River to Table – Blue Catfish Processing and Marketing Study

Middlesex County’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) has proposed a study to provide an initial summary of the state of the Blue Catfish industry—including harvesters, processors, and wholesale/retail sales—in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck regions. The study will outline options, establish priorities, and estimate probable costs for implementing findings and recommendations to promote, support, and expand businesses associated with Blue Catfish.

It will also examine ways to eliminate bottlenecks in the supply chain and identify specific actions that local governments and the private sector can take to increase market entry and support the expansion of harvesting and sales of this species.

In addition, the study will provide an asset map of existing and potential industry-related infrastructure, including ramps/landings, transportation and storage facilities, processing operations (fillets and by-products), manufacturing (non-food uses), and retail, wholesale, and restaurant outlets.

Project Type: Planning

Statewide Project Theme:  Startup Ecosystem

Region 6 Priority Industry Cluster: Aquaculture/Seafood/Commercial Fishing/Marine Industries

GO Virginia Request: $99,840.00

Match: $62,590.00

Source of Match: Middlesex County EDA, Essex County EDA, Gloucester County EDA, King George County, Lancaster County, Mathews County EDA