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NLIS 6
October 17, 2000
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)


Harvesters, processors commended for quality efforts

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford was joined today by Earle McCurdy of the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) and Alastair O�Reilly of the Fisheries Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (FANL) in commending fish harvesters and processors for their quality efforts this year, saying that 2000 was an exceptional year for quality.

Mr. Efford said: "Looking back over the past couple of years we can clearly see the gains made in quality, especially in our crab and shrimp, and I want to acknowledge the people who have helped make this happen. We have been building on this success and are now making progress in cod quality as a result of a new mandatory cod grading program implemented in July."

He said his department�s stringent quality assurance program and a cooperative approach between government and industry have resulted in significant improvements this year.

"The majority of people in the industry, especially the small boat fishermen, have been working hard to ensure that superior quality products are produced for the marketplace," said Mr. Efford. "I want to pay tribute to those who have always exercised professionalism and constantly kept the importance of quality forefront in their minds and, as a result, are seeing the benefits of this today.

"We must never stop trying to improve the quality of our crab and shrimp, but it is imperative that we now focus on other species like cod and turbot. Our new cod grading program, which provided financial incentives to fish harvesters who landed top quality fish, produced some very encouraging results and we must work collectively to build on this."

Preliminary results from the mandatory grading program show that cod landed in August was 81 per cent Grade A, 14 per cent Grade B and five per cent Grade C. The grade results increased in September with 87 per cent Grade A fish, and Grade B and C at 12 and one per cent respectively.

Mr. Efford said this progress is the result of cooperative efforts by all industry participants, adding that better quality practices are being adhered to. "Without a doubt, practices have improved by harvesters and processors... more harvesters are using slush ice on their catch and are bleeding their fish. I�m confident that we will continue to do things right for the benefit of everyone involved in the fishing industry."

Alastair O�Reilly said processors acknowledge that the quality of fish in 2000 is substantially better than last year and they are committed to further progress over the next few years, especially for cod.

"The quality initiatives and advances that are now under way in 2000 will eventually pay big dividends if we adhere to our premium quality objectives. We will improve the perception that Newfoundland cod holds in the global marketplace, target higher value market niches and, in so doing, achieve better returns for harvesters and processors."

He added that the cod fishery this year is likely to generate about $75 million in sales and that this value could be improved, over time, to more than $100 million, based on the same volume.

Earle McCurdy said that as an industry we have to realize every cent we can for every pound of raw material. "To do this, we have to meet the market�s demand for high quality standards in order to benefit from the higher prices the market is willing to pay for top of the line fish and shellfish products. We have made significant gains in this regard in crab, shrimp and cod, and have to continue working in this direction in the future."

Minister Efford, Mr. McCurdy and Mr. O�Reilly stated that changes must also be made in DFO�s fisheries management plans to ensure proper opening and closing dates for various fisheries, adding that improved management plans are needed to help address the quality issue. They will be discussing this issue with federal fisheries officials at upcoming meetings.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, (709) 729-3733.

2000 10                   17 4:25 p.m.


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