Pesticide residues in agricultural products of Vietnam remains a problem that hinders us from accessing high-value markets. This also reduces the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market, causing resources waste and direct financial losses to producers.

According to Oxfam's survey, most businesses and production households are hesitant to learn and apply international food safety standards, unless it is a direct request from customers. Standards are also constantly updated, leaving businesses in a passive position if they are unsure about market information.

Faced with that situation, Ms. Hoang Le Trang, SFV-Export Project Manager, Oxfam in Vietnam, suggested some solutions to this problem. First, businesses need to be more proactive in learning about market requirements and widely accepted international standards. Second, the establishment of close  linkages between producers - businesses on the principle of equity and transparency is a prerequisite in ensuring the compliance of producers and the quality of agricultural products. In addition, businesses and production households need to prepare financial and human resources to perfect the production and processing system adhering to international standards.

TĂNG CƯỜNG THỰC HÀNH BỀN VỮNG TRONG NÔNG NGHIỆP

Ms. Hoang Le Trang suggests solutions to improve product quality in agriculture

For high-quality markets, food safety is a mandatory condition. More demanding markets such as the EU, consumers, and distributors will prioritize products manufactured and processed adhering to international standards. (For example, a set of food safety standards are recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and are widely popular in major markets such as Europe and the US). Therefore, compliance with international certifications will help Vietnamese agricultural products meet the requirements of the importing country and also serve as means to win customers and expand markets.

To help businesses and households increase the ability to export agricultural products to stringent markets, Oxfam in Vietnam has supported quality management followinginternational standards for food safety (e.g: BRC, IFS). Specifically, the project worked with experts to guide businesses to perfect production infrastructure, policy processes to meet the requirements of the set of standards. In addition, the project strengthens production and business capacity, and chain management to tighten linkages with  producers (e.g: farmers, cooperatives). The linkage model is built on principles of equitable benefit sharing and towards adopting standards and sustainable agricultural practices. Oxfam also supports matchmaking, promoting Vietnamese products to potential markets, including the European market through direct and online networking platforms.

Under the support of Oxfam, a number of businesses in the field of spices and vegetables are expected to receive BRC, and Fairtrade certificates in the near future. These activities are under the project "Enhancing the Export Competitiveness of Vietnamese Small and Medium Enterprises in Spice, Fruit and Vegetable Sub-Sectors" (SFV-Export). funded by the European Union, and implemented by Oxfam in Vietnam and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry – VCCI.

Watch the full reportage on VTV1 news (at 21’): https://vtv.vn/video/thoi-su-19h-vtv1-22-8-2023-636555.htm