Nghia Phuong commune has many favorable natural conditions to plant and develop custard apple trees. They are grown in areas with large fruits, good quality and unique flavor. The custard apple cooperative groups were established in Suoi Van village and have maintained their effective operation since 2017.

Mr. Bui The Chung, Provincial Commissioner, Provincial FU gives VietGAP certificate to the cooperative

The cooperative development is under the framework of the Medium Term Cooperation Programme between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Farmers’ Organizations in Asia- Pacific Phase 2 (MTCP2), implemented through VNFU. Thanks to the support of VNFU in general, local FU at all levels in particular with capacity building on business planning, market research, marketing, policy advocacy, focus group discussion, technical assistance…, the cooperative groups have applied VietGAP-based-production and supported to be transformed into cooperative.

This year, Global Science and Technology Services Joint Stock Company, IQC Certification and Inspection Joint Stock Company have accompanied the cooperative groups and guided their members to apply VietGAP process on 31.5 hectares of custard apples in some villages of Nghia Phuong commune. The samples of soil and water in the production area are qualified. The participants were trained and applied in accordance with VietGAP. The output is about 500 tons per year and its quality meets the required standards. On August 2, the products of the cooperative groups was assessed by IQC Joint Stock Company that meet VietGAP standards, being valid until August 2022.

Custard apple VietGAP Certificate

At the same time, the cooperative groups attracted more members to jointly produce and do business on custard apples. In May 2019, the competent authority granted a certificate to establish Nghia Phuong custard apple cooperative.

It is known that Nghia Phuong commune now has more than 400 ha of custard apples, in which, many households have income of 150 to 500 million dong per year. The establishment of the cooperatives has created a favorable condition to build up the brand of agricultural products, easily link production and consumption of specific local products, helping Nghia Phuong custard apples reach out further.