Salmon farm tours and promotions get underway
Last week, the salmon farmers in both British Columbia participated in the announcement of these activities. In B.C., the former fish farmer David Minato will be responsible for weekly tours of salmon farms near Campbell River on Vancouver Island, where Marine Harvest, Mainstream and Grieg Seafood all have operations:
The BC Salmon Farmers Association is inviting the public to take part in the Summer Farm Tour Program. The tours begin June 27th and run each Thursday until mid-September. “A lot of people are curious about salmon farming,” said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “Taking a tour is a great way for people to learn about our industry and talk directly to the workers.”
The tours depart from Discovery Launch Water Taxis in Campbell River at 9 a.m. and last about four hours. The boat ride takes visitors through Seymour Narrows – offering beautiful scenery and a chance to see marine wildlife such as seals, otters and whales. “We always get a lot of great questions from people on the tours,” said David Minato, Member and Community Relations Co-ordinator. “The farmers are very proud of the work they do and they really enjoy being able to share that passion with the public.” Tours include lunch and cost $50 (~€36) per person. Bookings can be made by contacting Minato at the BCSFA office: +250-286-1636 x224.
On the other end of the country, fishermen and farmers got together with the province of New Brunswick to launch a ‘Buy Local’ summer tour;
The provincial government unveiled more details of its Buy Local initiative on June 14, introducing a specially decorated van that will tour New Brunswick this summer. "I am excited about the upcoming tour, which will give New Brunswickers a chance to meet their local farmers and fishermen as well obtain information about the wide variety of locally produced food and the impressive amount of value-added products made in our province," said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. "I invite everyone to stop by the Buy Local van whenever you see it and get to know where your food comes from and the people who produce or catch it."
Summer student Victoria Blakely will crisscross the province in the Buy Local van. Olscamp will accompany her to fairs, festivals and markets when possible. The department is teaming up with organizations and associations that represent the province's agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries industries to participate in the tour. "We are pleased to participate in the launch of the Buy Local initiative," said Jean-Eudes Chiasson, president of the National Farmers Union in New Brunswick. "The National Farmers Union heartily supports every opportunity to promote the excellent products and consummate skills of our farmers."
Jennifer MacDonald, president of the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, also welcomed this endeavour. "The Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick fully supports the New Brunswick government's Buy Local initiative,” she said. “It is a unique opportunity for the public to meet local farmers who are dedicated to growing high quality safe food and feeding the communities in our province, and beyond. We are pleased that the government recognizes the importance of educating New Brunswickers as well as visitors about the food industry in our province. We hope that everyone will take advantage of meeting the great farmers and fishermen and learn how their food is produced."
