Modernization to the fishmeal plant will improve productivity and product quality
May 30, 2014 – Lamèque, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Island Fishermen Cooperative Association Ltd. (IFCA) will improve the productivity of its fishmeal plant and enhance product quality thanks to support from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA), and the Honourable Paul Robichaud, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, made the announcement today in Lamèque.
IFCA’s project involves modernizing the organization’s fishmeal plant by acquiring refurbished equipment. The project will improve the plant’s productivity and increase the value and the quality of its products. This project is part of the organization’s strategy to continue to produce value-added products from fishing wastes for agricultural and aquaculture purposes.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is providing a contribution of $250,415 to IFCA’s modernization project, while the Province of New Brunswick is contributing $125,000.
Quick Facts:
• The Island Fishermen Cooperative Association Ltd. (IFCA) was founded in 1943 by independent fishermen. IFCA transforms northern shrimps, snow crabs, herrings, common crabs, Jonah crabs and produces fishmeal.
• The Cooperative has 150 members, employs 15 people year round and 381 seasonal employees.
• IFCA’s products are sold throughout Canada and exported to the United States, Europe and Asia.
Quotes:
“Our Government understands the importance of investing in core industries on the Acadian Peninsula in order to create jobs and economic growth in the region. Today’s investment in the Island Fishermen Cooperative Association Ltd. will boost the organization’s productivity and product quality, which will better position Atlantic Canada to succeed nationally and internationally, taking full advantage of the new Canadian Trade Agreements with the European Union and South Korea. ”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“Jobs and the economy are our government's top priorities. Our investment in the productivity improvement project will create greater opportunities at the Island Fishermen Cooperative and northern New Brunswick.”
- The Honourable Paul Robichaud, Deputy Premier of New Brunswick and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“Modernizing our fishmeal plant will allow us to develop a higher quality product and obtain certification that will help us access the lucrative European Union markets. Production using modern equipment will result in significant energy savings, which will enhance the value of the Island Fishermen Cooperative Association Ltd. coproducts. “
- Marcel Duguay, General Manager of Island Fishermen Cooperative Association Ltd.
Associated Links:
• www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
• www.actionplan.gc.ca
• www.acpi-ifca.com/en
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Economic Development
506-453-8607
Marcel Duguay
General Manager
Island Fishermen Cooperative Association Ltd.
506-344-0402
Ted Parisé
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3917
