Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.-based Acme Smoked Fish Corp. is launching its first Seafood Industry Climate Awards to support innovative projects that lower the seafood industry’s carbon footprint.
Acme’s first grant program is also designed to increase the leadership role of women and minority communities in the industry, the company said in a press release.
The grants program, operated through the Acme Smoked Fish Foundation, a nonprofit organization Acme launched in 2021, will award USD 40,000 (EUR 38,000) each to three winners in October. Individuals who are associated with a nonprofit organization in the United States or Canada can complete an online application by 10 August, 2022.
“We believe that the seafood industry must act urgently to address the climate crisis,” Acme Culture and Sustainability Officer Rob Snyder said. “As climate-related impacts continue to affect the industry at large, we remain focused on our goal to create lasting and critical changes in the seafood value chain.”
Snyder said Acme is looking to fund projects across early-stage research, existing programs, and start-ups. A panel of judges selected from industry positions will evaluate applications based on the areas of innovation, impact, diversity and approach, according to Acme. In addition to funding for projects, grantees will also be mentored by team members at Acme and will participate in industry events.
Acme established the Acme Smoked Fish Foundation last fall with an initial contribution of USD 250,000 (EUR 240,000) in memory of the late Eric Caslow, who was co-chairman of the company.
Supporters of the fund include lead sponsor TD Bank, other companies, and individuals.
Photo courtesy of Acme Smoked Fish
