Organic farming: More support needed

As a sustainable development trend, contributing to environmental protection, bringing high added value to agricultural products, however, the development of organic agriculture in Binh Dinh is still facing many challenges. Mr. Kieu Van Cang, Head of the Department of Cultivation and Plant Protection (Department of Agriculture and Environment) discussed with Binh Dinh Newspaper reporters about the situation and solutions for developing organic agricultural production in the province.

• Sir, how is the current situation of organic agricultural production development in Binh Dinh?

- Currently, the organic agricultural production area in Binh Dinh reaches 136 hectares, with production models in many different crops.

Specifically, the organic rice area in Hoai An district is 11.7 hectares, with an output of about 90 tons per year. The organic vegetable area invested by Yuuki Farm Joint Stock Company in An Nhon town has an area of 6.6 hectares, with an output of more than 126 tons/year. In particular, regarding fruit trees, the province has 2.5 hectares of organic grapefruit in An Nghia commune (Hoai An district) with an output of about 55 tons/year. Regarding organic coconut, the total area of the province is 115.2 hectares, including 100 hectares of coconut for oil in Hoai Nhon town and 15.2 hectares of coconut in Phu Cat district.

Although this number is still modest compared to the potential, this is the first step to building a solid foundation for the development of organic agriculture in the coming time.

Growing vegetables according to organic standards at Yuuki Farm Joint Stock Company (An Nhon Town). Photo: T. LOI

• Besides the advantages, the development of organic agricultural production still has many difficulties and challenges...

- There is still much work to be done in developing organic agricultural production in the province and solutions need to be found soon.

Firstly, attracting businesses to invest in organic agricultural production is still limited, currently most production models are still small-scale, mainly maintaining existing projects. Secondly, the cost of organic agricultural production is relatively high, especially in compliance with regulations on organic standards (TCVN 11041-2:2017)...

• In the current context, in your opinion, which crops should farmers, cooperatives and businesses start developing organic production with to achieve the highest efficiency?

- Depending on the strengths of each locality, individuals, cooperatives and enterprises should focus on suitable crops with strong growth potential.

For example, crops such as rice, vegetables, grapefruit and mango are all key products of Binh Dinh province. These products not only have good development potential but are also very suitable for organic production criteria. Currently, the province also has a strong support policy in developing organic production for these crops, so businesses and farmers should focus on these areas to achieve the highest efficiency.

• Organic production is still quite new to farmers in the province, so to help them feel more confident on this path, what support policies has the province implemented, sir?

- Currently, the province has issued a number of policies to support farmers, cooperatives and businesses. For example, in the period of 2022 - 2026, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 83/2022/QD-UBND, aiming to encourage investment and development of high-tech agriculture, including organic agricultural production. These policies support varieties and production techniques, while helping farmers and businesses easily access financial resources and trade promotion.

It can be said that this is an important step, but we also realize that it is necessary to implement more support measures to promote the participation of economic sectors in organic production. Therefore, in the coming time, the Department will coordinate with localities to review and identify areas with advantages for developing organic production. At the same time, continue to support organizations and individuals in building organic production projects according to national standards.

On the other hand, replicating effective organic production models in localities is also one of the important goals. We will promote the building of links between farmers, cooperatives and enterprises to develop a sustainable and stable value chain for organic products.

• Thank you!

According to TCVN 11041-2:2017, organic production must be separated from non-organic areas, with a buffer zone to prevent pollution. The conversion period is 12 months for annual crops and 18 months for perennial crops. The facility must maintain continuous production, without switching back and forth. Use organic varieties, maintain biodiversity, soil without chemical residues and only use natural mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizers. Control pests by biological and mechanical measures...

Based on these criteria, current organic production models in the province, especially those of farmers/cooperatives, have met them. The organic product certification process is carried out through domestic and foreign certification organizations, ensuring that the products are of high quality and in accordance with international organic standards.

BENEFIT (Implementation)

Source: https://baobinhdinh.vn/viewer.aspx?macm=5&macmp=5&mabb=343645