Introducing European standard organic agricultural products to Vietnamese consumers

European consumers in particular and around the world in general are increasingly prioritizing products from organic farms or certified organic standards.

Giới thiệu nông sản hữu cơ chuẩn châu Âu đến người tiêu dùng Việt Nam

Mr. Marco Schlueter, Head of Strategy and International Relations of Naturland shared at the Workshop. (Photo: Anhui)

On the afternoon of October 27, in Hanoi, the German Organic Farmers Association in Vietnam (Naturland) organized a workshop on “How to improve the food quality system? Benefits of applying the organic standards of the European Union (EU) and Naturland to our food”.

The workshop brings useful information about European organic agricultural products to Vietnamese consumers as well as agricultural businesses.

Sharing at the Workshop, Mr. Marco Schlueter, Head of Strategy and International Relations of Naturland said that European consumers in particular and the world in general are increasingly prioritizing products from organic farms or certified to meet organic standards.

"Naturland is one of the pioneering farmers' associations in the world applying sustainable organic agriculture systems. Naturland farms not only comply with EU standards on eliminating chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides, but also social standards, including: respecting nature and the environment, protecting animal rights," Mr. Marco Schlueter emphasized.

To illustrate, Mr. Marco Schlueter said, for example, of the total 330 additives used under the EU Food Law, only 47 are allowed in organic food. And Naturland only allows 22.

“This is one of the ways that Naturland’s standards have become prestigious in the world, and are popular in many demanding markets in Europe such as Germany and Austria. Naturland has an extremely prestigious set of standards in the world, and is popular in many European countries such as Germany and Austria. These are all markets with many strict regulations on quality and sustainability,” said Mr. Marco Schlueter.

According to Naturland, a certified organic farm must adhere to certain standards, such as not using synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Farmers are encouraged to practice methods that prevent or minimize insect pests and weed problems by rotating crops.

Organic farmers often make their own compost from by-products or leftovers from previous crops. Farmers only use antibiotics when phytotherapeutics are used; physical or biological preservation methods are preferred over chemical methods... The EU ensures that all products labeled EU organic contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

Naturland representatives also encourage consumers to choose organic products for good health and a healthy life. (Source: VNE)

All Naturland farms and processors operate according to EU organic standards and Naturland standards for the production of premium foods, such as: apples, cabbage, turkey, salmon, olive oil, sunflower oil, coffee, milk, nuts, cereals, baking ingredients...

At Naturland farm, the number of animals is limited by area according to organic farming standards and is guaranteed to have access to the outdoors, enjoy welfare and create conditions as close to nature as possible to stay healthy and not depend on drugs.

Therefore, applying EU and Naturland organic standards to food brings many benefits. For the domestic market, the application will help Vietnam improve the food quality system, providing consumers with safe and delicious agricultural products.

Mr. Marco Schlueter noted that for organic products “Made in Vietnam” that want to conquer demanding foreign markets, certification from Naturland plays a role as a necessary and sufficient condition in addition to certification from the European Union (EU).

Naturland representatives also encourage consumers to choose organic products, not only for their own benefits but also to support farmers in the sustainable agricultural system.

With 125,000 farmers in 60 countries, Naturland is proud to be the world's largest international organic association. In Germany, the association is known as one of the largest organic associations, with a history of over 40 years.

The association currently has 600,000 hectares worldwide, with products including vegetables, food crops, cereals, meat, fish, honey, wine, etc.

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