'Only 50 years left' for sea fish

Philippine milkfish doesn't click in European market

By Maricar M. Calubiran
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are the ones patronizing the Philippine
milkfish though it has already penetrated the European market especially
in Germany and Italy.
Anja Gomm, project manager of the GTZ said the Filipinos working in
Europe are the buyers of the Philippine bangus and has yet to attract
the picky taste bud of the Europeans. The Philippine milkfish are sold
in the shelves of Asian markets in Europe.
Gomm, in an interview, said they are trying to help the the people of
Western Visayas to access a new market and increased the competitiveness
of Philippine milkfish in the international market. The GTZ is helping
the government in promoting the concept of chain management among
milkfish industry players.
She said they are currently working on the information generation to
inform the milkfish industry players and let them understand the
European market. They have also discussed some important issues which
affects the players from the stock they are going to raise, feeds,
process and exporters. They will also conduct a training and capacity
building.
Gomm said they are going to assist and give technical help to the
milkfish industry players in Western Visayas for more than two years. By
the time the project ends, she expects the players are ready to explore
the international market.
She said the European market has set a high standard regarding fish
exports. The Filipinos have to much to learn about the proper packaging
and handling. They have to meet the European Union's strict and quality
and safety standards.
At the latest, the Sta. Cruz Foods which brings the milkfish to
Netherlands is the only company which has gained access to the European
market. The Philippine milkfish were shipped to the Netherlands via
General Santos City.

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