PCAFI President Danilo Fausto said that the request for higher funds was in line for the upcoming review of carrageenan as an acceptable ingredient for US organic products.
In 2016, carrageenan was removed from the list of products approved for use in organic food.
"Delisting of carrageenan would imperil PH market share in the USA and potential adverse effect in the European market due to disinformation about carrageenan safety," Fausto said in a memorandum submitted to the Department of Agriculture.
According to PCAFI, the product accounted for 52 percent of the country's market share in the USA and was valued at $40 million while 18 percent market share or about $75 million for the European market.
"Losing these markets will jeopardize the main livelihood of BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and those living at the Zamboanga Peninsula," Fausto added.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed seaweeds accounts the biggest share for fisheries production at 36.2 percent. PCAFI noted that from the total, 72 percent are produced in BARMM and Zamboanga Peninsula "areas representing the poorest of the poor in our poverty index."
"Let us not suffer the same fate as that of our coconut oil in the US market that strong lobby groups in the US have eliminated our coconut oil market," said Fausto.
He added that the seaweed industry has the potential to hit $500 million in annual exports earnings and this can be achieved "with improved production efficiency in seaweed farming and international trade promotions.”
PCAFI said the country still has a huge untapped suitable hectarage for seaweed production.
Out of the 102,000 hectares of municipal waters available, only 17,000 hectares is being used.
Moreover, PCAFI urged the government to boost the whole fisheries sector and encouraged the quick establishment of marine hatchery and backyard fingerlings' production to increase farmers' income.
Source:The Manila Times
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<p>Time: 2024 By: Ministry of Industry and Trade</p>
