With funding from the National Sea Grant Program, New York Sea Grant and the National Aquaculture Association partnered to develop positive attitudes and perceptions about farm-raised seafood products in the foodservice community. To assist in those efforts, an effective and cost-efficient coalition of government, academia and industry, all focused on a common message is necessary. Extension educators play a pivotal role in this effort by sharing these resources with industry partners and others who can broaden their impact and use.
To develop a more complete understanding of our industry and to increase the outreach of the program, the team is conducting an industry survey. The goal of the survey is to better match growers with markets, identify appropriate public relations strategies, and help keep growers informed of opportunities to market and promote their products. Growers are urged to complete the survey on-line at https://bit.ly/2RgiHmE . A number of growers have already taken advantage of opportunities to participate in trade shows and other events to promote their products at no charge.
To help answer common questions about U.S. farm-raised seafood, a set of focus points with on-line references has been developed. Additional educational and promotional materials are available from New York Sea Grant and the National Aquaculture Association. These materials were designed to help educators answer questions outside of their area of expertise and assist in connecting producers to end users to successfully market U.S. farmed seafood.
Food writers want exciting stories that follow production from the grower to the chef who ultimately uses the product. To tell that story, a collection of photos, videos, anecdotes, and recipes is being compiled and will be incorporated onto a flash drive for distribution to writers, culinary educators, and others who can tell our story to a larger audience.
At the suggestion of industry, an industry speakers' bureau is being developed to assist producers in taking advantage of opportunities to talk directly with chefs, restaurateurs, and others in the foodservice industry. Many groups such as local chapters of the American Culinary Federation regularly host dinner meetings and welcome guest speakers.
Developing a connection between growers and individual chefs/culinary educators can not only increase direct sales, but can assist in developing marketing and public relations strategies. Extension and other industry educators can assist by informing growers of these opportunities, talking with local chefs and culinary associations, helping to develop materials that feature growers and chefs, and showcasing their local industry. We are seeking additional partners to move these efforts forward and help guide the creation of new and exciting resources for growers and culinary professionals across the country.