Newfoundland Associated Fish Exporters Limited

The Newfoundland Associated Fish Exporters Limited (NAFEL), incorporated in 1947, was a marketing, or brokerage, organization established by the Newfoundland government, with the exclusive right to market all salt codfish produced for export in Newfoundland. The organization maintained its headquarters in St. John's and its first general manager was F.A.J. Lawes. The structure of NAFEL was based partly upon that of the salt codfish exporting agencies (such as the Portugal Exporters Group and the Spanish Exporters Associations, which preceded it), and partly upon that of other marketing agencies in Canada and the United States.

Any person, firm or corporation included in the production and/or export of salt codfish was eligible for membership in NAFEL, subject to approval by the Board of Directors and compliance with four conditions: payment of a $10,000 fee; agreement to all rules and regulations; signature to a contractual agreement; and the provision of personal, corporate or bank guarantees, if required. The majority of the Board (5-10) were from outport areas.

In addition to the membership fee, each member of NAFEL paid an assessment on fish exports. The rate was determined by the Directors and the funds raised were used to finance NAFEL's administration and operation.; NAFEL operated until 1970 when the federal government established the Canadian Salt Fish Corporation.

Created - April 17, 2013

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