Vietnam’s First ASC Clam Farm Celebrates Certification
Lenger Seafood Vietnam is a clam producer based in the Nam Dinh province in the north of the country, and following certification by independent conformity assessment body Control Union it became the first of its kind to achieve ASC certification in Vietnam.
In fact, while there are already ASC certified clam farms elsewhere, Lenger is the first anywhere in the world to achieve certification for farming this particular species of clam – known as the hard clam (Meretrix Lyrata).
Last month an event was held by the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development of Vietnam in coordination with Nam Dinh Province’s People’s Committee. A representative of Control Union Vietnam was also in attendance to present the certificate.
Vietnam is the world’s third biggest producer of ASC certified seafood by volume, but this has so far all come from shrimp and pangasius farms. Clam farms are certified against the ASC Bivalve Standard, which also covers oysters, mussels, and others. While there are currently around 260 farms around the world certified against the ASC Bivalve Standard, the majority of these are oyster and mussel farms, with just two certified clam farms prior to Lenger’s certification, both of which were for different species of clam.
While bivalves can be ideal species to farm with minimal impacts, if they are farmed irresponsibly they can still have negative social and environmental effects, which the ASC Bivalve Standard aims to minimize. In fact, a recent blog looked at why we do need to certify these fascinating creatures.
Control Union is one of the third-party bodies that carry out independent audits of farms against the ASC standards. The ASC programme is a third-party certification programme, meaning all audits and decisions around certification are carried out independently. This is widely regarded as the most robust and consistent method of certification.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) To maximize natural advantages and increase the value of local aquatic products, Ca Mau province is promoting the ecological shrimp farming model under mangrove forests. This model not only brings high profits to people thanks to businesses committing to purchasing products at prices 10-20% higher than the market price but also aims for sustainable development and environmental friendliness.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was signed after just over a year of negotiations. With high demand for premium seafood in the UAE, particularly for shrimp and tuna products, Vietnam’s tuna industry is expected to gain increased export opportunities and higher product value thanks to the preferential terms of the CEPA.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2024, seafood exports from Vietnam are estimated to exceed $1 billion, marking a 28% increase compared to the same period last year. This achievement signifies the first return to the $1 billion milestone in 27 months, since June 2022, providing a significant boost for Vietnamese seafood enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Under the theme "Dong Thap Pangasius: Green Journey - Green Value," the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2024 will take place over two days, November 16th and 17th, at Vo Nguyen Giap Square in Hong Ngu City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Kien Giang has announced a plan to stabilize the biosafety rice-shrimp production area at 117,340 hectares by 2030.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the Department of Fisheries in Ca Mau, the total aquatic product output in the region is estimated at 536,140 tons as of October 17, achieving 82.23% of the annual plan and marking a 1.74% increase compared to the same period last year. Within this total, shrimp production stands at 208,495 tons, reaching 82.41% of the planned target and showing a 2.23% increase year-over-year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports to Iraq have surged significantly in the first nine months of 2024, marking the highest levels seen in three years. This upward trend has positioned Iraq as a key market for Vietnamese pangasius, even surpassing Iran, traditionally regarded as a gateway for trade between Vietnam and the Middle East.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Bình Thuận's seafood production has maintained stability year-to-date, with favorable fishing grounds. However, the growth rate slowed slightly in the third quarter due to the impact of storms and tropical depressions in the East Sea.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius, a popular whitefish species favored in many global markets and a signature fish of Vietnam, faces stiff competition from other whitefish varieties such as cod, hake, and tilapia. However, Vietnamese pangasius has emerged as the top choice among whitefish imported by Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to market trends, starting in Q3, importers typically ramp up purchases to prepare for the holiday season and year-end festivities. U.S. consumer spending is expected to recover in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, which could positively impact the value of Vietnam's seafood exports to this market.
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