Ben Tre clam achieves MSC visa for the third time

Mr. Doan Van Danh, Director of the Ben Tre Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has announced that the clam farming, management, and exploitation industry in Ben Tre has been recognized by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as meeting MSC certification standards. This marks the third time that the province's clam management and exploitation industry has achieved this certification.

Previously, in 2009, Ben Tre clams were first certified as meeting MSC standards. In 2016, after reassessment, the Marine Stewardship Council re-certified Ben Tre's clams.

The MSC certification, awarded by the Marine Stewardship Council to "a fishing unit," acknowledges sustainable exploitation of natural seafood resources and serves as a passport, facilitating the expansion of Vietnam's clam exports to global markets.

Ben Tre province leads the nation in the development of clam aquaculture, with a potential of up to 15,000 ha. Currently, the potential development area is 7,164 ha, with annual production ranging from 25,000 to 27,000 tons. The province currently has over 2,850 ha dedicated to clam farming, including 2,248 ha for commercial clams and over 580 ha for seed clams.

There are 7 cooperatives (HTX) involved in clam exploitation: Rang Dong, Dong Tam (Binh Dai district), An Thuy, Tan Thuy, Bao Thuan (Ba Tri district), Thanh Loi, Binh Minh (Thanh Phu district), along with clam groups totalling nearly 20,000 members. This industry has created employment opportunities for thousands of workers.

The Fisheries Cooperative "Rang Dong" in Thoi Thuan commune, Binh Dai district, was established in 1997 with a clam farming area of approximately 1,500 hectares, operating in two zones: Chay Muoi sandbar and Thoi Binh area. This cooperative serves as a collective "money-maker" for over 3,000 members, benefiting more than 9,000 residents.

In 2009, the entire clam farming area of the cooperative received MSC certification, enabling its products to gain favourable access to demanding international markets. Over the years, clam farming has significantly improved the local residents' living standards, ensuring effective implementation of local social security policies. In 2023, the cooperative achieved revenues exceeding VND 50 billion, with earnings surpassing VND 20 billion in just the first five months of 2024.

Each month, the cooperative conducts two harvesting sessions lasting approximately 6-7 days each, with daily production tailored to market demand, averaging over 10 tons. Members take turns participating in clam-digging activities. On average, male workers earn around VND 600,000, while female workers earn between VND 400,000 - VND 500,000.

Mr Huynh Thanh Phuong, Team Leader of the Clam Protection Team at Rang Dong Aquaculture Cooperative, stated: "This year, despite severe saline intrusion, clams continue to thrive without mortality as in previous years. Every month, the cooperative conducts clam harvesting, providing jobs for local residents. The recertification of clams with the MSC label has brought excitement to me and many locals".

To leverage this advantage, Mr. Doan Van Danh, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ben Tre province, announced that in June 2024, there will be a conference to award MSC certification to 7 clam harvesting cooperatives. Additionally, they will introduce certified raw material areas to businesses. Long-term plans include guiding the community to sustain and develop MSC certification, establishing geographic indicators, conserving parent clam stocks, rational harvesting, and ensuring the protection of natural clam seed sources.

Ben Tre province is also promoting horizontal and vertical linkages to develop the MSC brand for Ben Tre Clams in both domestic and international markets. Furthermore, they will continue to implement research projects to ensure compliance with MSC principles and criteria, ensuring all clam harvesting areas adhere to food safety standards. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance trade promotion, expand export markets, and provide training for cooperative members.

This certification period is from May 23, 2024, to May 22, 2029, the third time Ben Tre clam management and exploitation profession has achieved this certification. Previously, in 2009, Ben Clams achieved MSC certification, which was maintained for the second time in 2016.