CANDABA — The Philippines inaugurated its largest crayfish nursery, marking a major step in the country’s bid to become a key player in global aquaculture. The project, led by Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc. in partnership with Taiwan’s Da Shin Biotech Ltd. and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), will mass-produce Australian Redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus), a species valued for its fast growth, hardiness, and market demand.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., in remarks delivered by DA Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa, said the initiative demonstrates the results of coordinated action across government, private innovators, and fisherfolk.

“Built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Da Shin Biotech, and the DA-BFAR, this nursery shows that when government, private innovators, and fisherfolk come together, progress stops being a dream—it becomes our shared reality,” he said.

Tiu Laurel emphasized that crayfish farming “opens new doors for our fisherfolk—bringing in more income, more livelihood, and more food on our tables,” while also respecting ecological balance under BFAR’s strict guidelines.

Located in Candaba, Pampanga, the 1,280-square-meter nursery features 16 tanks capable of producing 48,000 fry every two weeks. It also pioneers water-recycling technology in Philippine crayfish nurseries, reducing wastewater and conserving freshwater.

The facility will supply Farm Fresh’s existing 3-hectare grow-out ponds, which yield 30 tons of market-size crayfish annually, and support partner growers as the industry expands. Starting in 2026, Farm Fresh plans to scale up operations to 1,500 hectares in Luzon and 750 hectares each in the Visayas and Mindanao, with projected production exceeding 1,200 tons every six months.

Crayfish farming provides a nutrient-rich, low-impact protein source and is expected to generate over 3,000 direct jobs while fostering new enterprises in rural communities.

Officials said the launch of the nursery marks the start of a world-class, sustainable crayfish industry that aims to secure the Philippines a strong foothold in regional and global aquaculture markets.