Kiggans Hosts USDA Leadership to Highlight Aquaculture, Hold Industry Roundtable

Kiggans Hosts USDA Leadership to Highlight Aquaculture, Hold Industry Roundtable October 15, 2026 | Press Releases CAPE CHARLES, VA — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) leadership to Virginia’s Eastern Shore for a tour of local aquaculture operations and a roundtable discussion with industry stakeholders. Congresswoman Kiggans was joined by FSA Administrator Bill Beam, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins, Director of the Office of Seafood Mike Illenberg, and Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Yvette Herrell. The visit began with a tour of Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, where officials received a firsthand look at the region’s shellfish aquaculture operations and their contributions to Coastal Virginia’s economy. Following the tour, Congresswoman Kiggans and USDA leadership met with local aquaculture producers and industry stakeholders in Cape Charles to discuss challenges facing the industry, recent oyster mortality events, and opportunities to improve access to federal resources. Congresswoman Kiggans said , “Virginia’s Eastern Shore is home to some of the most hardworking aquaculture producers in the country. As the representative of a coastal district, I know how important it is to not only preserve our shorelines, but also ensure our producers have the resources they need to overcome the environmental challenges they face on a daily basis. I’m grateful to Administrator Beam, Under Secretary Hoskins, Director Illenberg, and Assistant Secretary Herrell for taking the time to visit Virginia’s Second District and hear directly from the men and women who make this industry so successful.” In September 2026, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans joined Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) in writing a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting that the Farm Service Agency coordinate with state agencies and researchers to assess widespread oyster mortality across Coastal Virginia and determine whether affected counties qualify for a Secretarial natural disaster designation. Read her press release here . “Following the devastating losses to the Shore’s oyster populations, it was especially important to speak with USDA to assess whether federal assistance will be available to the Commonwealth’s producers,” said Kiggans . “It’s very encouraging that the USDA has established the Office of Seafood to help strengthen coordination between Washington and our communities, and I look forward to continuing our work to support our growers on the Eastern Shore.” As the representative of a coastal district and a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congresswoman Kiggans remains committed to supporting Coastal Virginia’s agriculture and aquaculture industries, strengthening local economies, and ensuring producers have access to the federal resources necessary to sustain their operations. Background: The Commonwealth of Virginia is the nation’s leading producer of Eastern oysters and hard clams. According to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, shellfish aquaculture generated approximately $81 million in farm-gate sales in 2024, up 52% from 2018, including $29 million in oysters and $52 million in hard clams. Virginia growers sold approximately 43.4 million market oysters and 195 million market hard clams in 2024, supporting more than 700 direct full- and part-time jobs. Cherrystone Aqua-Farms is part of this significant Eastern Shore industry. Shellfish aquaculture also supports coastal water quality and habitat. Oysters filter water and remove suspended particles, while oyster reefs provide habitat and can contribute to shoreline protection.