Seaweed farm tours pushed

CEBU, Philippines — The seaweed industry announced its entry to the emerging farm tourism, to cushion slow growth prospects.

Maximo Ricohermoso, chairman of the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) said that seaweed farmers are now urged to include seaweed farm tours for tourists, in order gain another source of livelihood.

This initiative is also being pushed to promote the huge seaweed farming production in the country.

Farm tourism, is one of the priority programs of the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the leadership of secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Ricohermoso believes that if the farmers will be given right tools on how to open up their farms to tourists, it would provide a boost to the livelihood of seaweed farmers and fisherfolk.

In Palawan for instance where farming is vast, seaweed farm tours should be offered as options.

During a seaweed tour, tourists may be given orientation about the uses and different applications of seaweed to industries like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, beauty and wellness, among others.

Farm tourism is the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational, and recreational purposes which involves any agriculture or fishery-based operation or activity and may also provide a venue for outdoor recreation and accessible family outings.

Earlier, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, farm tourism is one of the priority programs under her watch.

"Farms now are tourist spots. More and more people want to visit farms, plant, harvest, and to experience farming. We already have accredited farms that tourists can go to and experience agriculture," said Romulo-Puyat, formerly DA Undersecretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Regional Engagement. (FREEMAN)