What is VietGAP? Process of achieving VietGAP certification for agricultural products

VietGAP is Vietnam’s good agricultural production practice standard, which was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This standard applies to three fields: cultivation, livestock, and fisheries to ensure quality, food hygiene, and safety during the production process. VietGAP certification is built on 12 core standards, creating a foundation for enhancing the value of Vietnamese agricultural products in domestic and international markets.

What is VietGAP? VietGAP’s goals and role in agricultural production

VietGAP (Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices) represents a set of regulations on good agricultural production practices in Vietnam. This set of standards is officially issued and enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. VietGAP applies synchronously to the fields of cultivation, livestock and fisheries.

VietGAP is built on the foundation of international standards such as GlobalGAP, with adjustments appropriate to production conditions in Vietnam. This standard places particular emphasis on the control of hazards in the manufacturing process, including biological, chemical and physical hazards.

In the field of cultivation, VietGAP regulates in detail the cultivation process, use of fertilizers, pesticides and post-harvest management. For livestock, this standard covers requirements for housing, feed, veterinary medicine and disease prevention. In the field of seafood, VietGAP includes regulations on farming environment, disease management and biosecurity.

Main criteria of VietGAP

VietGAP is made up of 12 core standards, each of which has a specific role in the agricultural production process. Full compliance with these standards ensures product quality and food safety.

1. Evaluate and select production areas

• Production areas must be within local planning;
• Evaluate irrigation water sources to meet microbiological and heavy metal standards;
• Analyze soil samples periodically to determine fertility and toxic substances;
• Develop a map of the production area and a system to identify each production lot.

2. Soil and substrate management

• Implement reasonable crop rotation and intercropping;
• Control soil pH and nutrients;
• Use substrate of clear origin;
• Apply measures to prevent soil erosion and degradation.

3. Seed and rootstock management

• Use varieties recognized by competent authorities;
• Maintain records on breed origin;
• Ensure uniformity of varieties;
• Rootstock quality control.

4. Management of fertilizers and additives

• Use fertilizers in the allowed list;
• Comply with dosage and time of fertilization;
• Fully record fertilizer use;
• Store fertilizers properly.

5. Irrigation water management

• Check water quality periodically;
• Build a reasonable irrigation system;
• Use irrigation water economically;
• Treat wastewater according to regulations.

6. Management of plant protection products

• Only use drugs on the permitted list;
• Comply with the quarantine period;
• Record the use of pesticides;
• Store medications safely.

7. Harvesting and post-harvest handling

• Determine the appropriate harvest time;
• Ensure hygiene during harvesting;
• Classify and package products according to standards;
• Preserve products according to regulations.

8. Waste management

• Classify waste at source;
• Dispose of waste properly according to regulations;
• Reusing organic waste;
• Environmental pollution control.

9. Worker management

• Training workers on VietGAP;
• Full labor protection equipment;
• Ensure personal hygiene conditions;
• Periodic health check-ups.

10. Recording and storing records

• Prepare a production diary;
• Maintain records of material purchases and sales;
• Record production activities;
• Preserve records within the prescribed time limit.

11. Internal check

• Establish an internal inspection team;
• Develop periodic inspection plans;
• Evaluate the implementation of VietGAP;
• Fix non-conformities.

12. Traceability of product origin

• Building a production batch code system;
• Record information from production to harvest;
• Store buyer and seller information;
• Establish product recall procedures.

Full compliance with these 12 standards will help the production unit achieve VietGAP certification, ensuring product safety and quality. Each standard has a separate role but is closely related to each other, creating a comprehensive quality management system in agricultural production.

Process of achieving VietGAP certification for agricultural products

The process of applying for VietGAP certification requires strict compliance with the implementation steps. Certification organizations must be recognized as competent by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This process ensures transparency and efficiency in assessment and certification.

Step 1: Prepare base conditions

• Determine the scope of certification application;
• Assess the current status of the production area;
• Check soil, water and environmental conditions;
• Prepare technical facilities;
• Training personnel on VietGAP.

Step 2: Build a quality management system

• Establish a quality manual;
• Building production processes;
• Create a recording form;
• Establish a traceability system;
• Training internal inspection team.

Step 3: Register for certification

• Select a certification organization;
• Submit application;
• Prepare legal documents;
• Sign a certification contract;
• Pay the assessment fee.

Step 4: Preliminary assessment

• Organize field assessments;
• Check the document system;
• Identify non-conformities;
• Prepare a preliminary assessment report;
• Propose corrective measures.

Step 5: Fix inappropriate points

• Cause analysis;
• Develop a recovery plan;
• Implement improvement measures;
• Save remedial records;
• Report implementation results.

Step 6: Formal assessment

• Comprehensive field inspection;
• Evaluate the management system;
• Take samples for testing (if necessary);
• Interview workers;
• Review records.

Step 7: Review documents and decide on certification

• Summary of assessment results;
• Technical council meeting;
• Make certification decisions;
• VietGAP certification;
• Publication of certification information.

Step 8: Maintain and monitor

• Carry out periodic internal inspections;
• Welcoming the monitoring team;
• Update production changes;
• Take corrective action;
• Renew certificate upon expiration.

Implementation time:

• Preparing conditions: 2-3 months;
• System construction: 1-2 months;
• Evaluation and certification: 1-2 months;
• Total time: 4-7 months.

Important note:

• VietGAP certificate is valid for 2 years;
• Periodic monitoring every 12 months;
• Any changes must be notified to the certification body;
• Maintain records for a minimum of 2 years;
• Perform re-evaluation 3 months before expiration.

The process of achieving VietGAP certification requires strong commitment from management and the active participation of all employees. Strict compliance with the steps will help businesses achieve certification and effectively maintain the quality management system according to VietGAP.

Benefits and challenges when applying VietGAP in agricultural production

Applying VietGAP brings many practical benefits to agricultural production enterprises. Economically, VietGAP certified products have a clear competitive advantage in the market, especially when exported.

VietGAP helps optimize production processes, minimize waste and improve resource use efficiency. The quality management system according to VietGAP also helps businesses control costs and minimize risks in production.

However, applying VietGAP also poses many challenges. Initial investment costs are high, requiring qualified human resources and time to train and coach workers.

Consulting service on VietGAP certification process for agricultural products in Long Phan

Long Phan provides comprehensive VietGAP consulting services, from initial survey and assessment to support for maintaining certification. Long Phan’s team of experts has practical experience in the field of agriculture and a deep understanding of VietGAP standards. Specifically includes the following services:

• Explain clearly about VietGAP standards, benefits and application requirements.
• Evaluate the current state of the farm or production facility to determine the level of compliance with standards.
• Advise on the necessary steps to complete the application and certification process.
• Consulting on establishing records (traceability, farming history, use of pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation water, etc).
• Propose necessary changes to meet standards, such as improving irrigation systems, environmental treatment, and storage areas.
• Support in preparing documents for certification, including: Production system description; Production, environment and labor health management plan.
• Register for inspection with VietGAP certification organization.
• Support the preparation and reception of the certification organization’s audit team.
• Fix unsatisfactory points (if any) as requested by the rating agency.

Long Phan commits to accompanying businesses throughout the certification process, ensuring work progress and efficiency. The consulting team is always ready to help answer any questions and handle problems that arise.

VietGAP certification plays a key role in sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam. Long Phan commits to accompanying customers in the process of applying for VietGAP certification, from consulting to actual implementation. For detailed advice on VietGAP certification services, please contact the hotline: 0906735386.