Hoang Chau Commune in Thanh Hoa Province is expanding its organic aquaculture area to raise product value and strengthen its clean seafood brand, as demand for sustainable food continues to grow.
The commune now has nearly 1,000 hectares of aquaculture farms, including 265 hectares using high-tech systems, with annual output topping 3,000 tonnes, according to local authorities. The Hoang Phong Agricultural and Aquaculture Services Cooperative manages over 400 hectares of brackish and freshwater ponds, farming black tiger shrimp, whiteleg shrimp, crabs and fish. More than 286 hectares of shrimp ponds have been certified as meeting organic standards.
“Before, we had to build dikes and dig ponds by hand, and sometimes lost everything when the dikes broke,” said Truong Van Mien, the cooperative’s deputy director. “Now, with better infrastructure and local support, farming is much more stable.”
Hoang Chau combines extensive and high-tech farming models. High-tech systems help control water quality and temperature, reducing risks and ensuring steady yields, while extensive organic methods rely on natural feed and are favored by consumers for their clean, natural flavor.
Despite progress, most farmers in the commune operate on a small scale due to limited capital. Average profit stands at more than 100 million dong (USD 4,000) per hectare per year after costs, local data shows.
Organic aquaculture avoids industrial feed, instead using small fish, mollusks, rice bran and soybeans to maintain ecological balance and improve quality. Farmers often intercrop shrimp, fish and seaweed to increase income and reduce seasonal risks.
The main challenge is still market access. Although organic products fetch higher prices, output remains unstable and distribution channels are limited. Many farmers still depend on middlemen, cutting into profits.
Local officials said Hoang Chau plans to expand its certified organic farming area and strengthen supply chain links to attract larger buyers. The commune is also promoting its “Hoang Chau Clean Seafood” brand to boost domestic recognition and future export potential.
VFM
