June 19, 2006

Canada's aquaculture industry receives US$800,000 boost to market its seafood

Canada's government has allocated US$940,500 (US$836,818) in funding to the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) to enable it to develop an international presence, Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Regional Minister for New Brunswick, announced Friday (Jun 16).

The Alliance would support its members in setting up a presence and developing markets in Europe and Asia.

Canada has a long-standing reputation as one of the world's best sources of high quality aquaculture products, said Minister Thompson.

Supporting industry strategies to position Canada's products in new or emerging markets means greater benefits for the industry, he declared.

The CAIA would also intensify the safety and quality of Canadian aquaculture products.

Through raising consumer awareness, there is a real possibility to expand Canada's market share held abroad, said CAIA Executive Director David Rideout.

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance is a national industry association that represents Canadian aquaculture businesses and feed companies.