Speaking at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, Belgium, Minister Zameer highlighted challenges faced by small island nations and called on EU to eliminate the disproportionate taxes-imposed on Maldives fish products to assist Maldives in its efforts to diversify its economy by creating equal opportunities for trade and investment.

This has been the case, with Maldives graduating as a middle-income country in 2013, to which, EU countries, including the UK, imposed a 24 percent duty fee. As a result, the previous governments have also discussed reducing the taxes levied on fisheries exports due to the increase in the price of fish exported from Maldives to Europe. In December last year, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had also indicated a positive outcome from the discussions held to reduce taxes.

Source: The Edition

Uniformity of size in shrimp culture is an indication of good farm management, contributing towards increased productivity, predictability, consistency, and also importantly, better prices at the point of sale. Assessment of uniformity involves looking at the coefficient of variation (CV); percentage of uniformity; and class distribution in terms of length and weight. These assessments can be performed manually as well as using artificial intelligence, as outlined in this article which bases its observations on data extracted from production results recorded by a high-efficiency farm in Brazil.

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