Denmark supports Cai Ngang Commune toward green agriculture

On July 4, the People's Committee of Cai Ngang Commune (Vinh Long Province), in collaboration with the Green Hero Solution Project, launched the "Green Cai Ngang" climate-resilient circular agriculture model.

The initiative is part of the Green Hero Solution Project, jointly implemented by the Vietnam Food Bank Network (Food Bank Vietnam), the Youth Union of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam.

Mr. Ta Hong Son, Secretary of the Youth Union Executive Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that as climate change becomes increasingly evident and market demand for green agricultural products continues to grow, the agricultural sector must shift its focus from maximizing output to pursuing green, clean, smart, and sustainable development.

According to Mr. Son, the development of ecological agriculture, modern rural areas, and prosperous, progressive farming communities has been identified as a key strategic direction. In this process, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and the circular economy serve as major drivers of growth. He expressed his hope that the "Green Cai Ngang" model will help establish a value chain-based production ecosystem, integrating production, processing, marketing, by-product reuse, and environmental restoration.

Representing the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam, Ms. Sanne Høj Andrén, Agricultural and Food Counsellor, described the model as a practical initiative at a time when climate change is increasingly affecting agricultural production.

According to Ms. Andrén, the transition to green agriculture and a circular economy is essential to ensuring food security, improving resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts. She also noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark, with agriculture remaining one of the key pillars of bilateral cooperation.

Introducing the locality, Ms. Nguyen Thuy Yen Phuong, Secretary of the Commune Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Cai Ngang Commune, said that the commune was established through the merger of four communes from Tam Binh District (formerly Vinh Long Province). It now has more than 5,243 hectares of agricultural land, including specialized growing areas for red-fleshed jackfruit, durian, coconuts, limes, and other high-value fruit crops.

According to Ms. Phuong, the commune has gradually developed VietGAP-certified production areas while promoting stronger linkages among farmers, cooperatives, and businesses. However, Cai Ngang continues to face challenges in deep processing, agricultural product marketing, digital transformation, the utilization of agricultural by-products, and mobilizing investment for the green economy.

"The implementation of the Green Cai Ngang model will help complete the circular agriculture ecosystem, enhance the value of agricultural products, strengthen the local brand, and improve people's incomes," Ms. Phuong emphasized.

Sharing the project's vision, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Khoi, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Bank Network (Food Bank Vietnam), said that the Green Hero Solution Project goes beyond providing technical assistance or equipment. Instead, it aims to transform production mindsets and build a green agricultural ecosystem driven by local communities.

According to Mr. Khoi, when properly processed, agricultural by-products can become valuable resources that help reduce production costs, improve soil quality, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Khoi emphasized that the project's goal is not to create a successful model on its launch day, but to build one that can be sustained over the long term. Once farmers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools and begin to see the economic benefits of circular agriculture, they themselves will become the driving force in expanding the model throughout their communities. Food Bank Vietnam will continue working closely with the local authorities by providing training, transferring technical know-how, connecting businesses, building local agricultural brands, and expanding market access.

As part of the program, the Green Hero Solution Project and the People's Committee of Cai Ngang Commune signed a MoU on the implementation of the Green Cai Ngang model. The organizers also presented 50 agricultural support kits, including organic composting bins and microbial inoculants, to participating farming households. The kits are intended to help farmers utilize agricultural by-products more effectively, reduce input costs, and improve soil quality.

Following the launch ceremony, delegates visited a pilot model at the Cai Ngang Agricultural Cooperative, where they learned about by-product processing techniques, the application of microbial products, and practical solutions for developing circular agriculture that is resilient to climate change.

The Green Cai Ngang model aims to develop a circular agriculture ecosystem integrated with digital transformation and climate change adaptation.

In its initial phase, the project will focus on two key commodities (rice and jackfruit) supporting around 100 farming households in adopting solutions to reduce post-harvest losses, convert agricultural by-products into organic fertilizer, implement product traceability systems, and strengthen market linkages.

Under the 2026-2027 implementation plan, the project will establish a commune-level demonstration site, support 10 household pilot models, organize three technical training courses, plant 500 trees, and gradually build market connections for approximately 100 tonnes of agricultural products.

The initiative is expected to serve as a pilot model for scaling up circular agriculture across the Mekong Delta.