The construction of the farm began in 2014, covering more than 70 hectares in the Tu Tra commune of Don Duong District at a total cost of VND200 billion (US$8.8 million).

With a milk cow population of 500, the farm was granted a certification in October last year by the Control Union (Netherlands) recognising it as the first organic dairy farm in Vietnam to meet European standards.

The farm does not use synthesised chemicals and pesticides, food additives or other stimulants while also saying no to genetically modified substances, making its raw milk free from antibiotic residues and growth hormones.

The entire cow population is also fed with organic food.

Vinamilk CEO Mai Kieu Lien said the set-up of the organic farm is the result of a tremendous effort by the company to build a clean and sustainable farming sector.

The dairy producer has so far established ten cow farms throughout the country and is planning to raise the number of farms that meet GlobalGAP and organic standards in the years ahead.

Lien said that the biggest challenge now is the scarcity of land resources and the cooperation of the local authorities is necessary to realise the company’s goals so that Vietnamese people can buy quality milk at reasonable prices.

Secretary Nguyen Xuan Tien of the Lam Dong Party Committee said that the province considered high-tech agriculture as a priority and would take action to support enterprises in dairy farming.

Source: NDO