The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, is launching the Seafood Marketing Support Program, to support global market diversification. The program will help proponents identify, assess, target and develop new market opportunities in response to tariff threats from the United States and recent tariffs from China. It will support market diversification and reduce reliance on traditional markets while capitalizing on new opportunities in domestic and international markets.
Funding is available to licensed Newfoundland and Labrador fish processors, aquaculture companies, seafood marketing firms, industry associations, research and development institutions, fisheries organizations, and development associations. Funding will be provided through non-repayable contributions to a maximum of $100,000 and a rate of assistance of up to 90 per cent. Program details and applications are available here.
The Seafood Marketing Support Program will focus on:
- Market information and research
- Market development planning
- Adapting products and packaging for new markets
- Market development activities
- Marketing material and promotional tools
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Re-development of packaging for new markets
- Participation in tradeshows/missions
- Market research
- Brand strategy development
- Advertising
- Export development planning
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“Market diversification is central, in these times of uncertainty, to the long-term prosperity of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry. The fishing sector is united in meeting the challenge to develop new markets and the Seafood Marketing Support Program will help everyone across the industry explore new opportunities in Europe, Asia, and here in Canada.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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