Cassia trees in Quang Ninh have been certified by Control Union Certifications as meeting European organic standards (EU). This is considered a “passport” for Vietnam’s cassia to access the European market.
Quang Ninh currently has more than 3,400 hectares of Vietnam’s cassia trees. Dam Ha, Tien Yen and Binh Lieu are three districts that have the largest cultivation areas. Additionally, Vietnamese cassia is also popular across districts like Ba Che and Hai Ha.
Vietnam’s cassia
Since mid-April, people in Quang Ninh’s cassia-growing regions have been busy harvesting and selling cassia products. According to Mr. Han from Binh Lieu District, Vietnam’s cassia trees offer high economic value as they can harvest multiple times. Parts of the tree, from the bark to the trunk and leaves, can be worth for sale. His family currently has about 2 hectares of cassia forest ready for harvest. On average, one person can peel over 40 kilograms of cassia bark per day.
Since the beginning of the season, his family has harvested and sold nearly 80 million VND worth of cassia. The income from cassia helps his family cover daily expenses and support his children’s education. This year, he has planted over 10,000 new cassia trees to both green the forest and increase his family’s income.
Saigon cinnamon sticks
Experts estimate that total economic value of one hectare of 15-year-old cassia trees is 580 million VND. This includes income from thinning to collect branches and leaves, and from the final harvest of branches, barks, and wood. In addition, there are byproducts such as seeds. The average profit for cassia growers is around 38.7 million VND per hectare per year. This profit is more than twice as high as growing other types of timber trees.
However, the development of cassia cultivation in Quang Ninh in recent years has revealed several challenges. The Vietnam’s cassia yield remains low, and purchase prices largely depend on traders. Efforts to diversify processed products from cassia have not yet achieved the desired effectiveness.
In March 2021, Control Union Certifications granted the organic certification for Vietnamese cassia planting in Quang Ninh province. This organization is an independent global certification body specializing in the management and supervision of goods. The certification is considered one of the most crucial “passports” for Quang Ninh’s cassia to access the European market.
Vietnam’s cassia sticks
Quang Ninh’s cassia has meet export standards from the European countries. The coumarin content ranges from 595 to 893 ppm, well below the European limit of 3,500 ppm. In comparison, other northern varieties, have coumarin levels ranging from 3,630 to 7,903 ppm. This lower coumarin content gives Quang Ninh cassia a competitive advantage in the European market.
The province will develop additional 200 hectares of cassia cultivation in the districts of Dam Ha, Tien Yen, and Ba Che. Production under organic standards for high-value markets requires strict adherence to every stage.
Local authorities have proactively developed plans to meet the export requirements for cassia. Mr. Giang, Head of Dam Ha District, said: “Dam Ha is the region with the largest annual dry cassia harvest in the province. The output is more than 700 tons per year, and up to 1,000 tons at its peak. The district has developed an organic cassia project to meet higher quality requirements from demanding markets.
Vietnamese source: https://diendandoanhnghiep.vn/chau-au-cap-visa-cho-cay-que-quang-ninh-10043809.html