“The 8th Asian Organic Conference”: A bridge to promote the development of organic agriculture in Vietnam

From September 17 to 19, the 8th Organic Asia Congress (OAC) took place in Ninh Binh province with the participation of about 550 delegates, including international guests from 33 countries and territories. This is the first time Vietnam has hosted an important international event on organic agriculture .

Chairman of the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association Ha Phuc Mich delivered the opening speech at the Asian Organic Conference on September 17.

The conference was organized by the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association in collaboration with the Asian Organic Federation (IFOAM Asia), bringing together policy makers, experts, scientists , businesses and agricultural development organizations. With the theme "Organic “For a better future”, the conference is a forum for exchanging experiences, updating knowledge, promoting cooperation and trade of organic products in the region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Tran Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee, affirmed: The conference being held on the historic land of Hoa Lu ancient capital is a great honor for the province. This is an opportunity for Ninh Binh to promote its image, exchange, learn and together build a green, clean and sustainable future. According to Mr. Dung, climate change is directly threatening food security and public health, so organic agriculture is not only a trend but also a strategic solution for sustainable development.

Mr. Tran Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee affirmed: The conference being held on the historic land of Hoa Lu ancient capital is a great honor for Ninh Binh province.

Mr. Tran Anh Dung said that in recent years, Ninh Binh agriculture has made a strong shift to agriculture organic, ecological and multi-value. By the end of 2024, the whole province will have 26 hectares of precious medicinal plants certified organic, more than 5,000 hectares of rice and 700 hectares of vegetables produced in an organic direction; 1,689 hectares of clams will have achieved ASC international certification. The models of "Tam Coc Golden Rice Field", "Hang Mua Lotus Pond" or Cuc Phuong golden tea growing areas will not only provide organic products but also become tourist destinations, contributing to Ninh Binh welcoming 31.7 million visitors in the period 2020-2025.

To continue developing, Ninh Binh province has identified five key groups of solutions: expanding organic production areas; linking agriculture with experiential tourism; building brands and expanding markets; attracting high-tech investment and digital transformation; and strengthening international cooperation.

“We hope to receive support and cooperation from countries, organizations and businesses around the world to share experiences, technology and innovative solutions,” Mr. Dung emphasized.

The 8th Organic Asia Congress (OAC) took place from September 17 to September 19 with the participation of about 550 delegates, including international guests from 33 countries and territories.

On behalf of the leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien sent a congratulatory letter, affirming that over the past 14 years, the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association has become a "bridge" between international organic organizations and the development of organic agriculture in the country, contributing to bringing Vietnam step by step to reach a production level equal to that of many advanced countries.

Discussion sessions within the framework of the conference focused on three groups of topics: policy, market and organic practice, revolving around experiences in building incentive mechanisms, expanding markets, ensuring transparency in supply chains, as well as disseminating best practices in production, from crops, livestock, aquaculture to soil, water and biodiversity conservation.

Chairman of the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association Ha Phuc Mich affirmed: Developing organic agriculture is an inevitable trend, in line with the Party and State's orientation on green, clean and sustainable agriculture. Hosting the 8th Asian Organic Conference will be an important opportunity for Vietnam to learn, cooperate and improve its position on the regional and world organic agriculture map.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/hoi-nghi-huu-co-chau-a-lan-thu-8-cau-noi-thuc-day-phat-trien-nong-nghiep-huu-co-viet-nam-5059225.html