Fisheries and Aquaculture
January 8, 2015

Exploring New Technology to Improve Processing Operations

Fogo Island Co-Operative Society Receives $54,810 to Install New Sanitation System

Fogo Island Co-Operative Society will test plant sanitation technology that is new to the seafood processing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador with assistance from the Provincial Government's Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program. The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced $54,810 today to help install and test an Icelandic system that is expected to achieve cost savings while performing in a more environmentally-friendly manner than standard equipment.

"The Provincial Government is pleased to invest more than $54,000 to test new sanitation equipment that has the potential to help processors lower costs, decrease chemical use and reduce water usage, while keeping their facility clean and operational. Investments like this make it easier for operators to assess new equipment, which in turn encourages innovation throughout the provincial seafood industry."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

This funding follows an initial investment of $6,000 by the Provincial Government in 2013 to help Fogo Island Co-Operative Society conduct research into unique sanitation technologies available in Iceland and Ireland.

"I commend Fogo Island Co-Operative Society for actively pursuing an innovation that could prove beneficial to many processing operations. Our government is committed to supporting the use of new technology and new approaches in the provincial seafood industry, and will continue to encourage projects like this to advance the seafood sector."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for The Isles of Notre Dame

This specific technology uses an air dispersion system that extends throughout the plant. The system produces a sanitizing fog that eliminates bacteria on contact.

"Fogo Island Co-Operative Society is committed to operating at peak efficiency and to using leading edge technology and production practices so that we remain competitive in the global seafood industry. It is imperative to provide safe, quality products to our customers at all times and this technology goes a long way in helping us achieve that. We thank the Provincial Government for their contribution to this new sanitation equipment, and look forward to installing and testing it."
- Philip Barnes, General Manager of Fogo Island Co-Op Limited

Once in operation, this technology will be assessed to determine if it could be beneficial to other processing facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The assessment will be completed later this year.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced $54,810 to help Fogo Island Co-Operative Society purchase and install new sanitization equipment.
• Fogo Island Co-Operative Society has been in business since 1967 and exports product to countries all over the world, including the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.
• Fogo Island Co-Operative Society processes crab, shrimp, turbot, capelin, cod, sea cucumber, herring and mackerel.
• Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $4 million over the next two years for the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program

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Media contacts:

Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca	Deborah Chaulk Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Derrick Dalley MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame 709-884-1226 DeborahChaulk@gov.nl.ca
Philip Barnes General Manager Fogo Island Cooperative Society 709-627-3452 fogoislandcoop@nf.aibn.com

2015 01 08                              11:45 a.m.