(VOVworld) – A ceremony to honor the 62 outstanding farmers of 2013 was held in Hanoi on Tuesday to mark 83 years since the establishment of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union on October 14^th.

The honorees have excelled in the application of technology in production, social activities and in movements to support poor farming households. In his address, President Truong Tan Sang said: “Farmers account for 70% of the population and 50% of the labor force. They play an important role in the renewal, modernization, industrialization, and international integration process. Vietnam’s major achievements over nearly 30 years of renewal can be greatly attributed to the farmers’ contributions. Farmers are an important factor in helping to ensure social security and stability.”