Báo cáo nghiên cứu khoa học " Improving the safety and quality of Vietnamese vegetables through research and capacity building in quality assurance, postharvest management and high technology protected cropping systems - MS3 " pot

Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development


CARD Project Progress Report




004/04VIE: Improving the safety and quality of
Vietnamese vegetables through research and capacity
building in quality assurance, postharvest management
and high technology protected cropping systems




MS3: SECOND SIX-MONTHLY REPORT

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1. Institute Information
Project Name
Improving the safety and quality of Vietnamese vegetables through
research and capacity building in quality assurance, postharvest
management and high technology protected cropping systems.
Vietnamese Institution
Research Institute of Fruits and Vegetables (RIFAV)
Trau Quy, Gia Lam, HANOI
VN Project Team Leader

Associate Prof. Dr. Tran Khac Thi
Australian Organisation
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Gosford Horticultural Institute
Centre of Excellence in Market Access and Greenhouse Horticulture
Incorporating the National Centre for Greenhouse Horticulture
Australian Personnel
Dr. Vong Nguyen; Dr Suzie Newman
Dr Sophie Parks; Mr Joseph Ekman
Date commenced
30
th
September 2005
Completion date (original)
30
th
September 2007
Completion date (revised)
30
th
November 2007 (to take into account delay in signing of contracts)
Reporting period
2
nd
Six monthly report
Contact Officer(s)
In Australia: Team Leader
Name:
Dr Vong Nguyen / Dr
Suzie Newman

Telephone:
+61 2 4348 1927
+61 2 4348 1934
Position:
Special Research
Horticulturist
Fax:
+61 2 4348 1910
Organisation
NSW Department of
Primary Industries
Email:



In Australia: Administrative contact
Name:
Graham Denney
Telephone:

Position:
Administrative officer
Fax:

Organisation
NSW Department of
Primary Industries
Email:

In Vietnam
Name:
Associate Prof Dr Tran Khac Thi
Telephone:
84-4-8276316
Position:
Deputy Director
Fax:
84-4-8276148
Organisation
Research Institute of Fruits and
Vegetables (RIFAV), Trau Quy, Gia
Lam, HANOI

Email:
;



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2. Project Abstract

Chemical residues left by fungicides and insecticides are among the major problems causing
contamination of vegetables in Vietnam. The development of safe food production methods was
fostered by the previous NSW Department of Primary Industries project (CARD-0016; 2001-2003)
but this can only be realised with further research and development. This project addresses the issues
of food safety and food quality from production to market to encourage the economic viability and
sustainability of the Vietnamese vegetable industry. This project seeks to: 1) Facilitate the wider
implementation and adoption of protected cropping systems of low to medium technology that require
fewer chemical inputs through targeted research and extension activities 2) Examine current supply
chain constraints and utilise quality assurance principles to implement targeted system improvements
and 3) Enhance Vietnamese research, development and extension capacity in the areas of protected
cropping systems, postharvest management and quality assurance systems. This project has begun to
address these objectives through: 1) research demonstration trials in Hanoi and Lam Dong to identify
the most suitable media for greenhouse cucumber and tomato production; 2) training workshops in
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh attracting 150+ researchers, extension officers, growers and supply chain
partners; and 3) providing advice to greenhouse high technology facilities in Hanoi and Hai Phong.
3. Executive Summary
Protected cropping provides vegetable growers with an opportunity to enhance
product quality and improve food safety. The overall objective of this project is to
provide Vietnamese scientists and extension specialists with the training and tools to
implement and foster regionally feasible improvements to current vegetable
production practices and supply chains. The project is led by the Research Institute of
Fruit and Vegetables with Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry and the
Institute of Agricultural Sciences for South Vietnam as the Vietnamese project
partners. NSW Department of Primary Industries is the Australian partner.
Key achievements during this 2

nd
six monthly period include:
• The successful development and delivery of two training workshops in Ho Chi
Minh and Hanoi in February 2006 attracting 150+ participants including
growers, wholesalers, retailers, researchers and extension officers. The
program included presentations from Vietnamese and Australian project
partners on protected cropping systems, supply chain management and good
agricultural practice (GAP). Proceedings were produced from each workshop.
• Two research demonstration trials investigating the effect of different growing
media on plant growth and development for tomato and cucumber were
completed in March 2006.
• The establishment of a research trial at Gosford Horticultural Institute to
examine the chemical and physical properties of Vietnamese cocopeat and to
determine the water usage of different media (including coir) for greenhouse
cucumber and ornamental production.
• Visits by the Australian team in February and May 2006 facilitated the
planning of up-and-coming workshops, research, training and extension
activities.


