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NLIS 6
July 4, 2000
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

 

New cod grading program another step forward in quality efforts

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford emphasized at a news conference today the importance of a new quality grading program for the cod fishery and its impact on the province�s reputation as a producer of superior quality seafood products.

Mr. Efford said that this new agreement between the Fisheries Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (FANL) and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) recognizes the efforts of harvesters who are doing things right in the area of quality and is also an incentive for others to improve their quality practices when handling fish.

He said the new price structure for grading fish is long overdue and he encourages all fish harvesters to participate in this new program.

"This is a great opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to prove that we can land superior quality fish for the world markets and an opportunity for harvesters to get a higher price for a top quality product. We want to ensure that in 2000 there is no repeat of the large amount of cod that was directed to the block market in 1999."

Mr. Efford encouraged fishermen to use proper harvesting and handling practices during the prosecution of the cod fishery this season. "Inspectors from my department will be paying very close attention to ensure fisheries regulations are enforced and that the new dockside grading program for cod is being properly adhered to."

Earle McCurdy, president of FFAW, and Alastair O�Reilly of FANL joined Minister Efford in stressing the importance of this milestone agreement which is effective July 3 to August 31.

Mr. McCurdy said: "The quality grading pilot project is an important step in maximizing the return from limited quotas of cod. We can�t afford to get less than top value for our fish, and premium fillet packs have nearly twice the value of cod block."

"Quality is not an end in itself; it is the means to higher values and better returns for the Newfoundland fishing industry," said Mr. O�Reilly. "Markets for premium quality cod are strong whereas markets for lower quality fillet and block products continue to weaken. With a low volume fishery, it is possible, with high quality, to upscale all our cod production."

The new dockside grading initiative for cod is the result of the cooperative efforts of a joint industry/government working group whose mandate is to identify and implement measures to improve the quality of our commercial fisheries, such as cod, and to further promote the province as a world leader in the production of top quality seafood products.

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

2000 07 04             3:05 p.m.


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