Workshop on improved forage strategies for high yield dairy cows in Vietnam

HCMC – One of the major limitations to increasing milk production on Vietnamese dairy farms is the quantity as well as the quality of roughage. Using good quality forage and grass in the feed ration, a higher milk production per cow can be realized and a more sustainable and competitive dairy farming sector can be created.

Fresh Studio, together with Wageningen UR – Livestock Research and Nong Lam University (Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry) co-organized a two-day workshop to identify the best forage/feeding systems on small and medium dairy farms in Vietnam. Emphasis was placed on options to improve the quantity and quality of the dairy cow’s rations that lead to increased milk production per cow.

The workshop was organized on January 17 and 18, 2013 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and was part of the project “Sustainable Grass and Forage Production for Dairy Development in Vietnam” of Wageningen UR. The workshop consisted of presentations, working group sessions and a field excursion to two dairy farms to learn from practice. Over sixty participants from various organizations (government, processors, feed companies, research institutes, etc.) exchanged knowledge of improved forage strategies, set priorities, and evaluated the most promising systems. In addition, action plans to introduce and promote the most promising options were made.Also interesting to read:

Export coaching program in food ingredient sector of Vietnam

HCMC – Fresh Studio is assisting CBI to recruit ambitious manufacturers and exporters in the food ingredient sector who are eager to expand their export activities to Europe.

To inform companies about the program, explain in detail about the different modules of the program and to assist them with the application, Fresh Studio organized a two-day information booth in Ho Chi Minh City on January 24 and 25, 2013.

The CBI export coaching program consists of an initial business audit to assess the registered companies on their competence for the European market. After this an action plan is made for the selected companies. The next two modules focus on business development and export capacity building (how to meet European market demands, explore these markets and the development of an export strategy).

The certification module will give companies technical assistance with the process of certification, if needed, to gain access to the European market. Final modules of the program focus on the actual market entry in which companies are assisted to gain marketing experience, get in touch with business contacts, and participate in events such as trade fairs.

The deadline for the first round to apply for the Export Coaching Program for Food Ingredients in Vietnam is March 31, 2013. The program is due to start in September 2013. Applications are judged on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries) is an Agency of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CBI was established in 1971 in order to support producers and exporters from developing countries to get a foothold in the Dutch market. In 1991 activities were expanded to the EU market. CBI encourages business support organizations in developing countries to improve their capabilities, and acts as ‘matchmakers’ between suppliers and buyers.Also interesting to read:

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