Tag Archives: Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Keith Colwell
Nova Scotia is launching its own seafood quality certification program
Participating companies must meet a range of traceability, handling, processing and food safety standards including an annual product quality assessment prior to export. Keith Colwell, the province’s longtime minister of fisheries and aquaculture, said customers want proof of quality. Others certifications exist, including for live lobster, which is one of the species eligible for the Nova Scotia program. The most important standard is from the Global Food Safety Initiative — a certification required by big buyers like Walmart and Loblaws. But Nova Scotia officials argue the provincial program is more comprehensive because it includes an emphasis on quality as well as food safety. >click to read< 09:12
Mi’kmaq push for legal lobster sales for non-Indigenous buyers
The Mi’kmaw community in Nova Scotia that recently launched its first self-regulated lobster fishery is now pushing the province to change laws restricting non-Indigenous fish buyers from doing business with the First Nation. Sipekne’katik First Nation introduced its Trade and Transport regulations today for Mi’kmaw fishers to legally sell seafood harvested under the right-based fishery to Mi’kmaw and non-Indigenous consumers and seafood wholesalers.,, While Sipekne’katik is willing to work with seafood buyers from the existing commercial fishing industry, Sack said, until an agreement is reached with governments, there are few places for Mi’kmaq to sell their lobster. >click to read< 19:59
