VFAEA, BAF discuss joint project to elevate pig farming standards

At the meeting, the Viet Nam Farm and Agricultural Enterprise Association (VFAEA) and BAF Viet Nam Agriculture Joint Stock Company focused on key topics, including technical requirements for animal welfare in sow and commercial pig farms; the application of biotechnology; waste treatment; and the development of circular livestock farming models to reduce emissions and utilize by-products.

According to Dr. Ha Thuy Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of VFAEA, as the livestock sector undergoes strong transformation, new opportunities are emerging from digital transformation and Agriculture 4.0. The application of technologies such as IoT and AI helps optimize costs, control diseases, and improve productivity. In addition, trade agreements such as EVFTA and CPTPP are expanding export opportunities, provided that livestock products meet international standards.

However, the sector also faces numerous challenges, including climate change, disease outbreaks, particularly African swine fever (ASF), as well as rising input costs and increasing pressure to reduce emissions. As import tariffs are gradually reduced, domestic products must compete directly with lower-priced imported goods.

According to Dr. Ha Thuy Hanh, the “key” to sustainable development lies in mastering a closed-loop value chain under the 3F model (Feed - Farm - Food), combined with strict biosecurity practices. This approach helps control disease risks, stabilize quality, and enhance competitiveness.

In the pig farming sector, the shift from scale-based growth to a stronger focus on quality is becoming increasingly evident. Beyond the advantage of ASF vaccine production, the sector still has room to increase value through deep processing, product diversification, and the use of agricultural by-products as animal feed.

Environmental regulations are becoming more stringent, particularly the requirement to relocate livestock farms out of residential areas by 2026, which poses significant investment cost pressures. At the same time, fluctuations in the prices of imported raw materials, such as corn and soybeans, continue to pose risks.

Currently, Viet Nam has around 3.2 million breeding sows, but most are still raised under limited-mobility conditions and do not fully meet animal welfare standards.

Dr. Ha Thuy Hanh emphasized that implementing minimum animal welfare standards alongside strict biosecurity practices not only enhances the value of livestock production but also demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to animal welfare, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and limiting antibiotic use in livestock farming today.

With the dual benefits of animal welfare, economic value for farmers and businesses, and social and environmental gains, VFAEA has developed certification standards for meat pigs, in addition to existing group housing (HFAC-based) animal welfare standards for breeding sows.

“We also hope that some farms under the BAF Group will pilot the implementation of minimum animal welfare standards to lead and inspire other enterprises as well as local farmers,” said Dr. Ha Thuy Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of VFAEA. She also proposed areas of cooperation, including conducting studies to assess the economic and environmental efficiency of animal welfare-compliant farming models; developing and standardizing biosecure, circular, low-emission farming processes; and promoting communication and workshops to scale up sustainable livestock practices.

Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, Deputy General Director of BAF, expressed strong support for and agreement with VFAEA’s proposals. He also suggested that VFAEA develop a detailed cooperation plan on animal welfare standards combined with biosecure farming practices for implementation in the near future.