The first ASC certification awarded to the shrimp-forest model

On the morning of November 21, at the Cultural, Sports, and Community Learning Center in Tan An Tay Commune, Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Enterprise Co., Ltd. organized a conference in collaboration with the People's Committee of Tan An Tay Commune. The event aimed to "Summarize the implementation of the shrimp-forest farming model and hold a ceremony for the ASC group certification announcement". 

On this occasion, the People's Committee of Tan An Tay Commune awarded certificates of merit to 2 organizations and 10 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the implementation of the ASC international standard shrimp farming project for the 2023-2025 period.

Mr. Lam Thai Xuyen, the Director of Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., shared that after 11 years of development, the company has successfully established a certified shrimp farming area that meets international standards. This area spans several communes including Vien An Dong, Vien An, Tam Giang Tay, Tan An, Rach Goc town, and Tan An Tay Commune, all located in Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province. In total, the certified farming area covers nearly 11.500 hectares, with over 2.370 participating households. The farming areas are managed under the supervision of the Dat Mui Forest Management Board, Kien Vang, and the Ngoc Hien Forestry Company.

In Tan An Tay Commune, the implementation of the ASC Group certification began in October 2023. After one year of operation, 375 households have been granted certificates, covering a total area of 1.860 hectares. This certification was first evaluated and granted by Bureau Veritas, with a validity period of 3 years, and will undergo annual assessments thereafter. According to the information available on the Bureau Veritas website, this is the first and largest ASC Group certification for the shrimp-forest model, not only in Vietnam but also globally.

In addition, the payment for environmental services and the added value reached more than 150.000 USD in 2023, with an estimated increase to over 160.000 USD in 2024.

Earlier, Minh Phu Company began the process of obtaining international certification for the shrimp-forest model in Vien An Dong Commune. Since 2013, the company has continued to maintain and expand 12 shrimp farming areas that meet international certification standards in both Ca Mau and Kien Giang provinces. Building on the success of the model in Ngoc Hien District, and following the successful implementation of shrimp-rice and industrial shrimp farming models, the company is now preparing to launch an improved extensive shrimp farming model, focusing specifically on shrimp production in the Cai Nuoc and Phu Tan districts, which are also located in Ca Mau Province.

According to many local farmers, the benefits of ASC certification are significant. It ensures that the shrimp are farmed responsibly, with a strong emphasis on minimizing negative environmental impacts, preserving ecosystems, and protecting local communities. It also ensures compliance with strict labor regulations, thus meeting the requirements of international markets that import seafood. Furthermore, the certification supports the development of a sustainable shrimp production value chain, encourages clean production practices, guarantees complete traceability of the product, and provides a platform for expanding community-based tourism. These efforts are all part of a broader strategy to increase the value of Ca Mau shrimp.

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Duy, a representative of WWF in Vietnam, emphasized that mangrove forests are one of the most important ecosystems that WWF is focused on preserving. Vietnam is home to around 155.000 hectares of mangrove forests, with Ca Mau province alone accounting for over 50.000 hectares, of which Ngoc Hien District has more than 30.000 hectares. Within these mangrove forests, the shrimp-forest model has been recognized as a sustainable livelihood model.

By participating in Minh Phu's ASC certification program, local farmers are not only able to increase their incomes but also enhance the quality and market value of their shrimp products. WWF Vietnam has high hopes that these farmers will continue to sustain and expand their operations, with plans to grow the certified shrimp-forest areas to 7.000 hectares in the near future.

Mr. Tran Phuong Dai, the Business Director of Bureau Veritas, the certifying organization, noted that this is the first ASC Group certification for the shrimp-forest model in Vietnam. The ASC certification is known for its strict international standards, which require exceptionally high levels of quality, food safety, and social responsibility within the aquaculture industry. Achieving ASC certification not only demonstrates the commitment and continuous efforts of the companies and shrimp farmers involved but also represents a significant step toward building a more sustainable.