(vasep.com.vn) In the first month of 2013, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) recognized five more Vietnamese pangasius companies for their sustainable fish farming operations. There were Godaco Seafood Joint Stock Company, Docifish Corporation, To Chau Joint Stock Company, Hung Ca Company Limited, NTSF Seafoods Joint Stock Company.
The fish growers were granted ASC certificates by Bureau Veritas Certification Vietnam at the technical workshop titled “Seven main factors of ASC.PAD standard and Hand-over certificate ceremony” in January 29th 2013 in Can Tho city.
Over the past 20 years, Vietnamese pangasius production has been multiplied by 50 times and the fish industry recorded a miracle development that has not been seen in any food sector in the world. However, massive growth also posed concerns relating to the industry stakeholders’ responsibility on the environment, the society and food safety.
According Bureau Veritas Certification Vietnam, ASC certification is the key to handle the above issues because it can help fish retailers, restaurant and operators in food services to ensure that products that they consume come from responsible producers.
Vietnam pangasius industry are out of booming time and has been grappling with many challenges and difficulties. Therefore, it is necessary to find new way to the sustainable development. In short term, the industry need to reduce fish production and take measures to improve the quality and value of pangasius products.
There are 13 pangasius companies achieving ASC certification for responsibly farmed fish. In which, 8 companies were accredited by Control Union Peru SAC and Institute for Marketecology in the end of 2012. Among 13 ASC-certified farms, there are 5 units in Dong Thap province, 4 in Tien Giang province, 2 in An Giang province and 2 in Can Tho city.
Other five pangasius farms are in ASC assessment process, including Tan Thuan Dong Farm of Vinh Hoan Corporation, Thanh Binh Farm of Cuu Long Pangasius Corporation, Con Ban Farm of Hung Vuong Corporation, Farm No.1 – My Hoa Hung of Nam Viet Corporation, Con Linh A Farm of Godaco Seafood Joint Stock Company. The ASC farm audits are planned to be completed in February 2013.