Hà Nội has increased investments to establish planting area codes for essential crops like longans, grapefruits, and bananas, facilitating official agricultural exports and benefiting local farmers economically. The planting area codes act as a 'passport' for Hà Nội's agricultural products to compete domestically and internationally. Trần Văn Bảy, a Hoài Đức District farmer, shared that his late-ripening longans were primarily informally exported to China before obtaining a planting area code. The code enabled access to markets like the US and Australia. Trương Văn Thường, Director of Thắng Lợi Safe Vegetable Production and Supply Cooperative, mentioned that receiving a planting area code and VietGAP certification for its bananas has streamlined sales and increased local produce value, with annual exports to China averaging 600 to 800 tonnes.
Nguyễn Thị Thu Hằng, Head of the Hà Nội Sub-Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development, stated that Hà Nội has supported localities in managing planting area codes and packaging facilities, enhancing agricultural export competitiveness. Currently, 16 export and 133 domestic planting area codes have been issued, leading to a 58.5 per cent increase in agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports in the first half of 2024, exceeding US$1.2 billion. Key exports include cinnamon, star anise, spices, green tea, vegetables, fruits, rice, shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, pepper, and cassava starch.
The introduction of planting area codes has encouraged farmers towards safe and sustainable farming practices, fostering a professional and sustainable agricultural industry. Đào Thị Lương, Director of Tâm Anh Safe Vegetable, Fruit and Ecotourism Cooperative, emphasized the importance of adhering to strict production processes and quality control measures. Phùng Thị Thu Hương, CEO of Green Path Vietnam, highlighted the necessity of complying with VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards and the varied requirements of different markets for planting area codes. Nguyễn Đình Hoa, Deputy Director of Hà Nội's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, mentioned the city's potential for exporting fruits, flowers, and ornamental plants, emphasizing the importance of meeting quality standards and complying with food safety regulations for accessing foreign markets.
Source: Viet Nam News