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4. Introduction & Background
Protected cropping systems provide vegetable farmers with the opportunity to produce
high yielding, good quality crops with reduced pesticide inputs. Our previous
AusAID-CARD project (0016) focussed on development of a low-tech greenhouse
system to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the Vietnamese vegetable
industry. The nethouse with run-to-waste cocopeat system was shown to be an
effective and cost effective model, however further optimisation and extension of this
technology is required to facilitate successful adoption. This project focuses on
providing the tools for optimising vegetable production in low-medium technology

greenhouses and delivering high quality product to market. This will be achieved
through formal and informal training initiatives including in-country workshops,
intensive Australian based training programs for research and extension staff and a
series of research demonstration trials. This project uses a participatory research approach
to foster uptake by both Vietnamese institutions and key stakeholders (farmers, extension
agents, supply chain partners).


The objectives of this project are to:
1. Facilitate the wider implementation and adoption of protected cropping
systems of low to medium technology (greenhouses/nethouses) that require
fewer chemical inputs through targeted research and extension activities;
2. Examine current supply chain constraints and utilise quality assurance
principles to implement targeted system improvements;
3. Enhance Vietnamese R&D capacity in the areas of protected cropping
systems, postharvest management and quality assurance systems.
4. Fostering links between growers, wholesalers, traders and researchers to
increase the productivity and competitiveness of Vietnamese smallholder
agriculture and related rural enterprises

5. Progress to Date
5.1 Implementation Highlights
Training workshops and visits by Australian project partners
Two visits have been undertaken by Australian staff during this reporting period. The
first visit took place in February 2006 with Drs Nguyen, Newman and Parks and Mr
Ekman visiting project partners in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi and collaborators in Lam
Dong province and Hai Phong. Highlights from this visit included:

1. Organising and delivering two workshops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. These
workshops entitled “Improving the Safety & Quality of Vietnamese

Vegetables’ included presentations on protected cropping systems, postharvest
management, quality assurance and implementing GAP (Good Agricultural
Practice). The workshops featured presentations from Vietnamese and
Australian scientists. The workshops attracted around 100 extension and plant
protection horticulturists and 50 vegetable traders and growers. Workshop
participants came from 35 provinces throughout North and South Vietnam.
One of the highlights of the workshops was the discussion forums and it is
recommended that they be extended in future workshop programs.

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2. Visiting demonstration trials, greenhouse centres and farmer properties in
Hanoi, Hai Phong and Lam Dong.
3. Developing collaborative links with the High Technology Greenhouse Centres
in Hanoi and Hai Phong and supply chain partners such as Metro.

The second visit by Dr Nguyen took place in May 2006 and focused on reviewing the
results from the research demonstration trials and preparing for the up-and-coming
training period for Vietnamese project personnel. This trip also provided the
opportunity for reviewing the project and developing future directions.

Travel reports were produced covering these trips and are available on request from
the Australian project team.

Vietnam Research Demonstration Trials
Research demonstration trials have been completed in Hanoi and Lam Dong province
comparing the effectiveness of different media on cucumber and tomato production.

Hanoi
This trial was carried out at the Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetables (RIFAV).
The trial compared the suitability of 4 different media for tomato (VL2500) and

cucumber (Status) production. The design was a randomized block design with 5
replicates. The 4 media were:
• Media 1 - Sugar cane waste & peanut husk & soybean
• Media 2 - Sugar cane waste & peanut husk & peat
• Media 3 - Sugar cane waste & peat & volcanic rock
• Media 4 - Cocopeat
The trials were sown in November (tomato) and December (cucumber). During the
workshop in Hanoi participants were invited to inspect the trial and this provided an
opportunity for more informal discussion on protected cropping systems.

Ho Chi Minh
This trial was organized on a farmers property in Don Duong, Lam Dong province
where tomato is the major vegetable crop. Tomatoes (ManilLa and 386) and
cucumbers were sown in November 2005 on 4 different media:
• Media 1 – Cocopeat and sand and cow manure
• Media 2 – Cocopeat
• Media 3 – Coffee bean husk and cow manure
• Media 4 – Peat and cow manure and NPK
The trial was set-up as a randomised complete block design with 3 replicates.


