Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Company Limited, in collaboration with local authorities, held a conference to spotlight the progress of the shrimp-forest farming model in Vietnam. The event, hosted in Tan An Tay commune, Ngoc Hien district, Ca Mau province, marked the formal announcement of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)-certified shrimp-forest project. This initiative represents a significant step forward for Vietnam’s sustainable aquaculture industry.

The journey to ASC Group certification

Since October 2023, Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Company Limited has spearheaded efforts to implement ASC Group certification—a group-oriented version of the internationally recognized ASC standard. After more than a year of rigorous preparation and execution, the project has achieved certification across a sprawling 1,860-hectare area, encompassing 375 households. Certification, issued by Bureau Veritas, remains valid for three years and includes annual inspections to ensure compliance.

The recognition, as recorded on the ASC organization’s website, underscores its significance: this is not only the first such certification for Vietnam’s mangrove shrimp farming model but also the largest of its kind globally. The achievement reflects Vietnam’s potential to lead in sustainable shrimp farming practices, integrating environmental preservation with economic development.

Adding value to shrimp and forests

At the conference, Lam Thai Xuyen, Director of Minh Phu Certified Shrimp Social Company Limited, emphasized the critical role of certification in elevating the value of both shrimp and mangrove forests. By enhancing the marketability of shrimp products, the initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of local communities. “Certification is a very important premise to help people increase the value of shrimp and forest, gradually improving their lives,” Mr. Xuyen stated.