Announcement and awarding of certificates for shrimp from Dong Hoa commune meeting international ASC standards.

On the morning of May 21st, the People's Committee of Dong Hoa commune (An Giang province) held a ceremony to announce and award ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification for shrimp farming in the commune, covering an area of ​​817.7 hectares and involving 254 households. Attending the ceremony was 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 Control Union organization presented the ASC international certification to 254 shrimp farming households in Dong Hoa commune. Representatives from the Dong Hoa Commune People's Committee and Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Company Limited received the certification on behalf of the households.

The project, launched in 2023, is being implemented by Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Company Limited in collaboration with the People's Committee of Dong Thanh commune (now Dong Hoa commune) and shrimp-rice cooperatives in five hamlets: Thanh An, Thanh Phu, Thanh Hoa, Thanh Phong, and Thanh Tay A.

During the implementation process, local people received training and instruction on shrimp farming techniques according to international standards, guidance on keeping production logs, controlling inputs such as broodstock and biological products, and implementing product traceability. After several internal and independent external assessments according to responsible aquaculture standards, on January 10, 2025, the farming area officially received ASC certification, valid for 3 years and subject to annual inspections by Control Union Vietnam.

According to local sources, after participating in the model, people's awareness and production mindset have undergone significant changes, shifting from traditional extensive farming to environmentally friendly production, limiting the use of chemicals and antibiotics.

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.

Thanks to regular training provided by the commune's economic and technical team, project staff, and input supply partners, shrimp productivity increased from 250-300 kg/ha/season to approximately 350-450 kg/ha/season. In addition, farmers received support of 1 million VND/ha/year along with all costs for maintaining international certification. In early 2026, following a periodic monitoring assessment, 817.7 hectares belonging to 254 households continued to maintain good shrimp farming practices that met ASC standards.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of An Giang province, Quach Van Toan, said that this is the first shrimp farming model in the province to achieve ASC certification, with the participation of 254 households in Dong Hoa commune. This result shows that shrimp farmers have gradually changed their mindset, shifting from production based on experience to production according to market standards; from small-scale farming to chain linkages; from chasing quantity to focusing on quality, efficiency, and sustainable development.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of An Giang province, Nguyen Thanh Phong (far right), presents flowers to express gratitude to the units that have partnered with the shrimp project to achieve international ASC certification.

According to Mr. Quach Van Toan, the model affirms the effectiveness of the linkage between local authorities, businesses, and people in developing the shrimp industry. In the coming time, An Giang province will continue to expand the area of ​​organic and ecological shrimp farming that meets international standards such as ASC and GlobalGAP; strengthen linkages from production and processing to consumption, and at the same time build the An Giang shrimp brand in the direction of quality, responsibility, and competitiveness in the international market.

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

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

Text and photos: DANG LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cong-bo-va-trao-chung-nhan-tom-xa-dong-hoa-dat-chuan-quoc-te-asc-a486290.html