From 2017-2022, the total Philippine production volume of aquatic and inland municipal shrimp and prawn is increasing except for the year 2020 when the onset of the pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO)—hampering the logistics and transboundary movements of shrimp commodities and even other agricultural produce in both livestock and aquaculture sectors. Given a 2020-2022 average of 83,407.67 MT and an average cost of Php.29,129,520.37, it can be expected that the Philippines can improve its ranking and production volume if it is able to efficiently utilize and maximize the opportunities in shrimp farming such as the burgeoning international market and trade. At a macro scale, Asia’s production is likewise increasing, contributing massively to the world’s total production volume. COVID-19 has resulted in unparalleled events in the shrimp supply chain. Although it hindered the production and transport of commodities, this pandemic has made the industry discover innovative ways of keeping up with the challenges of today’s trade—thereby forging resiliency among shrimp value-added chain workers. Comparatively, the shrimp congress is also able to adapt to these challenges in terms of delivery and mode of learning— an example of which is the virtual 13th Philippine Shrimp Congress in 2021.
In-Person Congress Returns!An in-person 14th Philippine Shrimp Congress will once again return this September 20-22, 2023, with the theme: The Philippine Shrimp Industry: Building and Adapting to the Regional Open Market. Globalization, an increase in demand for food, increased networking, and a flourishing market trade are among the opportunities that await the shrimp industry. While open market trade provides opportunities for many countries, opening one’s own market and liberalizing it may provide more benefits such as attracting more investors and providing more opportunities for the shrimp aquaculture industry. As such, trade and market go well together in contributing to the development of the economy. With the importance of open market trade in economic development, it is the aim of the organizers to relay such topics to every employee of the shrimp value-added chain.
Hence, the 14th Philippine Shrimp Congress will gather once again all the stakeholders in the Philippine shrimp supply chain— feed mill, hatchery, grow-out farm, processing and post-harvest, market and trade, and enablers in the private, government, and research institutions.