The consequences of misusing chemicals in agriculture have revealed many inadequacies such as: the soil has degraded, pests and diseases have evolved to adapt and affect human health. In this context, organic farming follows a natural ecosystem. Consuming organic food is good for health, good for the environment and good for society too.

First of all, it is important to understand why certain foods are classified as “organic”. This is a term used to refer to the manufacturing process of certain foods. Organic foods are grown without the use of artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified organisms.

Organic plants tend to use natural fertilizers like manure to enhance plant growth. Organically raised animals do not use antibiotics or hormones. Organic farming tends to improve soil quality, conserve groundwater, reduce pollution and can be better for the environment.

Today, in the world and in Vietnam, the PGS Organic (Organic) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards are highly valued by scientists and experts when it comes to products made by this method. In order to be certified as organic PGS and GAP, producers must comply with strictly monitored scientific criteria.

PGS is a participatory quality assurance system introduced by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) in organic production. PGS Vietnam has been recognized by IFOAM, which operates under the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association. This is also the only certification on the domestic market that proves the organic origin of the product.

In order to be certified with PGS, manufacturers must meet a number of scientific criteria. These include standards such as: Clean, unpolluted water; prohibit the use of all kinds of chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides, synthetic growth stimulants; Ban the use of inputs containing GMOs.

With PGS certification, farmers are required to keep records of all inputs used in organic farming. Parallel production is not allowed, plants on organic fields must differ from those on conventional fields. Measures must be taken to prevent soil erosion and salinization.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are principles and procedures established to ensure a safe and clean production environment, and food must be free from pathogens such as pathogens, biological toxicity (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites) and chemicals (pesticide residues). , heavy metals, nitrate content), protect the health of producers and consumers and protect the environment. In Vietnam, VietGAP, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, is regulated specifically for each product, including aquatic products, crops and livestock.

VietGAP production standards are recognized according to TCVN 11892-1:2017, including the following criteria: types of drugs, fertilizers and agricultural materials must be on the list of permitted uses and distribution; Fertilizers and crop protection products must be used in the correct dosage and according to the manufacturer’s or agricultural engineer’s instructions; Use fertilizers at the right time of plant growth, use pesticides at the right time.

GAP food is still grown using chemicals such as pesticides, synthetic chemicals… but the chemicals are all processed according to the procedure to ensure that the food only has residues of harmful substances below the permitted level and not harmful to the consumer health.

In order to identify and trace the origin of organic food, the PGS label in Vietnam includes the word ORGANIC (organic) and images such as an identification logo. If the products are stamped with QR code and PGS logo, it means that they have been tested, monitored and approved by the PGS system. With GAP standards, GAP certified products are packaged in packages with VietGAP/GlobalGAP/JGAP logo and QR code.

Due to the reputation and reliability of the two ecological PGS and GAP standards, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has promoted and authorized the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) to launch the program “Promotion of the value of sustainable agricultural product chains in ASEAN” ( referred to as ASEAN Agritrade) recommending products with organic PGS and GAP certification In Vietnam, the Department of Crop Production (MARD) is the governing body for this project.

Organic farming means following a natural ecosystem. Consuming organic food is good for health. In addition, organic food helps the environment to significantly remove pesticides and chemicals, restore and improve soil health, reduce the impact of climate change, and promote diversified development. It is a testament to confirming the quality of Vietnam’s agricultural products, which helps increase incomes and improve the quality of life of producers.