Successful model (Editorial Northern Pen, Nov. 20, 2006 )

Amidst the hand- wringing over the future of Fishery Products International, consultations aimed at downsizing the fishing industry, and the debate on bottom trawling, there's a beacon that lights up the south coast of Labrador. It's called the Labrador Fishermen's Union Shrimp Co. Ltd. (LFUSCO). Following the presentation of its operational and financial standing at its bi-annual meetings earlier this month and the discussions which took place, there's a lot to be said for the fishermen owned co-operative.

Because the company goes about its business in such an unassuming manner, it doesn't attract a lot of attention. When private fish companies are able to pick and choose the species they wish to purchase, the LFUSCO strives to meet the needs and wishes of its owners and buys what it can, where it can, without going into the red at the end of the day. In an industry as tumultuous as the fishery, that's an extremely difficult task, but the LFSUCO has defied its skeptics by using common sense and working hard.

At a time when the rationalization of the processing sector will be debated in the weeks and months to come, it would serve all interests to study this successful model and determine how it can work in areas such as rural Newfoundland.