Roses in Xuan Mai

Formerly the head of the legal department at a multinational corporation, Bui Thi Thanh Hang – "Hang the Rose" – returned to Xuan Mai (Hanoi) to build an internationally standardized organic farming model, living respectfully with the land.

Meeting her in the fragrant rose garden in Xuan Mai commune on a Hanoi autumn afternoon, I was truly impressed by the simple charm of a woman who once had a brilliant career in the bustling city. Amidst the lush greenery, she wore a dark dress, her gloves still stained with dirt, and smiled gently as she spoke of her "brainchild" - Karose Garden.

Ms. Bui Thi Thanh Hang's organic rose farm in Xuan Mai commune - where tens of thousands of ancient rose bushes are cared for according to international standards. Photo: Nhu Quynh

There, tens of thousands of ancient rose bushes are cared for daily with the perseverance, knowledge, and love of a woman who dared to choose a different way of life. “Before, I worked in an office dealing with contracts; now I work with these green shoots. But whether I’m a lawyer or a farmer, I’ve always loved the work I’ve chosen and always strive to do my best,” she said, her voice soft yet resolute.

The journey of organic standards

Having previously served as the Head of Legal Affairs for a Swedish telecommunications company, overseeing four countries in Southeast Asia, Ms. Hang left her high-paying job to return to her homeland.

Employees of Peterson Services (Netherlands) train Karose workers on international organic farming standards – a mandatory step in the USDA and EU Organic certification process. Photo: Provided by the company.

Starting from a rocky, hilly area, she established Karose - the first organic farming model in Vietnam that grows and produces cosmetics from antique roses according to international standards.

From an initial area of ​​just 12,000m², her farm has now expanded to over 40 hectares and has been certified by Control Union (Netherlands) as meeting US (USDA) and European Union (EU Organic) standards – two of the world's most stringent organic standards.

The land is isolated from chemicals for a minimum of three years; fertilizers used are organic and certified by the US OMRI; pests and diseases are controlled by natural predators and diverse vegetation. All farming processes are meticulously documented, regularly inspected, and certifications are re-evaluated annually.

Beyond just farming, Ms. Hang also focuses on building human resources and the value chain. Farm workers are trained to understand organic farming and plant care processes, producing products according to international organic standards.

Harvesting antique roses for organic cosmetic production, the flowers are hand-picked to preserve their freshness and natural fragrance. Photo: Nhu Quynh

"Organic farming is about understanding the soil, understanding the plants, following the seasons and the laws of nature," she said. This meticulousness helps each worker realize that they are not just doing agriculture, but contributing to creating Vietnamese products with global certification.

To complete the production chain, she invested in a factory that meets the requirements for cosmetic production as stipulated by the Hanoi Department of Health and the organic standards of the United States and the European Union. She installed an automated essential oil distillation, freeze-drying, and extraction line. Each batch of products has an electronic traceability code, storing all data on cultivation, harvesting, and testing.

Karose workers process and sort rose petals in a cleanroom that meets the standards for organic cosmetic production. Photo: Nhu Quynh

Thanks to its systematic approach, the Karose brand has built a reputation for consistent quality. Its products, including soaps, floral water, face masks, shampoos, and floral teas, are well-received by the market as natural gifts from nature.

The products researched and produced by Ms. Hang's company have all achieved OCOP 4-star rating from Hanoi city. The products undergo rigorous testing, have clear traceability, and have become one of the exemplary models of clean agriculture in Hanoi.

Making organic products for Vietnamese consumers.

Many people think that achieving international standards is for export, but Ms. Hang chose a different path.

"I produce organic products not to sell abroad, but so that Vietnamese people can use the best and most transparent products. When domestic consumers trust Vietnamese agricultural products, that is true success," she said.

Ms. Bui Thi Thanh Hang - "Hang the Rose," who left the city to return to Xuan Mai and build an internationally standardized organic farming model. Photo: Nhu Quynh

For her, international standards are just tools; what's more important is the belief in and the actual value of the product. It is this philosophy that has helped Karose's products gain the trust of domestic customers, spreading naturally without the need for loud advertising.

In this market economy, while many choose the shortcut, Ms. Hang chose the long road – the road of kindness. “Organic farming must be driven by love for the land, not by calculating profit per harvest,” she said with a gentle smile, her eyes full of confidence.

Now, every morning, instead of flipping through emails about contracts, Ms. Hang walks through her rose garden, observing each petal and leaf. For her, it's not just work, but a way of life: slow-paced, meticulous, and connected to the land. "A woman's happiness is being content with her choices," she says.

According to Hanoi's organic agriculture development plan for the period 2020-2030, by 2030, the area of ​​organic production will account for approximately 2.5-3% of the total agricultural land. In this context, women like Bui Thi Thanh Hang are shining examples – they bring knowledge, discipline, and kindness to create new value for the capital's agriculture.

Amidst the fragrant rose garden of Xuan Mai, Ms. Hang chooses to live a slow-paced, persistent, and kind life – reflecting the philosophy she pursues. Photo: Nhu Quynh

Amidst the complexities of truth and falsehood in today's life, there are those who still choose to live kindly with the land, nature, and the community. And it is they, through their quiet efforts, who are making Hanoi cleaner and more trustworthy. On that piece of land in Xuan Mai, amidst the fragrance of roses spreading in the early morning sun, that choice is blossoming – just like her, an organic rose in the Hanoi landscape.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/bong-hong-tren-dat-xuan-mai-720049.html