Seafood e-Bulletin
April 2026
The source of program information, engagement opportunities, important updates, and upcoming events for seafood producers and processors in British Columbia
New This Month
- Now available: Seafood Processing Employment Report
- Applications open: Processor Productivity Program
Events
- April 21-23: Seafood Expo Global (SEG) 2026, Barcelona
- April 21-24: Food and Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026, Singapore
- May 6-8: The Pacific Seaweed Summit, Campbell River
- May 6-7: From The Ground Up Conference and Trade Show, Vancouver
- November 5-10: China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2026 - Deadline to apply: April 30, 2026
Programs and Resources
- Applications open: Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund. Business Advisory Supports, Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)
- Applications open: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program 2026-27 for organizations
- Applications open: AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for National Industry Associations
- Applications open: AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
- Now available: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Export Success
- Canada Brand Program
- Single Window Contact for Canada Agri-Food Trade Services
- Canada Tariff Finder
- Now available: Trade Reports for South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam
- B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
- AgPal program pathfinder service
Reminders
- Submit Annual Fisheries Production Schedule data
- Update your contact information with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Seafood Processing Employment Report
The 2023 Seafood Processing Employment Report is now available on the Ministry’s website. The report provides analysis of employment in the processing sector by category (processing, maintenance, and executive), as well as seasonal trends and distribution across B.C.’s administrative regions.
The next data collection cycle will begin in 2027 (for 2026 data), with public release of the report anticipated in late 2027.
Processor Productivity Program
The B.C. Government has launched the Processor Productivity Program (PPP) to help food and beverage processors improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive.
The Program opened on March 25, 2026, and will remain open until fully subscribed.
The program is offered in two phases and combines practical support with cost‑shared funding:
Phase 1 – Lean training and on‑site operational assessment: Participating businesses receive industry‑focused Lean training, hands‑on assessments, and expert guidance to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve workflow.
Phase 2 – Cost‑share funding: Eligible participants can access cost‑shared funding to implement approved productivity improvements identified through the assessment phase.
The program is delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. An information webinar will be held April 9 at 2:00 pm.
Seafood Expo Global (SEG) 2026
When: April 21-23, 2026
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Registration is now open to Canadian export ready companies in the Canada Pavilion at Seafood Expo Global (SEG) 2026. Seafood Expo Global (SEG) is the largest fish and seafood trade show in Europe, featuring more than 2,000 exhibitors and attracting 35,000 buyers and suppliers from around the world.
For more information, contact aafc.mas-sam.aac@agr.gc.ca.
Food and Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026
When: April 21-24, 2026
Where: Singapore, Singapore
FHA in Singapore is the largest food and beverage trade show in Southeast Asia, attracting 48,000 buyers and 1,600 exhibitors.
The Pacific Seaweed Summit
When: May 6-8, 2026
Where: Campbell River, B.C.
The summit will be held in Campbell River from May 6-8. The summit will support discussions ranging from the state of the sector, environmental stewardship, processing infrastructure, investments and partnerships and value-added product development. The tentative program schedule can be found below.
The keynote speakers for the summit are:
- Larry Johnson, President of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation, current Chairman of the Maa-nulth Fisheries Committee
- Dune Lankard, Founder and President of Native Conservancy
Learn more about the keynote speakers: https://www.nic.bc.ca/about/research/pacific-seaweed-summit/speakers.html
Register now to secure your spot!
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities click the button below or if you want to volunteer, please email pacificseaweedsummit@nic.bc.ca.
From The Ground Up Conference and Trade Show
When:
May 6: Exhibitor Conference
May 7: Industry only Trade Show
Where: PNE Forum, Vancouver
From the Ground Up is a 100% B.C. Conference and Trade Show connecting our local food and beverage brands with multi-market channel buyers and industry experts.
In 2019, Good to Grow launched the only 100% B.C.-wide trade show. The following year, we added a conference for the exhibitors the day before the show. In 2025 we added a third day with the launch of a consumer show.
From the Ground Up will be back in May 2026 with a Conference and Trade Show. We are so grateful for the support of the Consumer Show, however, we have made the difficult decision to not continue with it.
From the Ground Up is truly a showcase to support the incredible processors, producers, and food landscape we have right here in B.C.
We can’t wait for you to join us in 2026!
China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2026
When: November 5-10, 2026
Where: Shanghai, China
Deadline to apply: April 30, 2026
The Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai is currently recruiting Canadian companies and industry associations to exhibit at the Canada Agrifood Pavilion at China’s most influential platform for marketing and sales of imported products across multiple industries to buyers nationwide.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to Clare Chen clare.chen@international.gc.ca and Julie Zhong zhuoli.zhong@international.gc.ca, of the Trade Commissioner team in Shanghai, China.
Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund. Business Advisory Supports, Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)
The Business Advisory Supports program is designed to offset the costs associated with obtaining third-party professional supports for small businesses. The intent of the program is for applicants to be able to access professional supports for addressing specific tariff-related impacts and for sustaining and/or creating employment opportunities.
Eligibility: Community Contribution Companies, First Nation Businesses (select industries), Not-For-Profits (select purposes), Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, Wholly-Owned First Nation Development Corporations – Please note this program is regionally specific to the NDIT coverage region
Funding: Up to $30,000 available to a maximum of 85% of the eligible project budget. *Funding up to $50,000 towards a maximum of 85% of the eligible project budget may be available for complex project
Deadline: December 31, 2026 or until fully allocated
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program 2026-27
2026-2027 applications for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program are open!
