Organic Clam Worm Farming and the Problem of Saltwater Intrusion

Saltwater intrusion is severely impacting clam worm farming in Vietnam's Tien Lang and Vinh Bao districts, key agriculture products regions. Engineer Hoang Xuan Giang explains that brackish water with low salinity is ideal for these fresh fruit-like creatures. However, increasing salinity levels, reaching as high as 28 parts per thousand, are killing off clam worms and reducing production. This environmental challenge threatens Vietnam's position in the global export market. While some farmers supplement with organic matter, concerns exist regarding residues. Others, like Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, prioritize food safety by employing clean farming methods. Currently, the lack of price differentiation between clean and non-clean clam worms discourages widespread adoption of organic practices. Giang suggests that implementing VietGAP standards and using QR codes to identify organic clam worms could incentivize sustainable farming and boost exports to demanding markets like China.