Alisha Hodder, the manager at Hodder’s Shellfish in Stoneville, N.L., is facing obstacles in expanding her business due to government regulations regarding outside buyers and processing licences. Despite having obtained a buyer’s licence to sell products outside the province, Hodder’s plans were halted when the government informed them that existing processors could not hold buyer’s licences if they continued processing at their plant.
Hodder, who has invested significantly in renovating the plant to broaden their capabilities, expressed frustration at the restrictions preventing her from processing additional species to sustain the business. She emphasized the importance of being allowed to process more species, similar to larger plants, to ensure the survival of her business and maintain the employment of about 30 workers in her community.
While the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture mentioned their goal of maximizing seafood processing within the province by removing buyer’s licences for processors, Hodder believes a simple regulatory change to permit processing of other species would address the issue. She highlighted the dedication and loyalty of her employees, emphasizing the impact on their livelihoods and the local community.
Despite the challenges, Hodder remains determined to find a solution to continue operating her business successfully and contribute to the local economy.