A new group has been formed to help local processors address challenges in the global marketplace created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
P.E.I. oysters are marketed heavily in Canada and the United States but are also finding their way to the table in many other countries.
The global marketplace presents significant quality management and food safety challenges that local processors must respond to, says the CBDC/Montague Rural Action Centre in a release.
In addition, the food regulations for exporting countries have just changed significantly with the 2019 rollout of the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.
To help respond to these challenges, the recently formed P.E.I. Oyster Processors Association approached the Montague Rural Action Centre to help facilitate a training program that would help each plant develop advanced quality management skills in its operations.
Rural Action Centres are one-stop-service centres in Alberton, Montague and Wellington where established businesses, start-ups and community groups can access supports to help launch and grow their business or community economic development projects. They provide access to government agencies and non-government organizations that are focused on business and community development.
The Montague Rural Action Centre, along with CBDC East, initiated the project in partnership with the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-P.E.I. Labour Market Agreements, ACOA, Fisheries and Communities and the oyster association that has seen the development and delivery of an eight-module quality management course customized for molluscan shellfish plants.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the course was being delivered in a hybrid distance delivery format where participants meet for one-day seminars followed by skill development work completed by the participants.
“As a federally licensed seafood plant, we are constantly being challenged to improve the design and delivery of our quality systems. This course helps us respond to those demands.’’
The Montague Rural Action Team quickly responded to the pandemic by immediately adjusting the training project to provide consulting and training services on COVID-19 to the oyster plants.
As a result, the membership of the P.E.I. Oyster Association has established aggressive COVID-19 management strategies that will provide stringent controls over the virus.
Innovative Quality Solutions is currently completing training sessions with the plants and will provide support as the harvesting season begins.
Wayne Chiasson, who is owner of W & R Fisheries and an executive with the oyster association feels the training is both timely and functional.
“As a federally licensed seafood plant, we are constantly being challenged to improve the design and delivery of our quality systems,’’ said Chiasson.
“This course helps us respond to those demands.’’
The molluscan shellfish industry comprises more than 1,400 leases currently employed in the aquaculture industry. The landed value, before processing, of mussels and oysters exceeded $28 million and $14 million respectively in recent years.
