A dragon fruit garden in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province. Compliance is critical for Việt Nam to expand exports of agricultural products to the EU. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Nhị

Enterprises must strictly comply with the EU’s regulations on quality requirements for agricultural products through the entire production process, urged the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, amid the bloc’s increased control over the quality of several farm products from Việt Nam.

Statistics of the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (SPS Việt Nam) showed Việt Nam received 57 warnings from the EU in the first half of this year, an increase of more than 80 per cent compared to the same period last year, resulting in higher inspection frequencies for dragon fruit (30 per cent), chilli (50 per cent), okra (50 per cent) and durian (10 per cent).

Đặng Phúc Nguyên, General Secretary of Việt Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that although Việt Nam’s fruit and vegetable export is poised for record revenue this year, the increased control by the EU rings alarm bells about the compliance to food hygiene and safety regulations.

If the situation is not improved, this will undermine the prestige of Việt Nam’s agricultural products in the EU and in the global market, he said.

Nguyên emphasised that compliance is crucial for Việt Nam to expand its agricultural exports to the EU, a market that spends around 35 billion euros annually on fruits and vegetables, but where Việt Nam currently holds a modest market share of just 1 per cent.

He pointed out that many Vietnamese fruits have significant potential for expanding in the EU markets such as passion fruit, dragon fruit, durian, mango and spices. He urged companies to pay greater attention to ensuing compliance with the food safety regulations and increase quality control.

Hoàng Thị Liên, President of Việt Nam Pepper and Spice Association, said that businesses should regularly update market information and requirements.

According to the Plant Protection Department, many enterprises have not really complied with the importers’ regulations. Producers in some places still have no measures or plans to use pesticides, antibiotics and fertilisers in accordance with instructions.

The department emphasised the need to carefully adhere to requirements from plantation to export to avoid the risk of increased scrutiny. — VNS