The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) supports organizations to deliver training and learning activities for B.C. producers and processors.
Funding is available to support knowledge transfer activities such as workshops, farm tours, field trials, etc., that build skills, support adoption of best practices, and help the agriculture and food sector respond to emerging challenges.
For the 2026–27 program year, organizations can apply for up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $7,500 per application. Activities must occur between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available.
Watch the video below for more information.
For questions, contact: Knowledge.Transfer@gov.bc.ca.
Funding for the Program is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for National Industry Associations
The AgriMarketing Program is accepting applications!
The AgriMarketing Program offers targeted support tailored to specific sector needs. This includes a combined $75 million in contribution funding over 5 fiscal years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) to promote market diversification, in addition to support already provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The following support encourages greater diversification to respond to market instability in the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector, including fish and seafood.
Eligibility: See website for more information
Deadline to apply: September 30, 2030 (intake period may close sooner if funding has been fully committed)
Funding: The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) non-repayable contribution toward a project under the program will normally not exceed $1 million per year or a maximum of $5 million over 5 years.
AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
The AgriMarketing Program offers targeted support tailored to specific sector needs. This includes a combined $75 million in contribution funding over 5 fiscal years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) to promote market diversification, in addition to support already provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The following support encourages greater diversification to respond to market instability in the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector, including fish and seafood
Eligibility: See website for more information
Deadline to apply: September 30, 2030 (intake period may close sooner if funding has been fully committed)
Funding: The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) non-repayable contribution toward a project under the program will normally be less than $100,000 per project, with a maximum duration of up to 18 months from the contribution agreement effective date. Projects must have a minimum total cost of $20,000, for a minimum AAFC contribution of $14,000.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Export Success
Thinking about exporting your food products? The Exporting from Canada: A Practical Guide from the Trade Commissioner Service is an essential starting point for Canadian food manufacturers and farmers aiming to expand into international markets. This easy-to-follow resource walks you through every step of the export process – from market research and financing to logistics and finding buyers.
Whether you are new to exporting or looking to refine your approach, the guide helps you navigate the process with confidence and connect your products to global opportunities.
Discover new markets and grow your exports – explore the guide today by clicking the button below.
Canada Brand Program
Canada Brand is a government-recognized national branding program developed to give your products an edge in competitive global markets. Sign-up to become a member; as a member you will gain free access to a suite of digital branding tools including: video content, animated graphics, branded GIFs and digital stickers, a photo library, and inclusion of a member profile in the online Canada Brand member directory.
If you have any questions or encounter issues during the registration process, please email: aafc.marque-canada-brand.aac@agr.gc.ca
Single Window Contact for Agri-Food Trade Services
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's single window contact service can help you:
- Find markets with most potential for your business;
- Address issues or barriers that could block your products from reaching foreign markets;
- Promote products at key international trade shows;
- Use Canada Brand program to market food products;
- Leverage the international network of Trade Commissioners and in-market experts.
This service offers a single point of contact with the goal of helping the Canadian food industry and businesses reach international markets. If you have questions about exporting your agriculture or food products, or are looking for support please contact the Market Access Secretariat at aafc.mas-sam.aac@agr.gc.ca.
Canada Tariff Finder
The Canada Tariff Finder is a free online tool that can be used by all Canadian exporters or entrepreneurs who plan to export. The Canada Tariff Finder will give the tariff information applicable for the specific good being searched, for current and previous years. The Canada Tariff Finder also allows you to compare tariffs between export markets to help you assess the profitability of selling to different markets.
Trade Reports for South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Global Analysis Group publishes a variety of market intelligence reports to help Canadian suppliers understand world markets and compete internationally. Recent titles include:
- Consumer Profile – South Korea
- Sector Trend Analysis – Trade Overview – Vietnam
- Sector Trend Analysis – Trade Overview - Thailand
- Sector Trend Analysis – Trade Overview – Vietnam
For a complete list of international market intelligence reports on agriculture, food, and seafood by sector and country, visit the market intelligence reports table.
B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
The B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service is a single source for support and referral to help navigate the relevant information, tools and funding available to start or expand activities in Indigenous food systems, food sovereignty, food security and the agriculture and food sector.
Staff provide provincial wayfinding services and program referrals as required to connect people to current supports and other available opportunities including:
- Support for navigating existing programs, services and funding opportunities
- Support navigating government’s organizational structure
- Coaching through project development and planning
- Connections to sector organizations, potential industry partners, and other collaborators
To access this free service, email IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca or call 236-426-5024 and a staff member will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
AgPal
AgPal helps farmers and agri-businesses find relevant resources by gathering agricultural information and presenting it all in one place. Search and navigation tools make it quick and easy to find exactly what you are looking for. Find programs, services, market intelligence, research, and more! Click the button below for more information.
Submit Annual Fisheries Production Schedule data
Data collection for the 2025 Annual Fisheries Production Schedule (AFPS) is nearing completion. We are currently collecting information from companies that had seafood custom processed by other businesses.
If you have data to report, please contact fishstats@gov.bc.ca for next steps. This information plays a critical role in generating sector insights and helps inform evidence-based policy and funding decisions to support B.C.’s seafood economy.
Update Your Contact Information
Moving or changing your phone number? Be sure to update any contact information for your aquaculture files by emailing Aquaculture.Program@gov.bc.ca with your file number and any updated contact information.
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