The southern province of Dong Nai will focus on organic agriculture to increase product quality and boost export growth, senior officials say.

Vo Van Phi, vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said organic agriculture was an inevitable trend in many countries because people care more about food safety and hygiene, quality and environmental friendliness.

The People’s Committee has cooperated with the Que Lam Group Joint Stock Company on a project to expand organic farming across the province by 2025, focusing on key products like pigs, poultry, shrimp, cashew, black pepper, fruits and herbs.

The company will help the province with technology transfer and human resources training in management of organic food.

It will also support the building of brands and distribution networks for the province’s organic products, as well as in finding new markets like Europe where demand for organic products is high.

Phi said organic farming brings many benefits, including ensuring better health for consumers and better income for farmers.

Dong Nai has 60 per cent of its population involved in the agricultural sector, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It has more than 300,000 hectares of agricultural land and the sector has annual revenues of around VND45 trillion (US$1.98 billion).

The province tops the country for rearing the largest number of pigs and chickens. — VNS