Client Update: Hudson Valley Fisheries

It’s been a landmark year for Hudson-based Hudson Valley Fisheries (HVF) — especially for Aquaculture Operations Manager Brittany Peachey. In August, Peachey was awarded a New York State Women in Agriculture Award at the Great New York State Fair.

“It was an honor to be recognized,” Peachey said. “With aquaculture development in the U.S. being behind more traditional forms of farming, it’s a great opportunity for people to recognize that aquaculture is agriculture.”

Peachey was the also the recipient of the NY Women in Agriculture Golden Hoof Award which recognizes excellence in animal husbandry, veterinary services or apiculture, demonstrating exemplary care, management and innovation, while also engaging in education or advocacy efforts related to animal welfare.

HVF has worked with HVADC since 2018, achieving remarkable milestones since its inception.

“Since we’ve worked with HVF in so many capacities over the years it’s been especially gratifying to see Brittany and HVF receiving this recognition and even national exposure,” said Todd Erling, Executive Director, HVADC. “From their early days as a startup to gaining such industry respect, they really are raising awareness of the variety of aquaculture in New York and particularly here in the Hudson Valley.”

Award-Winning Standards

Peachey's recognition reflects HVF's broader commitment to excellence and sustainability.

In 2024, HVF earned Ecocert certification for Whole Foods Market's Standards for Farmed Seafood. The farm also secured four stars (hatchery, farm, feed, processing) from Best Aquaculture Practices, the highest level that can be earned. Additional certifications include NYS Grown & Certified, OU Kosher, and FishChoice Partners.

The company's steelhead trout has appeared on multiple Michelin-starred menus in New York City and earned recognition from major publications. Singapore Airlines selected HVF’s artisan smoked steelhead for its in-flight service from the greater NYC region.

A National Stage for New York Trout

This fall, HVF hosted a tour during the U.S. Trout Farmers Association’s annual meeting, held in Hunter, NY. The event drew trout producers from across the country to experience firsthand the innovations happening in New York’s aquaculture sector.

“It’s such an extraordinary gathering of farmers from across the nation,” Peachey noted. “I was proud to show how we farm trout here, especially since it’s very different from most traditional trout farming in the U.S. And of course, I was excited to have them taste our fish. We got a lot of great reviews!”

That transparency reflects HVF’s larger ethos — not just growing fish, but growing trust, relationships, and shared learning.

From Biology Student to Aquaculture Advocate

Peachey's path to aquaculture began with childhood memories of family dairy farms in her rural hometown of Reedsville, PA. Though her family wasn't involved in agriculture, she developed a deep respect for farmers and agricultural life. An internship in oyster aquaculture at Virginia Institute of Marine Science opened her eyes to the field's potential.

After earning her master's degree in aquaculture nutrition from Texas A&M, Peachey moved to the Hudson Valley to join HVF.

"I became especially interested in aquaculture because it is a new and rapidly advancing field of agriculture in the U.S.," Peachey explained. "I love the mindset of growth and innovation in this field. And I love seeing all the creative and delicious dishes that people dream up with our fish."

Deep Roots with HVADC

HVF’s success today stems in no small part from a longstanding partnership with HVADC.

From the early days, HVADC’s Incubator Without Walls program provided strategic support and guidance. Over time, the farm leveraged HVADC’s help to access NYS Grown & Certified and NYS Meat Processing Expansion grants. The HVADC Agribusiness Loan Fund enabled key equipment investments, which increased yields, reduced waste, and facilitated scale.

“Over the last 11 years, HVADC has supported us in so many ways — through grants, loans, and just as importantly, by connecting us with other farmers, industry groups, and academic institutions,” according to Peachey.

Growth Ahead

Peachey sees tremendous potential for expansion in New York’s trout industry.

“I’ve seen growing community involvement and support from organizations like NY Sea Grant and the Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative in the last few years. That makes me optimistic for the opportunities to come.”

HVF continues to innovate in the marketplace. The company recently expanded its distribution with Whole Foods Market, earning shelf space in many New England stores — a significant milestone given the retailer’s strict sustainability standards. Two new Japanese-inspired smoked trout flavors are on the way, and HVF is developing new products for the farm’s Happy Trout Pet Treats line.

People First, Always

As HVF celebrates its 10th anniversary, Peachey reflected on what makes the company special: its people.

“We’ve had a few employees who have been with us throughout the entire process. Each time we celebrate milestones together — eat, drink, and laugh — it shows what we’re about,” she explained. “Our goal is to grow delicious, sustainable fish. Behind it all, the dedicated people who work here are what make Hudson Valley Fisheries a success.”

For other small farms and food entrepreneurs, Peachey urges connection.

“HVADC is a great resource for small farms and food businesses. They’re the perfect place to begin,” she said. “And talk to other farmers in your area. Learn from their challenges so you can avoid making the same mistakes.”

To learn more about HVADC’s multi-faceted approach to supporting the economic growth of farms and food businesses, visit https://www.hvadc.org/agribusiness-growth.