Labelling requirements for seafood served in hospitality venues from 2026
- managing environmental and biosecurity risks in fisheries and hatcheries
- supply chain challenges of getting produce to state, national and international markets.
Aboriginal businesses and organisations, including Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, are strongly encouraged to apply.
The NSW Government’s Aquaculture Vision Statement supports industry growth through enhancing productivity, streamlining legislation, and supporting innovative research.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “This program will deliver real economic benefits and jobs to regional and coastal communities by helping seafood businesses grow and become more efficient.
“This is a great opportunity for regional aquaculture and commercial fishing businesses to tap into the growing national and global appetite for high-quality protein.
“It means the industry can innovate and look at growing the exciting new developments in seaweed, algae and freshwater and marine bioproducts.
“Ultimately it’s about boosting jobs, strengthening our seafood and emerging bioproducts sectors, and making sure we can keep enjoying the great seafood New South Wales is known for.”
OceanWatch CEO, Lowri Pryce said, “The Aquaculture Industry Development Program will benefit development and innovation across the seafood sector, including supply chain innovation, carbon net zero and seafood traceability initiatives.
“We know these grants will be well-received by commercial fishers in NSW who are looking for new opportunities to develop and innovate, to ensure a sustainable future for their industry.”
NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said the program had come as positive news for oyster growers as they battled the ongoing impacts of floods, disease and water quality issues along NSW’s coast.
“Recent challenges have taken a huge toll on our oyster growers, and investment in the industry has never been more critical,” Mr Martin said.
“Aquaculture puts world-class produce on tables, but it also provides a whole range of careers, environmental benefits and real economic growth for the regions.
“Enabling our oyster growers to recover from recent events – and rebuild back better – is essential if we want to ensure the longevity of the industry, and its ability to adapt and overcome the extremes.”
“Aquaculture is widely recognised as one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally, so we know the world’s our oyster when it comes to the opportunities in the sector that we could unlock,” Mr Martin said.
The Aquaculture Industry Development Program is part of the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust that is delivering strategic investments to drive economic development and better outcomes for our regional communities.
Business and organisations are encouraged to apply and submit projects by the end of Sunday 18 January 2026. Program details can be found at: nsw.gov.au/aidp