The FFAW says 2019 was marked by what it calls “cartel-like” behaviour from some processors.
President Keith Sullivan accuses processors of getting together to prevent any cod from being bought at the start of the season.
The processors cited lack of capacity in processing capelin, but the union didn’t buy it, bringing attention to the matter by giving cod away on the St. John’s harbour front.
Sullivan says it didn’t end there. A similar situation occurred when companies refused to buy squid.
Sullivan says harvesters won’t tolerate that behaviour and he suggests processing licenses may have to be issued to new operators to realize the greatest benefits from various species.