Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) is now Canadian Seafood Farmers / Producteurs Aquacoles Canadiens. The new name, which reflects the national association’s alignment with all farming sectors across Canada, was voted on unanimously by members at the Annual General Meeting held on September 29, 2026.
The new name comes as the Government of Canada makes economic resilience a central priority, and as food producers face a challenging trade environment.
"Aquaculture is agriculture, and our members are focused on responsibly growing, harvesting and processing Product of Canada seafood for grocery stores,” says Timothy Kennedy, President & CEO. "As Prime Minister Carney implements the new National Food Security Strategy, our farmers can grow more here, process more here and put more Canadian seafood on Canadian plates.”
Globally, aquaculture farming is the fastest growing and most environmentally sustainable animal food production sector now making up 60% of the world’s total seafood consumption. Canada has a window of opportunity now to secure billions of dollars of ocean economy investment in aquaculture production and create thousands more full-time year-round jobs given its expansive coastline.
"Generations of Canadians have been farming seafood, and they want to grow more of it here at home, which provides huge social and economic benefits to rural and urban communities given our massive supply chain depth into towns and cities," says Joel Richardson, Chair of the Board and Vice President of Public Relations at family-owned Cooke Aquaculture Inc., based in New Brunswick.
“Aquaculture science can be used for more wild salmon recovery projects, takes pressure off wild stocks and protects the ocean through regulations. The federal government has a responsibility to align with successful provincial government aquaculture growth strategies to build a more affordable and resilient food system in Canada. Seafood farming is also youthful with highest agricultural employee retention rate in one of the most technologically advanced farming sectors. It’s ideally suited for Canadians and for our waters,” added Richardson.
Canadian Seafood Farmers is focused on advancing its mandate as an essential and growing part of the food sector in Canada:
A positive path for BC salmon farming. Science-based policy certainty that protects jobs, supports First Nations and coastal communities, and delivers Canadian-grown salmon.
Recognition of seafood farming as farming. Ensuring Canadian seafood farmers have the same supports and federal leadership as other food producers.
Modern management of the shellfish sector. Modernizing the federal system that manages the shellfish sector for new production, reliable supply and high quality.
Canadian Seafood Farmers also elected its 2026-27 Board of Directors at the AGM; directors represent producers, service and equipment suppliers, Indigenous-owned and community-partnered enterprises, feed and animal-health suppliers, science researchers and regional aquaculture associations from across Canada.
Canadian Seafood Farmers will roll out its new brand across communications and channels over the coming weeks, including an Advocacy Day and Parliamentary Reception in Ottawa on November 24.
###
About Canadian Seafood Farmers
Canadian Seafood Farmers contribute $6 billion in economic activity, $2.03 billion in GDP, and 18,000 jobs across Canada, with over $1 billion in annual export value. Canadian Seafood Farmers works alongside Canada’s broader food and agriculture community to advance a resilient, competitive and sustainable Canadian food system. Through its membership in and engagement with organizations including the Canadian Animal Health Institute, Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, Canadian Federation of Agriculture and National Farm Animal Care Council, Canadian Seafood Farmers supports shared priorities in animal health and welfare, skilled labour, public trust, trade, food security and responsible food production.
For more information, visit www.aquaculture.ca.
Sheri Beaulieu
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Canadian Seafood Farmers
Email: [email protected]