Guidelines and requirements for organic farming production in Vietnam

General introduction to TCVN 11041-2:2017

TCVN 11041-2:2017 is part of Vietnam’s national standard for organic agriculture, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology. This standard defines requirements, recommendations, processes and technical guidelines for organic farming to ensure consistency, transparency and food safety throughout the entire organic value chain. The standard is based on international principles of organic agriculture and adapts to the climate, land and cultivation conditions in Vietnam.

Objectives of the standard

• Protecting the health of consumers through strict control of the quality of organic products.
• Conservation of the natural environment, biodiversity, ecosystems and land resources.
• Promote sustainable agricultural development, protect indigenous genetic resources and improve the value of organic agricultural products.
• Ensure transparency, traceability and consumer trust in domestic and international organic products.

Scope of application

TCVN 11041-2:2017 standard applies to organizations and individuals producing, processing and trading organic farming products in Vietnam. This standard includes food crops, vegetables, fruit trees, industrial plants, medicinal plants, etc. and can be applied to both household sizes as well as large businesses.

Fundamentals of Organic Farming

• Do not use synthetic chemicals: Prohibit or minimize chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth stimulants and chemical additives.
• Sustainable soil and water management: Implement farming practices to protect, improve and maintain soil fertility; use water resources rationally, avoid polluting water sources.
• Biodiversity: Encourage polyculture, crop rotation, and intercropping to strengthen natural ecosystems and prevent pests and diseases naturally.
• No use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs): The use of genetically modified plant varieties is prohibited in the entire organic production process.
• Control of seed sources and input materials: To prioritize the use of indigenous varieties, varieties suitable to ecological conditions, selected without chemical treatment, and not to use genetically modified varieties.
• Ensuring social security: Respecting the interests of employees, not using child labor, protecting the health of producers.
• Traceability and transparent labeling: All organic products must have a clear traceability record, fully labeled as prescribed.

Main technical requirements

• Transition to organic farming: Soil and production areas need to go through a transition period (usually 2-3 years) before being certified organic. During this time, regulations on materials, chemicals, and environmental protection must be strictly observed.
• Soil management: Increase the use of compost, green manure, rotted manure, crop rotation, soil greening, erosion reduction and soil structure protection.
• Nutrition management: Prioritize natural sources of nutrients for plants, limit chemical fertilizers to the maximum, use biological products and microorganisms.
• Pest control: Apply integrated farming methods such as crop rotation, intercropping, use of natural enemies, pheromone traps, plant extracts; minimize the use of chemical drugs.
• Weed management: Use mechanized and manual methods, cover the soil, plant cover trees instead of using chemical herbicides.
• Water management: Use clean, non-polluting water; setting up buffer zones to prevent impacts from conventional production areas; rational and economical irrigation management.
• Biodiversity conservation: Maintaining regional borders, native trees, planting windbreaks, protecting useful species.
• Environmental protection: Effectively treat agricultural waste, do not dispose of garbage indiscriminately, protect water and air sources from pollutants.

Inspection, Monitoring and Certification

• All organic cultivation activities must be recorded and kept in full records for inspection and supervision.
• Periodic or irregular inspections are carried out by independent certification bodies or state regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with the requirements of the standard.
• Only when the conditions are met, the product will be certified organic and labeled “organic” according to current regulations.

Benefits of organic farming according to TCVN 11041-2:2017

• Health-safe products: Minimize toxic chemical residues, cleaner products for consumers.
• Environmental protection: Minimizing negative impacts on soil, water, air, and biodiversity.
• Enhance economic value: Organic products often have higher commercial value and are easy to access to the international market.
• Sustainable rural development: Promote employment, preserve local knowledge, and increase community participation in clean production.

Points to note when implementing the standard

• Strict compliance in every stage of production: Any mistake can cause the product to lose its organic certification.
• Fostering knowledge: Producers need technical training, updating regulations and new trends in organic agriculture.
• Cooperation and association: Encourage cooperatives and enterprises to associate with farmers to jointly implement effective organic production.
• Information transparency: Publicizing farming information, labeling honestly, and transparently about the origin of products helps build trust for consumers.

TCVN 11041-2:2017 is an important standard contributing to the development of modern and sustainable organic agriculture in Vietnam. This standard not only protects the interests of consumers but also creates a driving force for economic development, environmental protection and promotes society towards a green, clean, safe and responsible agriculture.