A consumer buys pork at a supermarket (Photo: VNA)

HCMCity (VNS/VNA) - The shortage of organic foods in the country isboth an opportunity and a challenge for growers, a forum on organic agriculturaldevelopment was told on August 18.

“Solving problems related to brand and distribution” forum in HCM City heardhow Vietnam has optimal conditions to produce organic items such as vegetables,fruits, rice, tea and fish.

The increasing demand for organic products means retailers are seekingpartnerships and investment opportunities in the organic agricultural sector.

Pham Phuong Thao, the founder of Organica, which grows and sells organicproduce, said everyone can see the great demand for organic food, especiallyamong high-income and health-conscious people.

For instance, her company is unable to meet demand, she said.

The short supply also offers foreign producers the opportunity to expand intoVietnam, she said.

“Most Vietnamese customers do not have accurate information and always askquestions about the quality of organic products.”

Raising consumers’ awareness and providing them with full information are hermissions in business and something she would recommend to people entering thebusiness, she said.

She trains her employees to provide information to customers, she said.

Nguyen Lam Vien, general director of Vinamit Joint Stock Company, said newgrowers should opt for a shop-in-shop model at supermarkets or flea markets tointroduce and sell their products.

He cited an example of the “Phien cho Xanh - Tu te” (Green-Nice Market Day)organic produce market held every Saturday and Sunday, where consumers can buydirectly from farmers.

“Supermarkets offer great convenience to growers thanks to their existingcustomers,” he said, adding that organic farmers need to understand the demand andsupply situation to meet the needs of retailers.

Farmers can focus on just one unique organic product instead of many if they donot have enough resources, he said.

They also could set up online businesses and advertise on social networks likeFacebook to save costs, he said.

Thao encouraged young people to enter the organic field but warned they wouldface challenges, including high investment costs, problems related to customersand getting international quality certification.

Young entrepreneurs should not focus too much on growth figures in thebeginning, she said.

🐻 “Developing organic products requires a lot of time and so young entrepreneursneed a lot of patience.”-VNS/VNA