A Growing Forward 2 investment of over $72,000 will see the Northern Ontario
Aquaculture Association (NOAA) expand the export of freshwater rainbow trout to new markets.
NOAA will use an investment from GF2 to assist the freshwater rainbow trout agri-food sector to promote their high value products to the fish and seafood value chain.
In addition, NOAA will provide training sessions to educate stakeholders on export requirements including packaging and labeling requirements, different cultural and business practices, documentation requirements for regulatory, legal and tax implications, and other critical information.
“This strategic investment will help Ontario’s aquaculture industry expand into new markets, increase its competitiveness and find new innovative ways of doing business,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
“To help Ontario's agri-food businesses expand into international markets, we need to provide them with the tools and support they need to make sound business decisions. By supporting organizations like the Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association, we are helping to strengthen our northern communities and foster economic growth across the province,” said Jeff Leal, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
NOAA’s Executive Director Karen Tracey stated, "New and emerging markets represent a tremendous growth opportunity for the freshwater rainbow trout sector. By exploring these new export markets, the sector will be positioned to increase its market share and foster economic growth." The NOAA is a not-for-profit organization that’s based in Little Current on Manitoulin Island. NOAA has 45 members and represents the freshwater rainbow trout agri-food fish farming industry in Ontario. Aquaculture is the third largest agri-food sector in Northern Ontario, just behind beef and dairy.
"This project is consistent with the GF2 Focus Area of Market Development as it will help aquaculture producers expand into markets," says Judy Dirksen, Agricultural Adaptation Council Chair. "This project will help position NOAA and the aquaculture sector to become more competitive and encourage further business growth in Canada."
Since the start of the GF2 program in 2013, the AAC board of directors has approved 237 projects totaling $22.62 million. To see the list of approved GF2 projects for Ontario organizations and collaborations, click here.
GF2 is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The AAC assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario for organizations and collaborations.
The AAC is based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and is a leader in program delivery. The AAC is a not-for-profit organization that is made up of 67 Ontario agricultural, agri-food, and rural organizations. The AAC board of directors reviews all applications and makes the final funding decisions. GF2 is aimed at encouraging innovation, competitiveness and market development in Canada's agri-food and agri-products sector.
Source: Agricultural Adaptation Council