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March 8, 2010 Conference panelist says there's an ocean of opportunity in Pictou County by Kelly McVicar Pictou Regional Development Commission Pictou County: Aquaculture is Paul Budreski's dream job. He gets to spend a good portion of his days outdoors, both on and under the water of Pictou County's renowned Melmerby Beach. Budreski's work in aquaculture goes back to 1977, when he started growing mussels in Chance Harbour. After a business degree and a brief career as university professor, he went full-time into aquaculture in 1983. Today his business, AquaDelights Seafoods Ltd., farms oysters, clams, quahogs and bay scallops from locations in Chance Harbour and Melmerby. Of his years in the industry, the greatest changes have come in the last few years, "People want seafood products that are traceable, sustainable, and from close to them," says Budreski. But Budreski's greatest challenge isn't from adapting to this shift in consumer buying habits, it is in meeting the massive demand that exists, "We have no problem finding new customers, the challenge is in growing enough product." Budreski contends that there is enough demand to grow aquaculture in Nova Scotia into an industry in the hundreds of millions of dollars and that Pictou County is particularly well-positioned to contribute to this growth. With an abundance of great bays, the region has the natural assets to develop a strong aquaculture industry and create year-round employment. People will be able to hear firsthand about the potential to grow a lucrative aquaculture industry in Pictou County. Paul Budreski will be one of the featured panelists at the upcoming "Rural Pictou County Exploring Opportunities" conference, taking place in River John on April 10. He will be joined by panelists from forestry and agriculture, each talking about important transformations and opportunities taking place in these industries. The benefits and how-to of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification for woodlot owners will be addressed as well as the niche marketing opportunities that exist locally for farm producers. Together they will deliver the Natural Resources workshop, one of the many segments that are part of the event's full-day program. The conference will also include a trade show featuring an array of local products and services, the goal is to showcase great rural businesses and facilitate new connections. Registration for the conference and for vendors is now taking place and full details on the conference are available by calling 902-752-6159 or visiting www.prdc.com. |
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Design/Programming by Scott Joudry © 2007 Last Updated March 9, 2010 |
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