The first certification issued to a Thai organic shrimp farm was recently granted by Naturland, the German cooperative of organic farmers.
The certification paves the way for the product to be distributed by German and Swiss cooperatives specializing in organic food.
Sureerath Farm in Chanthaburi province, is a pioneer of organic farming, grappling with shrimp disease breakouts regularly over the years using traditional methods. Khun Prayoon Hongrat, president of Sureerath Farm, was one of the first to realize the potential of organic shrimp farming in 2002.
Warren Turner, farm manager for Nam Sai Farms, told SeafoodSource that certification and inspection are key to ensure a healthy shrimp business in Thailand.
The German and Swiss retailers will buy up to 40 metric tons of Thai organic shrimp this year. The German Technical Corp. (GTZ), which has been active in brokering this deal, said that certification from Naturland will assure retailers that the organic shrimp is held to the highest food-safety and environmental standards.
Meanwhile, Khun Prayonn is looking to set up a collective of small organic farms and expanding his operations in Thailand. Despite the higher costs of organic food, he believes consumers are willing to pay higher prices for a healthier product.
March 18, 2009
