Even though labor might not be expensive in Vietnam and the work ethic is called very good, the specialised labor needed in horticulture and the amount of that still urges growers to opt for more automation. It is one of the opportunities that was shown during this week's HortEx show. Other topics include hydroponic & protected growing as a whole. Also knowledge development plays a big role in the Vietnamese industry.
Today was the final day for the annual three day show that welcomed a diverse range of horticultural suppliers. The Vietnamese market has been popular amongst them - it might be a market that will not offer you business directly, but that they are in for the longer term since they believe in the opportunities. Automation is a topic like that: now that some companies are slowly upscaling, it's not the lack of labour that worries them but the lack of skilled labour, resulting in consequent results of the crop, which is a necessity for export opportunities. It is not a big topic yet but the first steps are being taken.
The team with Green Agritech, Vietnamese horticultural supplier
The Souther Horticultural Research Institute works together with many companies and in various crops
Knowledge sharing
Another example of the developments in the industry is the Netherlands Vietnam Horti Business Platform, that was launched last year. Its members joined forces in order to help the Vietnamese industry and to promote and share knowledge about Dutch horticultural technologies and strategies. This week breeding company Rijk Zwaan joined the platform officially and as chairman Henk van Eijk explains, they now can share the knowledge of the complete horticultural chain from seed to supermarket, offering an even more complete story by uniting the knowledge of ca. 30 companies.
Since Rijk Zwaan opened up a venture in Vietnam in 2017 they can combine their experience from the local market with their internationally gained knowledge. "By associating with other Dutch companies we can share a more broad story, helping the Vietnamese horticulture to reach the next level", said Jean-Marie Rozec with Rijk Zwaan.
Henk van Eijk (Kenlog) & Pieter van Berchum (Gakon) with the Netherlands Vietnam Horti Business Platform and new member Jean-Marie Rozec with Rijk Zwaan.
Mirjam Boekestijn with Kenlog during the export seminar
Knowledge sharing II
Also the well-visited seminars during the HortEx show the quest for knowledge in the industry. The events covered presentations from Mirjam Boekestijn (Kenlog & the Netherlands Vietnam Horti Business Platform) on meeting quality standards while exporting, but also with a more technical view, as per Jan Hogewoning with Ridder, sharing knowledge on using feasible techniques.
The show concluded this afternoon with drinks and will be organised again next year in March. On Monday we'll provide you with a full photo report.