Bay Bulls company to utilize shrimp shell waste for new products

With assistance of $9,900 from the Solid Waste Management Innovation Program administered by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), J&C Sod Farm Inc. in Bay Bulls plans to develop and test two new products: shrimp waste-based vermi-compost and worm tea.
J&C Sod Farm Inc. will work in partnership with the Marine Institute's Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development to test both an organic shrimp-waste vermi-compost and a product known as worm tea for use as a soil enhancer or fertilizer.
This special tea is a liquid solution made by steeping the vermi-compost in water. The company will be the first in the country to produce shrimp waste based vermi-compost and tea made from shrimp shell waste.
"Increasing waste reduction, developing new standards and technology and maximizing economic opportunities associated with waste management in the province are important goals of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy," said Environment Minister Charlene Johnson.
"We will continue to achieve these goals through partnerships with businesses such as J&C Sod Farm, as they develop and implement innovative solutions to managing waste."
Shrimp shell waste is readily available in the eastern region of the province and represents approximately 70 per cent of the landed shrimp weight.
"J&C is very grateful for this investment by the MMSB," said Christa Williams of J&C Sod Farm. "My family is very excited and eager to get started in developing and testing the new products that we hope will entice home gardeners, commercial greenhouse operators, and organic and conventional farmers."