Minister Announces Funding Supporting Canadian Aquaculture

Minister Thompson Announces Funding Supporting the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance - CANADA - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Regional Minister for New Brunswick, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, $940,500 in funding to the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA).

Through this contribution under the Canadian Agriculture and Food International (CAFI) Program, the CAIA will build capacity to enhance the market share held by Canadian aquaculture companies in priority international markets. The Alliance will also support its members to establish a presence and leverage opportunities in new 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 our products in new or emerging markets means greater benefits for industry and Canadians."

The CAIA will also highlight the safety and quality of Canadian aquaculture products to ensure that foreign consumers understand the benefits of buying Canadian.

"By raising consumer awareness of our members' superb products there is a real possibility to expand our market share held abroad," said CAIA Executive Director David Rideout. "Consumer confidence combined with Canadian brand awareness in current and emerging markets will enhance our competitive position and ultimately benefit our members."

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance is a national industry association that represents the interests of Canadian aquaculture operators, feed companies and suppliers, as well as provincial finfish and shellfish aquaculture associations to ensure the international competitiveness of the Canadian Aquaculture industry.

Source: CCN Matthews - 16th June 2006