On December 9, the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, together with the Hanoi Women’s Union and the Hanoi Farmers’ Union, held the closing conference on communication and mobilization for safe agricultural and food production during 2021–2025. The event gathered central ministries, city departments, social organizations, businesses, and media representatives. With many practical models showing positive results in recent years, the Safe Food for Growth Project (SAFEGRO) was honored to share its perspective on strengthening food safety culture in Hanoi.
Speaking at the conference, Project Director Do Thanh Lam highlighted that leadership at all levels plays a crucial role in shaping safe practices. He compared leadership to “a breeze that drives change,” noting that good examples already exist in Vietnam but need to be shared more widely so they can become common standards. This is also the goal of the Food Safety Culture manual that SAFEGRO is finalizing.
Another key message was the central role of women in the food system. Women make decisions at every step, from choosing ingredients to producing and preparing food. When women receive the right information, skills, and support to make informed decisions, food safety in the community improves. SAFEGRO has integrated gender equality into all its activities and has seen positive results across many project sites.
In recent years, the project has supported Hanoi in implementing food safety models in Duong Lam, Hoang Long, and Van Duc; improving practices in traditional markets and preschools; developing a gender e-learning course; and promoting the use of traceability in production and supply. These experiences show that food safety culture only develops when strong leadership, empowered women, community participation, and supportive policies come together.
The conference highlighted the importance of continued cooperation among government agencies, mass organizations, businesses, and communities. When everyone works toward the same goal, food safety can gradually become a natural part of daily life for all.
