Maine Highlands News

SULLIVAN — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) was in Hancock County last Thursday to hear from small business and industry leaders on the state of Maine’s aquaculture sector. 

Graham Platner, owner of Frenchman Bay Oyster Company, took Golden by boat for a tour of his farm off Hancock Point. Afterwards, Golden had lunch with Platner and several other small business owners in Ellsworth, where the group was joined by Maine Aquaculture Association Executive Director Sebastian Belle. Their conversation centered on how federal agencies can better serve full-time farmers, especially surrounding access to disaster relief programs.

“One of the best parts of my job is that sometimes I get to enjoy a beautiful day on the coast of Maine while learning about the opportunities and challenges facing Maine's small businesses. A recent highlight was spending time with craft oyster farmers in Hancock County,” said Golden. “Our aquaculture industry is sustainable, innovative, and represents the gold standard for the rest of the world.”

Maine’s aquaculture sector has steadily grown in recent years, contributing over $100 million in economic impact annually. With more than 99% of Maine sea farms being family owned and cumulatively employing hundreds year-round, these businesses sustainably provide valuable food and job security to rural communities across the coast.

As a member of the House Small Business Committee Golden has been a champion of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Last fall, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Golden the Advocate for American Business award for his bipartisan work on behalf of Maine small businesses. During the 117th Congress, Golden chaired the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee, and he used that role to consistently advocate for resources and support for small businesses. In April 2022, the House of Representatives passed Golden’s bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program.

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