(vasep.com.vn) On 12th Nov 2011
Besides, the representatives discussed about opportunities and challenges in the applying VietGAP. VietGAP includes common requirements on food safety and quality, aquatic health control, environment protection and economic-social responsibility with an aim to ensure food safety, social responsibility and traceability and reduce diseases and environmental pollution. In the short term, MARD takes priority over applying VietGAP for three key species (pangasius, black tiger shrimp and whiteleg shrimp in seed production and commercial farming. Based on practical results of VietGAP application, MARD will continue to guide the application for other high economic value species.
After a period of VietGAP application, applying VietGAP existed a lot of inadequacies, Mr. Nguyen Van Dung - Director of Ben Tre Sub-Department of Aquaculture shared. Farming facilities will have to spend more 20 - 25 percent cost if they comply with VietGAP while the price of their products are not higher. Moreover, VietGAP has not been recognised by international seafood importers.
VietGAP is established on the basis of GlobalGAP and ASC in order to promote Vietnam aquaculture activities
towards sustainable development. VietGAP is harmonized with Code of Conduct for Responsible Aquaculture (CoC) of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and current international standards like GlobalGAP, GAA, ASC. In the future, if Vietnam aquaculture strictly complies with VietGAP, the fish products can meet requirements of GlobalGAP, GAA, ASC. VietGAP can replace gradually international standards (GlobalGAP, GAA, ASC) if these organizations accepted.
When penetrating into international markets, if Vietnam shrimp and pangasius are certified by VietGAP, they can be easily certified by other international standards .