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Data from both these trials are currently being prepared for analysis.

Cocopeat Research (Dr Sophie Parks and Dr Ross Worrall)

Characterising cocopeat
Work has also commenced at Gosford Horticultural Institute comparing the physical
and chemical characteristics of Vietnamese sourced coir with other products on the
market.

Qualities measured will include:
• pH
• salinity
• colour
• water holding capacity
• air filled porosity
• moisture retention curves
• profile of particle sizes
• lime requirement
• wicking ability
• water use

Australian and European standards for measuring the physical and chemical
characteristics of growing media will be used to evaluate coir.

Quantifying the variation of products over time is important being commercially
relevant. We currently have about 6 samples of coconut fibre from Vietnam obtained
at different times. Each sample constitutes an experimental unit. Variation within each
unit (sample) will also be important to quantify. Variation between samples will
determine an ideal number of samples to carry out (if practical).

Greenhouse media water usage
A trial has also been established at GHI to compare the water usage of different media
(including coir) for cucumber and flannel flower production.
Two species that differ in water requirements were chosen. These include cucumber
having a high water requirement and an ornamental, flannel flower, as the low water
requiring comparison.

A low technology system is being used to determine the daily water use of plants
growing in a greenhouse. Water wicks up into the substrate from the base of the pot

fed by an individual tank. As the plant uses water the level in the tank drops and can
be measured. Pots without plants have been included to allow estimation of the
evapotranspiration of units.

Two substrate mix types, one including coir will be compared.

Mix 1: 25% sand 25% perlite 25% pine bark 25% coir
Mix 2: 25% sand 25% perlite 50% pine bark

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The inclusion of coir is expected to increase the wicking ability of mix 1. The effect
of the two mixes on plant growth and water use will be determined.

Measurements:
• Physical and chemical characteristics of mixes before and after the experiment
• Daily water use
• Leaf area (at weeks 3,6,9 & 12)
• Flannel flower number
• Cucumber fruit number/weight
• Plant dry weight
• Daily solar radiation and temperature will be monitored using sensors and
related to water use (providing a predictive model).

5.2 Smallholder Benefits
The workshops in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi provided a training opportunity for the 15
farmers that participated. Linkages with these farmers will be fostered throughout the
life of the project to facilitate rapid adoption of project outputs.

5.3 Capacity Building

Capacity building has been the focus of much of the project activities during the last
six months. Activities undertaken include: in-country workshops; furthering
collaborative links with the High Technology Greenhouse Centres in Hanoi and Hai
Phong and preparing for the intensive training program for Vietnamese scientists in
Australia.

Regional workshops
Regional workshops (as detailed in section 5.1) were held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
in February 2006. Table 1 summarizes the participants at each workshop.

Table 1 Workshop invitees

Location Date Participants Number attending
Ho Chi Minh 14
th
and 15
th

February
Research Institutes
and Universities
7
Provincial
Agricultural Officers
38
Agricultural
companies/supply
chain partners
11
Growers 13

Media 3
Hanoi 21
st
and 22
nd

February
Research Institutes
and Universities
33
Provincial 57

7
Agricultural Officers
Consultants and
growers
12
Media 5
Other 2

Workshop proceedings were produced for each workshop and provided to
participants. The workshop program featured presentations from Vietnamese and
Australian scientists and Metro supermarkets. A copy of the program for each
workshop is attached in Appendix 1. The discussion forum provided the opportunity
for workshop participants and speakers to discuss and exchange ideas GAP systems,
supply chain management, postharvest technology and protected cropping systems. It
is recommended that next two workshops in Hue and Can Tho provide more
opportunities for round table group discussion. The field trip at the Ho Chi Minh
workshop to the central market (Thu Duc) and Metro supermarkets also enabled more
informal discussion to take place on supply chain management and quality assurance.

