Shrimp from the shrimp-rice farming area of ​​Dong Hoa commune, An Giang province, have achieved international ASC standards.

A shrimp-rice farming area spanning over 817.7 hectares in Dong Hoa commune (An Giang province) has officially received the ASC international certification. This is the first shrimp farming model in the province to achieve this prestigious certification, marking a historic transformation for farmers from traditional production thinking to value chain linkages and sustainable development.

On May 21st, the People's Committee of Dong Hoa commune, An Giang province, solemnly held a ceremony to announce and award ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification for shrimp farming in the area. The event was attended and congratulated by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of An Giang province.

Representatives from the Dong Hoa Commune People's Committee and Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Company Limited, on behalf of 254 shrimp farming households, received the ASC international certification from representatives of the Control Union organization. Photo: HC

This strategic project, launched in 2023, is being implemented jointly by Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Company Limited, the People's Committee of Dong Hoa commune (formerly Dong Thanh commune in the old Kien Giang province), and shrimp-rice cooperatives in five hamlets: Thanh An, Thanh Phu, Thanh Hoa, Thanh Phong, and Thanh Tay A.

After more than two years of persistent efforts to overcome difficulties, the 817.7-hectare farming area involving 254 households officially received ASC certification from Control Union Vietnam on January 10, 2025, with a validity period of 3 years.

In particular, at the beginning of 2026, through a rigorous periodic monitoring assessment, the entire area and the number of households involved continued to excellently maintain these responsible shrimp farming practice standards.

Representatives from the Dong Hoa Commune People's Committee and Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Company Limited signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a shrimp farming area that meets international standards. Photo: HC

To achieve ASC certification – one of the most stringent international standards for sustainable aquaculture – 254 households in Dong Hoa commune underwent a complete transformation.

According to local assessments, after participating in the model, the awareness and production mindset of the people have changed significantly. People have proactively shifted from extensive farming according to old practices to environmentally friendly production, minimizing the use of chemicals and saying no to antibiotics.

Throughout the implementation process, the people received systematic training and technical guidance from the commune's economic and technical team, project staff, and input supply partners. They have become proficient in keeping production logs, strictly controlling input factors such as quality breeding stock and biological products, and rigorously implementing product traceability procedures.

The shift in mindset has yielded significant economic benefits. Shrimp productivity in the Dong Hoa farming area has increased from 250-300 kg/ha/season to approximately 350-450 kg/ha/season. In addition to the significant increase in productivity, farmers participating in the model also receive financial support of 1 million VND/ha/year, along with all costs for maintaining international certification.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong, Standing Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of An Giang province (far right), presents flowers to the units that partnered with the shrimp project to achieve international ASC certification. Photo: HC

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Quach Van Toan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of An Giang province, affirmed that this is the first shrimp farming model in the province to achieve ASC certification. This result demonstrates that shrimp farmers have gradually changed their mindset: from production based on experience to production based on market standards; from small-scale farming to chain linkages; from chasing quantity to focusing on quality, efficiency, and sustainable development.

"This model affirms the effectiveness of close cooperation between local authorities, businesses, and the people in developing the fisheries sector," Mr. Toan emphasized.

Looking ahead, the Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of An Giang province stated that An Giang will continue to expand organic and ecological shrimp farming areas that meet international standards such as ASC and GlobalGAP. The province will strengthen linkages from production and processing to consumption, while focusing on building the An Giang shrimp brand based on quality, responsibility, and high competitiveness in the international market.

Shrimp from the shrimp-rice farming area of ​​Dong Hoa commune, An Giang province, that meet the international ASC standard are displayed at the ceremony. Photo: HC

To achieve this goal, the provincial agricultural sector requests that localities, businesses, and shrimp farmers focus on expanding standardized farming areas; strengthening environmental management and disease prevention; promoting production through value chains; applying science and technology, digital transformation, and building a sustainable, green shrimp brand.

Mr. Toan affirmed that the results achieved today are an encouraging start, but much work remains to be done to maintain and enhance the local brand. The Department of Agriculture and Environment of An Giang province is committed to continuing to accompany and support people and businesses in developing the shrimp industry in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Source: https://danviet.vn/con-tom-vung-tom-lua-xa-dong-hoa-tinh-an-giang-dat-chuan-quoc-te-asc-d1428490.html