Changing farm support to end the 'bumper harvest, price crash' cycle

Shifting from mobilization to guidance, support and companionship with farmers

On May 28, the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Farmers' Union held a press conference to announce information about the 9th National Congress of the Viet Nam Farmers’ Union for the 2026-2031 term.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Bui Thi Thom said that during the 8th Congress term (2023-2028), the union’s activities and farmers’ movements achieved many positive results and created notable innovations.

According to Mrs. Thom, the union met and exceeded 16 of 18 targets set for the term, including several challenging ones. The restructuring and consolidation of the union's organizational apparatus and personnel at all levels were implemented in a synchronized and decisive manner. Congresses of Farmers’ Union chapters at all levels for the 2025-2030 term were also organized on schedule and met quality requirements.

The union’s advisory work and policy development efforts have also achieved many important results. The Prime Minister approved four proposals submitted by the union, creating a foundation for renewing the union’s activities and farmers’ movements.

The content and methods of the union’s activities have continued to evolve, shifting from simple mobilization toward guiding, supporting and accompanying farmers. Emulation movements have been implemented in practice, with greater focus on depth and quality. The union’s core role in building the Vietnamese farming class has become increasingly evident, while farmers’ production and business skills have gradually improved, leading to clearer improvements in both material and spiritual living conditions.

According to Mrs. Bui Thi Thom, the 9th National Congress of the Viet Nam Farmers' Union is an important political event for Viet Nam’s farming class under the Party's leadership. Under the spirit of “Solidarity - Democracy - Breakthrough - Cooperation - Development,” the congress aims to build a strong union organization, promote farmers’ central role in agricultural development, rural economic growth and new-style rural development, while inspiring aspirations for a prosperous and happy nation in the new era.

Supporting outputs and market access for agricultural products

Providing further information on the union’s renewed operational direction, Ms. Bui Thi Thom said that in recent years, the Viet Nam Farmers’ Union has gradually shifted from providing “input support” toward result-oriented support and market support for agricultural products. In practice, this means support for farmers should not stop at seedlings, farming materials, fertilizers or production techniques, but should focus more strongly on product consumption and market access.

“To make market support effective, the first requirement is to change farmers’ production mindset. Farmers must move from traditional agricultural production to an agricultural economy mindset, from small-scale farming to large-scale commodity production, and strengthen the application of science and technology instead of relying solely on experience-based farming,” Mrs. Bui Thi Thom emphasized. She also noted that farmers need to strengthen value-chain linkages and participate in cooperative groups and cooperatives to increase product value.

In addition to providing financial support, knowledge and technical assistance, the union will focus on supporting branding, promotion and product consumption. The draft political report of the congress also mentions the concept of an “agricultural product passport” to improve product traceability and transparency.

According to Mrs. Thom, consumer demand today goes beyond simply “good-tasting food” and increasingly requires products that are safe, nutritious and clearly traceable. Therefore, Farmers’ Union chapters at all levels need to work alongside farmers in developing products that meet the increasingly demanding standards of both domestic and international markets.

Regarding the issue of many localities converting agricultural land for socio-economic development, Mrs. Bui Thi Thom said this is a matter of great concern to the central leadership of the Viet Nam Farmers' Union.

Farmers’ Union chapters at all levels will continue to renew their methods of operation to better align with practical conditions, strengthen communication and mobilization efforts to help farmers transition to suitable occupations, and listen to and support people throughout the livelihood transition process.

At the same time, the union will promote vocational training, support access to loans, and provide knowledge and training in science and technology so that farmers can better adapt to new occupations. In the coming period, the union will also strengthen its consulting and support for farmers to join professional associations, farmer groups, and cooperatives, to create sustainable livelihoods and improve incomes for rural residents.

Nguyen Thi Viet Ha said that the 9th National Congress of the Vietnam Farmers' Union for the 2026-2031 term will take place from June 7-9, 2026 at the National Convention Center under the theme “Solidarity, Democracy, Breakthrough, Cooperation and Development.”

The congress will gather 600 official delegates representing more than 10 million union members and farmers nationwide. Delegates will discuss and provide feedback on key documents, decide on orientations, goals and tasks for the new term, and elect the Executive Committee for the 2026-2031 term.