Chairman of Hung Nhon Group shares livestock farming experience according to international standards

Pioneer in the field of high-tech agriculture

On October 14, in Hanoi, the Central Vietnam Farmers' Association coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to organize the 9^th National Farmers' Forum in 2024, with the theme "Chairman of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development listens to farmers."

At this forum, Mr. Vu Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association (VIDA), Head of the Connection Committee of the Eurocham Agriculture Subcommittee, and Chairman of Hung Nhon Group, represented agricultural businesses to share about the current state of agriculture as well as investment experience in the agricultural sector, especially applying high technology to livestock farming models according to international standards.

Chairman of Hung Nhon Group Vu Manh Hung assessed: "Agriculture is the most important economic sector, with the direct and strongest influence on the country's stability and development, bringing large foreign exchange revenue and contributing to enhancing Vietnam's position and reputation. However, in recent times, our agricultural sector has faced many problems in the development process."

According to Mr. Hung, basically, our country's agriculture is still extensive agriculture, managed in the form of small farmers, so risks are high and efficiency is low, and the added value of agricultural products is even lower. The processing and deep processing industries of agricultural products have not yet developed; most of them are small-scale, with outdated technology. Many policies to attract resources to agriculture are not effective. Besides, the agricultural sector has not been closely linked with the industrial sector into a system to complement and support each other for mutual development.

Mr. Hung frankly said: "2024 can be said to be an unforgettable year when we are witnessing unprecedented challenges. From unusual weather phenomena to global geopolitical tensions and economic recession, all are having a very negative impact on the production and business activities of businesses, especially agricultural businesses.".

However, this is also the time when entrepreneurs show their dynamism, bravery, and determination to transform their models to suit the new situation. Mr. Hung cited the transformation of Hung Nhon Group, a pioneering business in the field of high-tech agriculture.

"After failing with the small-scale livestock farming model, we decided to 'shake hands' with partners who are the world's top 10 agricultural corporations, such as De Heus (the Netherlands) and Belga (Belgium). From this cooperation, Hung Nhon has quickly affirmed its position as one of the leading agricultural corporations with a series of Global GAP international standard certificates, including 349 criteria," said Mr. Hung.

Thanks to this bold decision, Hung Nhon became the first Vietnamese business to export chicken to the Japanese market, one of the most demanding markets today.

A long step in the green transformation trend

Mr. Hung proudly shared: "Above all, what makes me happiest is the linkage model between De Heus and Hung Nhon (DHN). DHN not only helps Vietnam's agricultural sector receive a 'fresh breeze' in the application of technology to sustainable production, production associated with consumption, and high-tech agricultural cooperative models according to Dutch experience, but it is also a highlight for the friendly relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands. In 2022, our signing of an MoU of investment cooperation in the Netherlands was witnessed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands."

According to Mr. Hung, the biggest success from the "handshake" between De Heus and Hung Nhon is the field of high-tech livestock farming according to the Dutch model, such as the DHN high-tech agriculture complex project in Dak Lak and Gia Lai. Among them, the key project is the DHN Tay Ninh High-Tech Agriculture Complex. With a commitment to invest in the 2023-2030 period, DHN has agreed to invest in 12 high-tech agriculture projects in Tay Ninh with a total investment of nearly VND 10,000 billion.

Currently, phase 1 with the high-tech livestock production area project worth VND 200 billion has been completed and put into operation from the second quarter. In phase 2 (2025–2030), DHN plans to invest in six high-tech livestock production projects at the same time. The total investment in these projects is more than VND 3,200 billion.

Particularly, DHN is surveying to continue implementing four more projects in the 2030–2035 period, including a feed production factory and a livestock farm for exports to the Halal market. The total revenue of these projects is estimated to reach over VND 4,000 billion/year.

The highlight of DHN projects is the use of technology in a sustainable way. "DHN's projects all apply modern technology and closed processes according to international standards ISO and Global GAP. Especially, all projects use grid-connected solar power systems, using 30% clean electricity, thereby reducing a large amount of CO2 emissions compared to using traditional power sources," Mr. Hung proudly said.

Not stopping at these successes, Hung Nhon Group also takes a long step in the green transformation trend. It is the "farm to table" model. This can be considered a solution to change all long-standing fragmented production models in the value chain and incoherence in the agricultural product market.

This trend is especially necessary in the livestock industry because it requires synchronization from seeds, animal feed production, farming, processing, and food supply.

The chairman of Hung Nhon Group said that during the implementation of a series of projects, the Group has received a lot of support from government leaders and local departments and branches, especially in projects at DHN Gia Lai and DHN Tay Ninh.

"Despite facing some challenges related to the clearance and compensation process, especially when having to adapt to the new regulations of the Land Law 2024, effective from August 1. These are big changes that force us to improve leadership capacity and innovate information systems to manage and monitor projects accurately and promptly," Mr. Hung analyzed.

Mr. Hung affirmed: "Thanks to the strong support and commitment from government leaders, departments, and branches, we believe that current difficulties will soon be resolved and projects will continue to be implemented smoothly, contributing to the local socio-economic development."

"We pledge to continue working tirelessly to achieve this goal and maintain our commitment to foreign investors in ensuring project progress is completed and operated on time," Mr. Hung emphasized.

"Even though we are facing some challenges, I always realize that investing in agriculture and rural areas is a way for entrepreneurs to contribute to realizing the aspiration of making our country a developed and prosperous country. This is also the mission of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in the current period," emphasized Chairman of Hung Nhon Group Vu Manh Hung.