The Government of Canada is investing $195,000 to help the Underwater Harvesters Association increase exports of Canadian geoduck clams, announced the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Egmont, Prince Edward Island.
"The geoduck clam is one of the most valuable commercial shellfish species harvested in Canada," said Minister Shea. "Our Government's support for this organization will allow the industry to build on its success and increase its export capacity."
The Underwater Harvesters Association will use this investment to help with the production of technical manuals for its clients and will support its participation in training seminars, trade shows and product promotions.
"The harvesters of geoduck in British Columbia are so pleased and grateful for the matching funds that we received from the federal government to ensure that we can actively promote Geoduck from Canada in our key export markets," said James Austin, President of the Underwater Harvesters Association. "This promotion is absolutely necessary to ensure that the value of our product and market share maintains a strong and positive position in today's extremely volatile and competitive marketplace."
Geoduck clams represent approximately 10% of the total value of all wild seafood caught in British Columbia. Hong Kong and mainland China are the largest markets for Canada, accounting for 95% of our exports of this product.
This federal investment is provided through the $88 million AgriMarketing program, under Growing Forward, which helps industry associations implement long-term international strategies which include activities such as international market development, consumer awareness and branding, and industry-to-industry trade advocacy.