Vietnam is experiencing a shift in food trends, as rising affluence means that consumers are making more conscious choices about what they buy and eat. The key developments include healthier diets, fresher foods, safe and traceable sources, and sustainability. Against this backdrop, Rijk Zwaan Vietnam is working in partnership with Da Lat Hasfarm to improve the quality and yield of sweet pepper farmers in a sustainable manner.
Vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan cooperates closely with partners in the value chain to develop more sustainable production around the world, and Vietnam is no exception. Last March, Rijk Zwaan Vietnam organized a farmer’s meeting in Da Lat attended by 120 key farmers, dealers, chain managers, and government representatives for agriculture. One highlight during this event was a presentation about the strategic partnership between Rijk Zwaan Vietnam and Bio Pro by Da Lat Hasfarm, which is aimed at helping local farmers to achieve a high yield of high-quality sweet peppers in a sustainable manner.
Hong Tran (Product Development Specialist Rijk Zwaan) and Ms. Huong, pepper grower in Lam Dong, Vietnam.
Higher yield
This August, trials with Da Lat Hasfarm showed positive results, with improved quality and up to 20% higher yields, combined with less usage of chemical crop protection agents and lower labor costs. Ms. Huong, a sweet pepper farmer in Pre, Duc Trong, Lam Dong, was one of the growers involved in the trials: “Thanks to guidance from Bio Pro and Rijk Zwaan, we achieved outstanding results. We produced in a more sustainable manner and obtained uniform and attractive products that we were able to sell at a higher price than other growers in the area.”
Ms. Huong, a pepper grower in Lam Dong, Vietnam.
Safer and sustainable produce
Another strategic partner of Rijk Zwaan Vietnam that participated in the trials was Garden Mountain Joint Stock Company. Mr. Nguyen Duy Da, director of the company, explained that they applied the same cultivation practices with similar effects, resulting in products that are also suitable for export as well as for the processing industry. These practices have now been extended to Vienson Farms and its satellite farms in Da Lat.
As further support to growers, Rijk Zwaan Vietnam has also provided chain management services by linking them to traders and processing companies that agreed to buy their products at a high fixed price.
For more information:
Rijk Zwaan Vietnam
info@rijkzwaan.com
www.rijkzwaan.vn