Oyster plan announced in Charente Maritime

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Minister of Agriculture and Fishing Michel Barnier met with oyster farmers on Thursday in Marennes, and later announced a plan to support those businesses hit by the mystery virus that has wiped out stocks of young oysters.

Having met with farmers in Marennes he went on to visit the laboratory of Ifremer, the research institute investigating the cause of the virus, in neighbouring Tremblade.  Afterwards he announced a package of measures to help those affected.  A unit would be set up to individually study the cases of companies in difficulty, and other measures include tax breaks, additional funds for research into the cause of the outbreak, and further plans to come up with a strategy for re-sowing the oyster beds once the immediate crisis has been resolved.   Mr Barnier stressed that the outbreak does not produce problems for the consumption of oysters.

The virus is said to have wiped out around 7.5 to 8 billion young oysters in a matter of days, and has affected most of the producers in France.