MI HELPS BOOST POSTHARVEST SAFE FOOD HANDLING EFFICIENCY IN VIETNAM

Agricultural Development and Commercialization

Mekong Institute (MI) and the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (FAF), Da Lat University have partnered to help representatives from agricultural management agencies, farmer associations, cooperatives, and agri-food companies boost their efficiency in postharvest safe food handling of fresh fruits and vegetables at a training workshop in Da Lat University, Lam Dong, Vietnam on November 26, 2020.

“Proper handling and application of appropriate postharvest management systems play an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of fresh produce,” Ms. Ratna Devi Nadarajan, Food Safety Specialist of MI’s Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department, said in her welcome statement.

Describing the attendees present at the workshop food safety champions, Ms. Nadarajan enjoined them to adapt strong postharvest management systems to meet growing food requirements, minimize losses, and boost market competitiveness.  

The one-day workshop briefed a total of 60 onsite and online participants on advanced concepts of postharvest safe food handling. MI and FAF also included a study visit in Sun Food Farm to expose them to practical methods and systems, as well as sound procedures such as documentation and record keeping for stronger efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“Much work remains for us to ensure food quality and safety but we are all taking the right steps forward” Ms. Cao Thi Lan, Dean of FAF said. She added that FAF hopes to deepen its partnership with MI to further promote food safety in Vietnam through the application of agricultural science and technology.

“By getting all sectors involved such as unions, cooperatives, business groups, and international companies, we can ensure food quality, safety, and security not only for ourselves but for others,” she said.

The blended workshop on “Postharvest Safe Food Handling” was one of MI’s capacity building activities under the PROSAFE project in 2020. Supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme, PROSAFE is a five-year initiative that provides training and support services to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam agricultural and food safety government officials and private sector actors. The project aims to enhance their food safety knowledge and expertise, as well as assist them in preparing and implementing appropriate food safety regulations and standards for select value chains and market outlets both within and outside their respective countries.

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.