The Government is seeking applications from marine farmers in the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty District.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) is now considering applicants for projects that support economic and environmental performance in the marine and land-based aquaculture centre.

Aquaculture farmers are being encouraged to apply for money from the Government's SFF.

Agriculture Minister David Carter says the SFF already invests up to $9 million a year in projects led by farmers, growers and foresters.

'The fund has assisted around 800 projects over the years, from avocados to wine and everything in between, so it makes sense to expand it to include a growing aquaculture industry.”

David says the aquaculture sector is currently worth more than $350 million a year and it has not previously had access to funding for community-led projects.

'Legislative changes just passed in the House aim to see aquaculture grow to a more than $1 billion industry by 2025. I am sure the industry will welcome access to the SFF during what will be a critical growth period.”

The Sustainable Farming Fund is currently open for applications, taking proposals for grants over $25,000 until September 26^th and grants under $25,000 until February next year.