On November 15th, 2034, Go Cong Dong clam farming area (Tien Giang) became the 4th white clam farming area (Metrix Lyrata) in the world to be certified with ASC*, opening up prospects for commercial clam farming that is sustainable and high-quality for export.

At the ceremony, Ms. Tran Thi Be Bay, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Tien Giang province, said that ASC is a certification that has been widely trusted by the international market. Go Cong Dong district's clam farming area is certified to meet ASC standards, which is a good condition to promote brands and clam products to domestic and foreign consumers, thereby creating more favorable conditions for exporting local special products.

Before this proud milestone, clam farming in Go Cong Dong had experienced 10 years of many ups and downs, affected by climate change, epidemics, unstable prices, and increasingly high requirements of international markets. In 2018, Go Cong Dong area participated in the "Inclusive and Sustainable Clam and Bamboo Value Chain Development in Vietnam (SCBV)" project (2018 - 2023, funded by the European Union. Taking sustainable standards as the direction for production development, the Project has coordinated with localities to improve techniques for farmers to achieve international certifications, including MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) for clams.

With the support of authorities at all levels, social organizations, and the efforts of clam farmers, Go Cong Dong clam area was certified to meet ASC standards. This is an international certification for responsibly farmed seafood, minimizing negative impacts on the environment, ecosystem, and communities, and adhering to  regulations on environmental and social responsibility. These certificates are not only passports to major export markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, etc, but also help preserve sustainable clam and bamboo raw material areas, minimize impacts on environment and society.

"The farmers are thrilled because exporting abroad will be more profitable. The prices and markets are more stable," shared Mr. Bui Van Tuan, a clam farmer. It is known that the selling price at the clam yard fluctuates at 25,000 VND/kg, clam farmers can achieve profits of over 50%.

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Mr. Luong Dinh Lan, Senior Manager of the Secured Livelihoods and Resilient Communities Program, Oxfam in Vietnam stating at the ceremony

Mr. Luong Dinh Lan, Senior Manager of the Secured Livelihoods and Resilient Communities Program, Oxfam in Vietnam, emphasized: “ASC certification is a worthy achievement for multi-party collaborative efforts from local authorities, clam farmers, businesses and technical units contributing to the sustainable and comprehensive development of the clams value chain in Go Cong Dong, Tien Giang in particular and Vietnamese clams in general. ASC certification and signing of cooperation agreements between clam farmers and businesses with certification from local authorities not only aim to increase the income of clam farmers but more importantly, promote a value chain based on the fairness, benefits and risks shared between parties. Thereby, create motivation for clam farmers to promote their role as protagonists of sustainable production practices, conserve natural resources and create social benefits for the community."

Ms. Luu Thi Hong Anh, Vice Chairwoman of Go Cong Dong District People's Committee, said that ASC certification was only the first step. “To continue developing Go Cong Dong clams, in the near future we will strengthen communication work to raise awareness of the benefits of adhering to ASC. Thereby, we can expand and bring clams from the entire Go Cong Dong area to fully meet the standards, aiming to export to demanding markets in the world such as Europe."

Go Cong Dong clam farming area achieving ASC certification opens up prospects for commercial clam farming that is sustainable and high-quality for export. This is also a model that needs to be replicated to create sustainable livelihoods for people in coastal areas.

Go Cong Dong is one of many clam farming areas participating in the "Inclusive and Sustainable Clam and Bamboo Value Chain Development in Vietnam (SCBV)" project (2018 - 2023, funded by the European Union. The Clam Value Chain component is implemented by Oxfam in Vietnam, the International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture & Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).