Funding Support Helps Local Seafood Producer Diversify Business

Dandy Dan’s Fish Market will develop a new line of seafood appetizers for production at its Argentia facility with assistance from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced $70,440 in Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program funding today to help the company create and market cod hors d’oeuvres for markets throughout the country.

“Through our Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, this government continues to support new projects that are promoting greater financial success and enhanced employment within our fishery,” said Minister Dalley. “More than $70,000 will be provided to support new production, marketing, and promotional efforts that could lead to increased long-term employment opportunities in Argentia and surrounding areas.”

The funding will support a wide range of company activities, including production training for new staff, the development of new packaging, the creation of marketing materials, and participation in trade shows such as the Grocery Innovation Show in Toronto.

“The Provincial Government is committed to supporting economic development, and this investment has the potential to create enduring employment in the processing sector,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and MHA for Placentia - St. Mary’s. “I wish the business all the best as it expands its operations at its Argentia facility, and look forward to seeing their new product in stores.”

Years of research and preparation were carried out by the company before proceeding with this phase of the project.

“We have done a significant amount of work to get to this point, and feel we are ready to bring a great seafood product to the marketplace,” said Dan Meade, Owner of Dandy Dan’s Fish Market. “I thank the Provincial Government for its support, and look forward to entering into new markets with unique hors d’oeuvres that create a lasting impression on consumers throughout Canada.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future included a $2.2 million investment in the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, which has promoted innovation in our billion dollar fishing and aquaculture industry by assisting more than 200 research and development projects since 2008.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 07 03                                 2:35 p.m.