HAMPTON – U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) visited Swell Oyster Company in Hampton to tour their oyster farm and discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their business. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, New Hampshire’s aquaculture industry was experiencing significant growth. However the oyster industry has been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19 as many of the relief programs did not meet their unique needs. Additionally, the first round of the Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which Congress passed to support producers impacted by COVID-19, didn’t provide eligibility for molluscan shellfish farmers (which include oyster farmers). Congressman Pappas called on USDA Secretary Perdue to reverse this decision in July, and earlier this fall the USDA made oyster farmers eligible for the second round of relief funding under the CFAP program. Swell Oyster Company owners Conor and Russ will be opening an oyster shack in Hampton next month.

“This pandemic has deeply impacted businesses like Swell that depend upon the restaurant and hospitality industry for a large part of their business,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “The fact that they did not qualify for aid from the USDA seriously impacted their business. I’m pleased that the USDA made oyster farmers eligible for assistance following our call for them to do so. Now we must continue to deliver relief funding for the small businesses like Swell that drive our economy here in New Hampshire.”

“Congressman Pappas has been immensely helpful in getting our business the funding it needs to stay above water throughout this pandemic,” said Swell Oyster Company co-owners Conor Walsh and Russ Hilliard. “Our farm has been particularly hard-hit as the majority of our business relies on restaurants and hospitality, which have scaled back their operations drastically. We’ve also been hurt by the fact that we’re deemed ineligible for almost all state relief opportunities, and since our payroll costs are minimal compared to other operating costs, the Paycheck Protection Program isn’t well-suited for our business structure. Congressman Pappas advocating to make sure we were included in relief funding really helped us out, and it’s reassuring to know that we have someone who’s in our corner.”

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