Sea moss export sales have increased by 11,000 %, and according to Export Saint Lucia, it is now necessary to ensure the quality is the best.
As a result, that all sea moss farmers must now obtain a sea moss export certificate.
Sea moss, which gained prominence in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means for many to secure a livelihood, has now received international acclaim for its authenticity and nutritional benefits.
According to Export Saint Lucia, the surge in global interest has propelled local sea moss into global markets, emphasing the need for rigorous quality control to sustain and enhance the industry’s reputation.
“We have seen international growth for our sea moss products, and it is important that we at all times adhere to the highest international standards,” Sunita Daniel, CEO of Export Saint Lucia, said.
Currently, anyone can export sea moss from Saint Lucia, a situation that Export Saint Lucia seeks to rectify with the new certification requirement.
The sea moss export certificate, available only through Export Saint Lucia, will involve the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, along with phytosanitary conditions and certifications.
To qualify for the certificate, sea moss farmers must meet several criteria including:
1. Proper Drying and Curing Facilities: Farmers must have suitable drying and curing tables for sea moss.
2. Location of Cultivation: The environment where the sea moss is grown will be scrutinised.
3. Processing Facilities: The conditions under which the sea moss is processed are also critical.
Export Saint Lucia has appointed a field officer responsible for making weekly visits to sea moss farms.
The officer will assist farmers in understanding and meeting the new requirements, providing guidance and support to ensure necessary improvements are made.
Export Saint Lucia expects certification to improve the overall quality of Saint Lucian sea moss.
By instituting these measures, it aims to protect the integrity of the industry and bolster the reputation of local sea moss worldwide.
ALL THE GOVERNMENTS WANT TO DO IS CONTROL AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE TO EARN AN HONEST LIVING. ITS A WONDER WHY SO MANY MEN TURN TO CRIME. WHY HAVE YOU GOT YOUR NOSE IN EVERYTHING EVERYONE DOES. SOON THEY’LL BE TELLING US HOW MUCH AIR WE CAN BREATH AND GIVE US CURFEWS. 1984 IS COMING INTO REALITY. FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE BULLY OLIGARCHS.
And all of a sudden the government is an expert in seamoss cultivation. Lucians you all crying you all have alot more crying to do. Thanks PjP.
Why don’t we engage in meaning discussion and one of substance. Have you ever seen the process relating to hygene?
I will not go any further than that for most of the seamos farmers.
Whiles its expensive to achieve Haccp standards our local farmers can do better than this. For the least elevate the drying trays. This cannot be at ground level..
They fail to comply …so simple . Lets train and educate them.
Only as the Government see they can get some money they interested in seamoss farmers. Those guys invested their own money into their business with no govt assistance. Certificates and regulations are fine but help the farmers financially, don’t only try to take from them.
Seamoss Farmers stopped drying at ground level since 2020. We raised standards on our own. Some farmers are greedy and want to sqeeze out others. They forgot before 2020 they were begging for sales. Government wants their share, similar to bananas. Export St. Lucia spends more money advertising and flying their staff all over the world and can never meet large order requests. Exports grew in four years and will die out in less time. Grateful to God for my other sources of income but those who depend on Seamoss will suffer.
To assure quality is fine but not to push out the small business owners.
What is sea moss? Is it seaweed?