Food safety sees massive investment

A project to boost competition in animal husbandry and food safety in the agricultural sector kicked off in Hanoi on March 4 with an investment of $79 million.

Of the investment, official development assistance (ODA) will contribute over $65 million while the Government will pay $3.4 million and the private sector over $10.37 million.

The project, to run from 2010 to 2015, will benefit 12 cities and provinces, including five northern provinces , two central provinces , one Central Highlands province and two southern provinces, in addition to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City .

Some VND250 billion will be invested this year in launching Good Animal Husbandry Practice (GAHP) measures in seven pilot provinces, building biogas cesspools for 1,410 target families, constructing 19 slaughterhouses and installing liquid waste treatment systems in 99 markets.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Diep Kinh Tan said animal husbandry was predicted to face the most difficulties during the integration process and the project will help the agricultural sector overcome those obstacles.

The project aims to help breeders boost family-based production as well as reduce the environmental impacts of raising animals, food processing and marketing.

It is also aimed at improving food hygiene and safety in processing and supply of animals and poultry, especially in target provinces and cities. – VIR

Tags: Vietnam Food safety