**** CNS Media Release
Diversifying Trade Partners, Promoting Nova Scotian Seafood in Europe
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith is in Europe on a mission with Nova Scotian and other Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to develop markets in Italy, France and the United Kingdom.
“It has never been more important to showcase our premium quality seafood on the world stage,” said Minister Smith. “With the continued uncertainty from the United States, it’s more important than ever that we ramp up our efforts to help Nova Scotian companies expand into new markets.”
The focus of the mission is on diversifying markets by introducing Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to new European buyers.
The delegation includes six Nova Scotian companies and eight others from across Atlantic Canada. Along with meeting with potential new buyers, the Minister and his team will meet with Canadian embassy officials, Canadian trade commissioners, local government representatives and trade associations in the countries they visit.
Quick Facts:
– the Nova Scotia seafood export market is valued at $2.5 billon annually
– participating Atlantic Canadian companies include: Lobster Hub Inc., Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd., Victoria Co-Operative Fisheries Ltd., Tribune Seafood Inc., Gidney Fisheries Ltd., Clearwater Seafoods Ltd., Ocean Blue Fisheries Ltd., DCAM Holdings Inc., One Tuna Inc., PEI Mussel King (1994) Inc; Labrador Gem Seafood Inc., Ocean Choice International, Whitecap Int. Seafood Exporters Inc., and True North Seafood Inc.
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More Support for Nova Scotia Beef Industry
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Beef processors in Nova Scotia can now access support to upgrade and expand their facilities.
“Nova Scotia farmers and processors create jobs, produce quality food that feeds families and run businesses that fuel a healthy economy and communities,” said Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow. “Supporting beef abattoirs and meat processors means we can produce more local beef for people to buy here at home.”
The Beef Abattoir and Processing Assistance Program is part of the Nova Scotia Beef Initiative, which is aimed at increasing productivity in the sector.
Eligible costs for the program include new equipment and supports to help processors meet their food safety, animal-welfare and environmental requirements. The program will be administered by Perennia.
Nova Scotia’s beef abattoirs and processors will be eligible for up to 60 per cent funding assistance on total eligible project costs to a maximum of $15,000 for abattoirs and $5,000 for meat processors working with beef.
Quotes:
“This program is an important part of the Province’s beef initiative which we are proud to be part of. The Department is committed to more beef being grown and processed here in the province and for it to be identifiable to Nova Scotia consumers. This new program is a forward-thinking investment in our vital abattoir and processing infrastructure that will help make that possible.”
— Lynne Godlien, Chief Executive Officer, Perennia Food and Agriculture
“Having this funding available to beef abattoirs and processors to increase productivity will help ensure Nova Scotians continue to have access to quality local beef. Supporting our Nova Scotia beef abattoirs and processors is fundamental to the success of the Nova Scotia beef feedlot sector; as producers we need to know there is adequate processing capacity in our province to get cattle processed in a timely and efficient manner.”
— Jacy McInnis, beef producer and steering committee member for the Nova Scotia Beef Initiative
Quick Facts:
– the Beef Abattoir and Processing Assistance Program is supported with $330,000 from the Province’s beef initiative
– in 2023, beef generated more than $42 million at the farm gate; the agricultural sector generated $753.9 million in farm gate revenue in total
– the Nova Scotia Beef Initiative is allocating $1.4 million to new beef extension programs and services over the next two years
– there are more than 380 licensed beef producers in Nova Scotia, with11 provincially inspected beef abattoirs and 86 licensed meat processing facilities
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Beef Initiative: https://www.perennia.ca/the-
Nova Scotia Cattle Producers: https://nscattle.ca/
News release – More Government Support for Nova Scotia Beef Production: Https://news.novascotia.ca/en/
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