ORGANIC CERTIFICATION – THE FUTURE TREND OF VIETNAM AGRICULTURE

Organic standards, also known as Organic Certification, are a set of specific principles for the agricultural sector and related products concerning organic farming methods.

Organic food comprises food items grown through organic farming practices. This method of cultivation prohibits the use of chemical fertilizers, harmful plant protection chemicals, and growth enhancers.

Organic certification is a verification granted to products to affirm their organic nature depending on the percentage of organic components in a product as per regulations, corresponding certifications will be issued.

I. Subjects of application of Organic Standards

Currently in Vietnam, in 2017, the Ministry of Science and Technology published 04 Vietnamese Standards (TCVN) for organic agriculture, including:

• TCVN 11041-1:2017: Organic Agriculture – Part 1: General requirements for production, processing, and labeling of organic agricultural products.
• TCVN 11041-2:2017: Organic Agriculture – Part 2: Organic Crop Production.
• TCVN 11041-3:2017: Organic Agriculture – Part 3: Organic Livestock Production.
• TCVN 12134:2017: Requirements for Organic Agricultural Product Certification Organizations.

In 2018, the Ministry of Science and Technology continued to publish 04 TCVN for certain specific organic agricultural products:

• TCVN 11041-5:2018: Organic Rice.
• TCVN 11041-6:2018: Organic Tea.
• TCVN 11041-7:2018: Organic Milk.
• TCVN 11041-8:2018: Organic Shrimp

II. Organic certification service of Vinacontrol HCMC

1. Organic Crop Products:

General requirements for production, processing, and labeling of organic agricultural products (Part 1: TCVN 11041-1:2017).

Organic Crop Production (Part 2: TCVN 11041-2:2017).

2. Organic Livestock Production: Part 3: TCVN 11041-3:2017.

3. Organic Rice: Part 5: TCVN 11041-5:2018.

4. Organic Tea: Part 6: TCVN 11041-6:2018.

5. Organic Milk: Part 7: TCVN 11041-7:2018.

6. Organic Shrimp: Part 8: TCVN 11041-8:2018.

III. Organic certification process at Vinacontrol HCMC

Step 1: Organic certification registration.

Step 2: Certification contract.

Step 3: On-site evaluation + sampling.

Step 4: Requirement and implementation of necessary actions.

Step 5: Evaluation dossier review.

Step 6: Issuance of organic certification.

Step 7: Regular monitoring

Validity of organic certificate:

• According to Decree No. 109/2018/NĐ-CP on organic agriculture, the validity of an organic certification will be a maximum of 03 years from the date of issuance.
• Annually, at least 12 months, Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City conducts one monitoring assessment.

IV. Benefits for businesses upon achieving Organic Certification

For production, processing, and export units:

• A testament to sustainable agricultural production: Organic certification provides evidence of a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
• Use of organic label: Certified units can use the organic label on their products, which affirms the product’s quality, enhances its market position, competitive ability, consumer trust, and builds partnerships.
• Advertising and promotion opportunities: Organic certification opens doors to advertising and promoting products to consumers and accessing large supermarket chains and stores nationwide at competitive prices.
• Environmental and human health protection: Organic production eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, contributing to environmental protection and human health.
• Reducing risk and costs: By complying with organic standards, businesses minimize the risk of product recalls and compensations to consumers, reduce recycling costs, and lessen the burden of inspections and checks from government agencies, thus limiting complaints and disputes related to product quality.

For consumers:

• Organic food is not just a trend but also a choice to return to a natural and pure way of life, ensuring the utmost safety.
• It fosters a generation of informed consumers and enhances credibility with customers through the organic certification label printed on products.

For society:

• Organic cultivation is a prevailing trend as the demand for safe and healthy food is increasing.
• It contributes to promoting the local economy, as organic agricultural products are often prioritized for exchange.

V. Your Choice – Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City

Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City is legally authorized to provide certification services.

• Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City has been granted Decision No. 145/QĐ-CN-TTPC by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in accordance with Decree No. 107/2016/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 109/2018/NĐ-CP.
• The organic agriculture certification issued by Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City holds legal validity and is recognized when businesses go through quality declaration procedures and state inspections.

With Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City, service quality is always a top priority. Our commitment to quality is guaranteed through:

• Reputable brand with over 65 years of establishment and development in inspection, testing, and certification fields.
• Laboratory registered according to Decree No. 107/2016/NĐ-CP, equipped with modern facilities and VILAS standard-compliant testing methods, providing fast and accurate analytical results with high legal validity.
• Dedicated and professional team of experts with an extensive network ready to advise and support customers.
• Competitive and flexible cost structure along with a streamlined process.
• A network of 28 member units and 7 laboratories distributed nationwide, ensuring timely response to arising demands.
• International cooperation with more than 30 partners and quality alliances.