Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced C$54,810 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 C$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," said Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
This funding follows an initial investment of C$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," said 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 sanitising 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," said 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.
