Two projects located on Vancouver Island are going to receive funding to continue their work in boosting sustainable food production and supporting Indigenous communities.
Over $1.1 million will go to the two projects and will support sustainable aquaculture practices for BC’s seaweed and shellfish producers.
This announcement was made on Thursday, February 20th, by Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan)—the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians.
First off, the North Island College will receive the bulk of PacifiCan’s investment with $881,600 going towards establishing a Seaweed Innovation Hub (SIH).
This project will advance BC’s sustainable seaweed industry and help them create a seaweed seed bank, secure a mobile processing unit, test new seaweed dehydration and food processing technologies and help small-scale producers improve operations and adopt innovations.
“Seaweed presents unique opportunities for both social and economic innovation,” said Lisa Domae, President and CEO, North Island College.
“This project will help accelerate the Canadian seaweed sector by addressing community and industry needs, driving innovation and advancing NIC’s leadership in the blue economy with the potential for global impact.”
PacifiCan believes that this funding will support a sector well-positioned for growth and for helping local economies.
The second recipient is BC Shellfish Growers’ Association, and they are getting $250,000 in PacifiCan funding.
The BC Shellfish Growers’ Association is a non-profit organization who represent shellfish industry stakeholders.
The funding they received is meant to go towards supporting their Industry Modernization of Practices, Accountability, and Communications Program (IMPACT).
IMPACT helps small-scale shellfish producers modernize operations with advanced technologies, boost productivity, promote environmental stewardship and expand into global markets.
“While BC’s shellfish industry has roots in extensive, low-input farming techniques, innovation and technology — driven in part by larger companies — have been key to establishing BC as a global leader in aquaculture,” said Nico Prins, Executive Director of the BC Shellfish Growers’ Association.
“With this project, the BCSGA’s goal is to help small-scale producers modernize their practices, enhancing productivity and sustainability. By supporting the growth of a clean, responsible industry, we are fostering environmental stewardship and strengthening coastal economies.”
PacifiCan believes this investment will help local Indigenous communities and women have more representation in the industry.
Seaweed harvests have more than doubled in the last 25 years on a global scale, and are now valued at over USD $5 billion.
As for shellfish, there are over 20 different species of shellfish along Canada’s coasts, including mussels, oysters, clams and scallops. In BC alone, approximately 40% of the shellfish farmed are sold within the province with 28% being sold throughout the rest of the country.
