Seaweed farmers seek support from ASEAN

CEBU, Philippines - The Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) is seeking help from the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) on its pending case against United States’ National Organics Standards Board (NOSB).

SIAP, being the lead group in the ASEAN Seaweed Industry Club, will leverage this access to gain support from the region's influential groups and experts to back up the industry's stand, said SIAP president Maximo Ricohermoso yesterday.

In close coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), SIAP will bring up this particular concern to ASEAN by consulting a scientific group to counter the anti-organic issue claim against carrageenan.

"BFAR is consulting a scientific group to counter the anti organic and health issues claim against carrageenan in support of SIAP position," added Ricohermoso.

In a 10-3 vote on November 17, 2016, the NOSB of the US has voted to remove carrageenan from the list of "approved for use in organic food". However, the final and binding vote will be taken by USDA panelists who generally follow NOSB recommendations.

NOSB is a body that advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Despite the possible adverse effects seen in this ruling, Ricohermoso said the industry is keeping their fingers crossed for a decision turn around once the industry appeal will be heard by the US Department.

This development, which stands to affect over 300,000 seaweed farmers in the Philippines has gotten the Philippine government's attention and hopefully, DTI's persistent intervention on this matter will be able to reverse the decision of the US authorities. More so when it gains the support of its ASEAN counterparts.

Industry players believe that while the volume of carrageenan in organic food is relatively small, but the NOSB ruling will further drive mis-perceptions about carrageenan.

Already, DTI submitted a written comment to NOSB through the Philippine Embassy in Washington shortly after the decision was released describing and mentioning a number of factual and scientific studies proving the safety of carrageenan for human consumption, and highlighting its economic importance to both Philippines and the united States, particularly for the livelihood of over 300 thousand Filipino seaweed farmers.

In 2015, the Philippines registered US$250 to US$270 million carrageenan exports. Last year, the industry registered a flat growth.

ASEAN's support is seen to give weight to the favorable resolution of this issue, Ricohermoso concluded. (FREEMAN)