Ben Tre clams continue to be recognized as meeting MSC certification

This certification period is from May 23, 2024, to May 22, 2029, the third time Ben Tre clam management and exploitation profession has achieved this certification. Previously, in 2009, Ben Clams achieved MSC certification, which was maintained for the second time in 2016.

MSC certification is valuable as a "passport," ensuring safe seafood development, and is a protected brand for Vietnamese seafood products.

According to the Ben Tre province, their clam craft has been granted MSC certification, an advantage for Ben Tre province to expand its consumption market, especially creating community consensus on the issue of sustainable development for the province's clam exploitation and management profession in the future.

In June 2024, the Ben Tre Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is expected to hold a conference to award MSC certificates to seven clam exploitation cooperatives in the province. At the same time, MSC-certified clam raw material areas are introduced to clam processing enterprises.

In the coming time, Ben Tre province will continue to orient the clam production community to maintain and develop MSC certification. At the same time, geographical indications should be created, the parent clam resources should be conserved, the clam resources should be appropriately exploited, and the natural clam resources should be protected.

In addition, Ben Tre province forms and promotes horizontal and vertical linkages to develop the MSC brand for Ben Tre Clams in the domestic and international markets.

On the other hand, localities strengthen trade promotion and expand export markets. All concentrated clam areas are controlled for food hygiene and safety. At the same time, human resource training for clam cooperatives in the province should be strengthened to meet production development needs.

The potential for clam area in Ben Tre reaches 15,000ha, of which the developable area is 7,164ha. Currently, the province has a clam area of ​​more than 2,850ha, of which commercial clams are 2,248ha, and the clam seed area is more than 580ha.

The above clam area was established by seven clam exploitation cooperatives and clam corporations with nearly 20,000 members, creating jobs for thousands of local workers and increasing stable income at the seaside.