In the context of the prevalence of dirty, low-quality food in Viet Nam as some traders have proven their willingness to do whatever it takes to turn a profit, regardless of the dangers they bring upon their consumers, Da Nang has seen an upward trend in the number of young startups in safe agricultural products.

Shoppers are pictured selecting their favourite agricultural products at an An Phu Farm store

The intention is to protect consumers’ health and considerably enhance the quality of the lives of local residents.

Duong Hien Tu, the 37-year-old owner of An Phu Farm located at 78B Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau District, said he has poured much time and efforts in applying advanced farming techniques in a bid to offer safe agricultural products to his consumers.

The chain of An Phu Farm's stores feature a wide range of organic agricultural products.

In addition to organic poultry and livestock products plus vegetables supplied by the An Phu Farm, on display for sale at the stores are many popular products sourced from other localities nationwide.

Notable amongst are Vinh oranges, Cao Bang rice vermicelli, Phu Quoc fish sauce, and Ly Son seafood.

More recently, the An Phu Farm has also cooperated with the Biotechnology Centre under the municipal Department of Science and Technology to produce organic wild oyster mushrooms. This highly nutritional product has been on display for sale for 3 months now.

Likewise, other type of cold-stored high quality mushrooms as Pleurotus eryngii and hypsizigus marmoreus, grown under strict procedures, will make their debuts very soon.

Also holding great passion for organic agricultural product supplies, 32 year-old Mai Thi Thuong, the owner of the Vu Mai store on Duong Van Nga Street, Son Tra District, said that, like other providers, she has to manage to attract more shoppers.

In reality, how to win the trust of consumers in organic agricultural product is still an arching issue.

“We are willing to pay a higher price to buy safe food, but honestly, sometimes we are still not sure if what we buy is really safe and worthy the money we have spent on,” said Ms Ha Thi Thy, a 32- year- old resident in Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District.

Starting up with organic agricultural products faces many challenges

According to Ms Thy, it is still difficult for consumers to distinguish between clean and dirt food. For this fact, it is highly recommended to introduce more detailed information on clean food stores to the public.

Over recent years, Da Nang has emerged as a potential and important destination for the development of an organic vegetable and safe meat supply chain. The city authorities, therefore, have attached importance to giving countrywide localities involved easier access to local markets and residents.

The city has seen a growing consumer demand for organic agricultural products. Many shops selling organic food products have been granted certificates from the municipal Bureau of Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance.

Relevant agencies find it very hard to encourage local businesses to take part in the organic food supply chain.

The main reason is thought to be that certified organic products are generally more expensive than conventional ones. In addition, business premise lease fees in the inner-city are too expensive.

It is hoped that more young startups will realise their dream of offering organic agricultural products despite many potholes on their roads to success.