JICA helps Vietnam build supply chains of safe farm produce

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Hanoi investment, trade, and tourism promotion agency on December 25 held a seminar to boost ties among producers, distributors and consumers in agriculture.

The function heard that JICA is running a project to enhance trust in safe cultivation practice in north Vietnam between 2016 and 2021.

The project, coordinated by the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to improve agencies’ capacity in monitoring and managing safe plantations, building models following good agricultural practices (GAP) and raising public awareness on the production and consumption of safe produce.

Mamiya Chiyo, a market expert and head of the project’s advisory group, stressed the importance of buyers in the supply chain. They should be able to inspect producers’ practices and capacity, and know the requirements and conditions of both producers and consumers, thus helping supply meet demand and boost product quality, she added.

The project has so far examined the production and distribution of vegetable cultivation in some areas following VietGAP and GAP standards, trained managers and members of cooperatives in safe packaging, and supported their market access and product distribution. Through the work, links have been established between some cooperatives and the VinEco Agricultural Investment, Development and Productions LLC.

Chiyo said becoming a good buyer can lead to a successful business, as the buyer promotes safe production and builds up trust in consumers.

Source : Vietnamplus