The Philippines, known for its scenic beaches and talented boxers, aims to make a mark in the agricultural sector, specifically in high-quality seafood production. DATAJ Aquafarm Inc., based in Cagayan and established in 2009, is leading this charge with a focus on becoming synonymous with top-notch aquaculture.

Initially starting as a fin fish producer, DATAJ found success by venturing into the cultivation of Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), commonly known as white leg shrimp or king prawns. According to Chief Operation Officer Cynthia P. Tamayo, this variety of shrimp enjoys popularity and profitability due to its resilience to disease, adaptability to tropical climates, and ease of harvest and transportation.

As the aquaculture arm of the DDT Group, led by Engr. Danilo D. Tamayo and DDT Konstract Inc. (DDTKI), DATAJ has a dual purpose. On a personal level, Tamayo aims to contribute to his hometown’ s economic growth in Buguey, Cagayan, by creating jobs and trade opportunities. On a business level, his engineering background informs a disciplined approach to aquafarming, integrating innovative technologies and constructing state-of-the-art facilities for consistent world-class shrimp production.

DATAJ operations span 129 hectares, including farms in Calamegatan, Buguey, Caniugan and Centro East in Sta. Teresita municipality is where the processing plant is located. The company’ s commitment to quality is reinforced by certifications such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) from the FDA, a Certificate of Approval from the DA, and HACCP certification

With a daily output of 22 tons of live, fresh, and processed shrimp, DATAJ is among the Philippines' most technologically advanced aquaculture facilities. The company is poised for further expansion, targeting local markets in Metro Manila, Palawan, and the Visayas while exploring opportunities in the United States and the Middle East. Certifications like HALAL and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) from GSA and approval from the Bureau of Customs and EU certification position DATAJ as a reliable global seafood supplier.

Through its high-quality shrimps, DATAJ aims to make a significant impact on the global food market, proving the company the capability to deliver world-class produce and contributing to economic opportunities in the Philippines.

Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/business-as-usual/2024/01/28/2329146/dataj-aquafarm-elevating-philippine-aquaculture-globally

Innovations in the seafood industry hold great promise for addressing overfishing, reducing environmental impact, and meeting the rising global demand for protein-rich foods. Highlighting the crucial fact that such innovations enable companies to remain relevant to consumers and customers, this article gives an insight into the portfolio of the biggest tuna business in the world, Thai Union PCL, where the company’s stated mission is to develop game-changing solutions for enhanced consumer satisfaction, shared value, and sustainability. However, these innovations are not without their regulatory challenges. The author examines the complex regulatory landscape surrounding seafood innovations and discusses the implications of these rules for sustainable growth and responsible development.

This article was published in: INFOFISH International 1/2024

Read more: https://infofish.org/v4/index.php/regulatory-challenges-in-seafood-innovation-the-thai-union-experience

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has introduced the FAO-Thiaroye Technology (FTT) in Papua New Guinea to address the challenges of post-harvest losses within the fisheries sector and to provide better market opportunities. To determine the financial and economic viability, FAO established two demonstration sites and conducted a Financial and Economic Analysis (FEA) to compare traditional smoking practices with the FTT smoking technique. The results showed that the incremental benefit is 59% IRR, and the analysis also identified the sensitive parameters of the business. Moreover, FTT empowers fish operators by solving cold chain, market access, and transport constraints in remote areas. It boosts fish production and quality, reduces losses, and extends shelf life by 5-6 months.

This article was published in: INFOFISH International 1/2024

Read more: https://infofish.org/v4/index.php/empowering-fisherwomen-in-papua-new-guinea-by-introducing-innovative-technology-fao-thiaroye-technology-ftt