Agriculture is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam

The 2024 Sustainable Food Forum, taking place on October 16 in Ho Chi Minh City, is co-organized by the Vietnam Food Development Network, the Association for Transparent Food (AFT), and the Global FoodBanking Network (GFN).

The event commemorates the 44th World Food Day and marks the second occasion it has been hosted in Vietnam. It gathers a diverse group of leaders, experts, businesses, and farmers, fostering an environment for meaningful exchange and collaboration. In addition, this event creates a platform for sharing insights and experiences related to sustainable development in the food and agriculture sectors.

This year's theme, "From Food Hero to Net Zero", focuses on the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Net Zero refers to the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2 and CH4, to a level that balances with the Earth's absorption capacity, aiming to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

According to a report from the World Bank, agriculture ranks as the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam, responsible for approximately 19% of the country's total emissions in 2020. Within this sector, rice production and livestock farming are the primary contributors, with rice alone accounting for 48% of emissions and livestock contributing 15.3%. Significantly, over 70% of the emissions generated by the agricultural sector consist of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases have a much more pronounced effect on global warming compared to carbon dioxide (CO2).

Vietnam has made a significant commitment at global climate summits, setting a target to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. During the COP26 conference in 2021 and again at COP28 in 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reiterated Vietnam's dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the country's responsibility to the global community. In line with this commitment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has approved a detailed plan aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This comprehensive plan proposes a variety of strategies to effectively reduce emissions generated from both crop production and livestock farming 

The 2024 Sustainable Food Forum presents a valuable opportunity to analyze the emerging trends in the global food system while also facilitating connections among businesses and organizations engaged in the agricultural sector in Vietnam. This forum serves as a vital platform for sharing innovative solutions and best practices, enabling participants to collaborate in building a safe and sustainable food system.

By fostering such exchanges, the forum aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, while also contributing to the broader goal of socio-economic development.

In his remarks at the forum, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Khoi, Chairman of Food Share Vietnam and the Vietnam FoodBank Network, emphasized that the series of events for the 2024 Sustainable Food Forum is part of an annual tradition celebrated on World Food Day, which falls on October 16. He noted that this year marks the second occasion that the Vietnam FoodBank Network has taken the initiative to organize this meaningful event.

"This year, the program is designed not only to enhance awareness regarding food security and nutrition but also to facilitate connections among various organizations, businesses, and communities. The goal is to promote sustainable solutions that effectively address the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions", Mr. Khoi emphasized.

By organizing activities like workshops, exhibitions showcasing sustainable products, and interactive forums, the program seeks to enhance community understanding of the critical importance of sustainable agriculture. This sector not only contributes significantly to food security but also plays a crucial role in combating climate change and safeguarding the environment for future generations.