Driving Youth Engagement in Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry
On 27 February 2025, Empower Youth4Food (EY4F) organized an insightful company visit to ShrimpVet Vietnam in collaboration with the Vietnam Youth Advisory Board, offering 16 students and young professionals a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements in aquaculture. This visit aimed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world agricultural business operations, equipping participants with valuable career insights and networking opportunities.
Exploring ShrimpVet’s Lab and Farm
The visit featured a comprehensive tour of ShrimpVet’s laboratory and farm, where participants gained first-hand exposure to the latest innovations in aquaculture research. Established in 2013, ShrimpVet is a leading Vietnamese company specializing in shrimp health management, diagnostics, and sustainable farming practices. It is also a key partner in ShrimpTechVietnam, a collaborative initiative launched in 2018 that brings together Dutch and Vietnamese experts to enhance Vietnam’s shrimp farming sector. The consortium focuses on implementing sustainable technologies, training programs, and best practice demonstrations to improve industry standards. As a valuable partner in this campaign, the visit to ShrimpVet built on our success story videos which highlighted the inspiring young professionals working at ShrimpVet.
Students witnessed how ShrimpVet transforms scientific research into practical aquaculture solutions, ensuring sustainable and efficient shrimp production. The facility’s work underscores the importance of research-backed innovation in driving sustainable industry progress. One participant, Kiều Oanh, shared her perspective: “Coming from Hue, a central town in Vietnam deeply rooted in agriculture, I had always been familiar with farming, but never aquaculture. I was amazed to learn that Vietnam ranks third in global shrimp production. This visit opened my eyes to the vast potential of the shrimp industry and agriculture in Vietnam.”
Innovative and Sustainable Shrimp Farming
At ShrimpVet, shrimp farming is a meticulous process that demands precision and care. The shrimp larvae are initially raised in nursery ponds, where they receive special attention to ensure they are strong enough for transfer to larger ponds. Once they reach the required weight, they are moved to grow-out ponds for further development. Managing this process requires a detailed and thorough approach, as shrimp are a high-value product requiring strict supervision at every stage.
A key focus of ShrimpVet’s operations is organic waste treatment. The company is committed to environmental sustainability, ensuring that all waste is treated before being discharged into the natural environment. This professional and eco-friendly system minimizes environmental impact while maintaining high production standards.
Another standout aspect of ShrimpVet’s operations is the synergy between the demo farm and laboratory. Both operate in parallel, conducting real-time testing and monitoring critical parameters. Every data point is digitized and quantified, ensuring seamless information storage for future improvements or environmental adjustments. This integrated approach is crucial for optimizing culture conditions and achieving consistent success in shrimp farming.
Bridging Education and Industry
Company visits like this play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, helping students see how their studies translate into real-world applications. Beyond learning, the visit provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with industry professionals and explore career paths in aquaculture and agriculture. This initiative was also conducted in collaboration with the Vietnamese Youth Advisory Board, a key EU initiative in Vietnam under the EU Youth Action Plan 2022-2027. By strengthening our shared commitment to youth inclusion and sustainability, we hope this marks the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration.
Looking Ahead
Empower Youth4Food remains dedicated to organizing immersive and educational experiences that expose students to the vast potential within Vietnam’s agricultural sector. By highlighting inspiring workplaces like ShrimpVet, we aim to motivate the next generation of agricultural innovators and encourage them to explore careers in this dynamic and evolving industry.
Stay tuned for more company visits and initiatives as we continue bridging the gap between youth and real-world opportunities in agriculture! Would your company like to inspire and empower the next generation of talent while contributing to sustainable food systems? We’d love to collaborate! Reach out to ctroost@nuffic.nl to explore how we can work together.
