Processing News
Mowi set to close its processing plant in Surrey, BC Mowi Canada West has announced that it will permanently close its fish processing plant in Surrey, British Columbia, blaming the Canadian Government’s decision to shut down salmon farming in the Discovery Islands region.
Above: The Mowi processing plant in Surrey, British Columbia
MOWI is British Columbia’s largest salmon producer and its 23,000 sq ft processing plant, in the town of Surrey, currently employs around 80 people. The decision to cancel salmon farming licenses in the Discovery Islands was announced by former federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Bernadette Jordan on 17 December 2020.
Although Surrey is outside the region concerned, Mowi says the loss of 30% of its production in BC means the production plant is no longer viable. A recent economic report commissioned by the BC Salmon Farmers Association found that the companies operating within Surrey that are part of BC’s farm-raised salmon
supply chain generate more than $363m in revenues, and create jobs for 1,189 workers earning almost $65m in salaries. Dean Dobrinsky, spokesperson for Mowi Canada West said: “This is devasting news to the employees and families who have relied on this operation for their livelihood. It is clear that the decision of the
former Minister has lasting implications. Her decision is far reaching and continues to be incredibly damaging to the communities where we operate. It has been more than a year and we have yet to hear from either the former Minister or the new Minister, Joyce Murray.” A legal challenge over the Discovery Islands decision is currently being considered by Canada’s Federal Court. Rupinder Dadwan,
Above: Rupinder Dadwan
This is “ devastating news to the employees
”
Human Resources Manager at Mowi Canada West commented: “This is what happens when politics overrides science-based evidence. At the beginning of the pandemic we were deemed an essential service providing our country affordable and healthy food, and now we’re forced to close our doors. Our
Federal Government doesn’t have to do this - it can choose fairness and engagement over divisiveness and exclusion.” Anita Huberman, President of the Surrey Board of Trade said that she was “devastated” by the job losses. She also regretted that Canadian production jobs are being moved to the United States. Mowi said that “until business certainty is restored in British Columbia”, the company will supply its customers’ orders for value-added seafoods through its facilities located in the US. The Surrey plant is expected to close in late March 2022. Primary processing for all salmon grown by Mowi in BC will continue at its plant in Port Hardy, Canada.
Boston Seafood Expo set to go ahead SEAFOOD Expo and Processing North America, popularly known as the Boston Seafood Show, is to go ahead , the organisers have said. In early January, Peter Pan
Seafood of Alaska said it was pulling out because of fears over the spread of the Omicron version of coronavirus, sparking fears that others could soon follow. Cermaq also announced in
Above: Scottish stand at a previous Boston Seafood show
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January that it would not be attending the Expo. But the show organisers have received several messages of support from several big companies and have reaffirmed that the 40th edition of what is officially called Seafood Expo North America/ Seafood Processing North America will take place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13-15 March. Last year’s show was cancelled because of the pandemic. The three-day event will highlight a comprehensive exhibit hall for business and networking opportunities, new products, food sampling, special events and education. “We are excited to be back in-person in Boston to reconvene seafood professionals looking to
do business in the North American market,” said Wynter Courmont, Event Director with Diversified Communications. “Year over year, industry suppliers and buyers have valued the business opportunities at the event, and this year will be no exception.” Rob O’Sullivan, Vice President Sales, Americas at Clearwater Seafoods, said: “After two long years of virtual meetings, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet with our customers, partners, colleagues and new clients in person and under the same roof. “Nothing replaces the importance of interacting face to face or the integral platform Seafood Expo North America provides to drive new business, reconnect with clients and partners, and get a pulse on the marketplace.”
www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk
07/02/2022 15:06:49
