DA opens first seaweed bioreactor facility to boost exports

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has opened the country’s first bioreactor facility in Sorsogon to further grow seaweed production and exports. The agency said the facility will produce disease-free planting materials year-round to increase seaweed production. It replaces outdated laboratory methods that relied on makeshift bottles, manual aeration and less efficient propagation techniques. The Sorsogon facility houses a P10-million automated 1,250-litre bioreactor and P12-million modular seaweed bioreactors at BFAR’s seaweed technology center. According to the DA, the technology lets scientists control light, nutrients and temperature to produce healthier, high-quality seaweed propagules faster. “The planting materials will be distributed […]...

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