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BAFS Sets June 17 Consultation on Prawn Farming Rules

Jun 15, 2026 1,334

As demand for safe and sustainable seafood continues to grow, industry leaders, researchers, and government agencies are preparing to help shape new national standards for giant freshwater prawn farming in the Philippines.

The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) has issued a final call for registration for its Stakeholder Consultation on the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Giant Freshwater Prawn Grow-Out. The consultation will focus on establishing a Code of Practice under Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) to guide the country's freshwater prawn industry.

Scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via Google Meet, the consultation will bring together representatives from government agencies, academic and research institutions, private sector groups, and civil society organizations. The activity aims to gather expert insights and recommendations before the proposed standard is finalized.

According to BAFS, the consultation will address industry-specific concerns and best practices related to aquaculture production for giant freshwater prawn grow-out culture. Participants will discuss measures that can help improve farm management, product quality, environmental sustainability, and overall industry competitiveness.

Giant freshwater prawn, locally known as ulang, is considered one of the high-value aquaculture commodities in the Philippines. It provides income opportunities for fish farmers and contributes to local food production. However, industry experts note that maintaining consistent production standards is important to ensure product quality, protect aquatic resources, and strengthen consumer confidence.

The proposed Philippine National Standard is expected to serve as a guide for farmers and industry stakeholders in adopting responsible aquaculture practices. Good Aquaculture Practices promote proper farm management, disease prevention, environmental protection, and food safety measures throughout the production process.

National standards also play an important role in supporting market access and improving the competitiveness of Philippine aquaculture products. By encouraging compliance with recognized best practices, the standards can help producers meet industry requirements and respond to growing consumer demand for responsibly farmed seafood.

BAFS regularly conducts stakeholder consultations as part of the standards development process. These consultations allow experts and affected sectors to provide feedback, ensuring that policies and technical guidelines are practical, science-based, and responsive to industry needs.

Officials encourage interested stakeholders who have not yet registered to participate in the final consultation. Inputs gathered during the session will help refine the draft standard and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and productive giant freshwater prawn industry in the country.

As the aquaculture sector continues to expand, collaboration among government agencies, researchers, producers, and industry groups remains essential in promoting responsible farming practices that benefit both producers and consumers.

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