Vo Van Nam (An Phu Distribution Center Manager) and Thai Hong Xuan Nguyet
(Supply Chain Manager) provided the workshop participants with an overview on
Metro’s approach to supply chain management from farm to store. Whilst it is
recognized that Metro represents only a very small proportion of the vegetable market
(the top-end), their supply chain model represents current best practice in Vietnam
and was of considerable interest to workshop participants.
5.4 Publicity
Both workshops were covered by the local television networks (HTV and VTV) with
stories running in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

A Vietnamese paper published an article by Dr Vong on safe vegetable production,
GAP and Vietnam’s joining the WTO (Nguyen Quoc Vong, 2006. Can cai “bat tay”
giua ban nha (A necessary “hand-shade” of three experts). Quoc Te . Vol. 2, 2006: 12
– 18 January: Page 13. (in Vietnamese)).
An article was also produced on the project for the first issue of the CARD newsletter
(CARD 004/04 VIE: Improving the safety and quality of Vietnamese vegetables
through research and capacity building in quality assurance, postharvest management
and high technology protected cropping systems. CARD Newsletter June 2006. Page
5).

5.5 Project Management
As mentioned in the previous milestone report, the delayed start date of September
2005 (8 months later than the original proposal) will require some modification to
project milestones. It is requested that the following adjustments be made to project
milestones:

Milestone Due date Proposed date
4 December 2006 April 2007
5 January 2007 April 2007
6 January 2007 January 2007

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7 April 2007 July 2007
8 July 2007 September 2007
9 September 2007 November 2007

Despite the delayed start date the project remains on-track, however some activities
have had to be compressed into a shorter period of time.

In September 2007, there will be a change in Australian team leader when Dr Vong
Nguyen retires. Dr Suzie Newman will take over as Australian team leader but Dr
Nguyen will continue to be involved with the project and participate in the workshops
next year.

6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues
6.1 Environment
The training workshops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh focused on GAP (Good
Agricultural Practices), providing participants with some insight into what is
required under the various GAP systems. This is timely given the imminent
release of the ASEAN GAP guidelines. At the present time the Vietnamese
vegetable industry falls short of the environmental requirements under many
GAP systems with use of non-composted farm manure, unregistered chemicals
and inadequate with-holding periods. Providing plant protection officers and
extension specialists with knowledge on GAP systems and how they are
implemented should assist Vietnam with the uptake of these systems over the
next few years.

Greenhouse production provides farmers with the opportunity to use less
fertilizer and pesticides, which ultimately is better for the environment.
However to achieve this requires a high level of management and maintenance

of a clean greenhouse environment. In some of the protected cropping
structures we have visited growers were having problems controlling diseases.
This seems to be primarily due to either poor greenhouse hygiene or where the
greenhouse design does not provide sufficient ventilation to reduce the humidity
within the house. This increased disease incidence is likely to lead to an
increased number of sprays being applied. During the visit by the Australian
team they provided advice on how disease problems may be reduced inside the
greenhouse and hopefully this will lead to less disease problems and ultimately
less chemicals being applied.
6.2 Gender and Social Issues
This CARD project will continue to address gender and social issues as they
arise throughout the project.


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7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues
7.1 Issues and Constraints
The geographic spread of the institutes involved in this project (Hanoi, Ho Chi
Minh, Hue) results in the Australian team only visiting some of the regions each
trip. This places greater reliance on communication by e-mail to ensure that
trials and workshop preparations are going smoothly. It also makes it not
feasible for the entire project team to meet as a group, requiring separate
planning activities for each region.
7.2 Options
The visits to Australia by Vietnamese scientists from each region at the same
time have promoted team development. It is also proposed that the Vietnamese
project leader and one of the IAS project team be invited to the workshop in
Hue to enable a project meeting to take place and facilitate closer collaboration.
7.3 Sustainability
A number of the demonstration trials will take place on farm, facilitating greater

uptake of results by farmers. The comparison of field and greenhouse production
should clearly demonstrate whether or not greenhouse production is economically
viable in each region.
8. Next Critical Steps
The following activities will take place in the next six months:
• Intensive training period for 3 Vietnamese project personnel at Gosford
Horticultural Institute.
• Planning and development of workshops in Hue and Can Tho
• Design and implementation of further research demonstration trials in
Hanoi, Hue and Lam Dong
• Continued research on cocopeat at GHI
9. Conclusion
Highlights from the last six months include:
• Holding 2 workshops on ‘Improving the safety and quality of Vietnamese
vegetables’ in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
• Completing phase 1 of the research demonstration trials in Hanoi and Ho
Chi Minh
• Commencing work at GHI on characterising the chemical and physical
properties of Vietnamese cocopeat.

The project is currently on-track and so far there have been no major constraints
to project implementation.

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