Developing organic agriculture in Dong Thap province

According to Mr. Le Quoc Dien, Deputy Director of Dong Thap province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development , the province is actively promoting tourism with the goal of receiving at least 4 million visitors annually, including international tourists. As a result, the development of organic agriculture in Dong Thap is essential. As an agricultural province, tourism development is not feasible without high-quality agricultural products and appealing cuisine. Consequently, the province has adopted a strategy for the development ofo organic agriculture, including organic production models following the PGS standards.

The Seed To Table organization has been collaborating with Dong Thap province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development since 2019 to implement a project for the development of organic agriculture according to PGS standards. The program began by selecting farmers willing to participate in organic production with a community service spirit instead of aiming for high market prices. After establishing PGS-compliant organic farming households, Dong Thap province proceeded to create organic vegetable farms in twenty schools across the locale.

The organization of PGS-compliant organic farming in Dong Thap province has been systematically implemented, with daily record-keeping according to specific guidelines. Prior to reaching the consumers, fruits and vegetables must be evaluated to meet PGS standards and packaged in certified PGS-labeled packaging. Dong Thap province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is currently responsible for issuing PGS certificates for qualified organic products. The packaging includes product information, branding, and a QR code for consumers to scan with their phones to access comprehensive product information.

To date, twenty-two farming households have participated in eight PGS groups in various districts of Dong Thap province, including Thanh Binh, Hong Ngu, Cao Lanh, and Cao Lanh city. With the support from the Seed to Table project, organic vegetable production in Dong Thap province has undergone significant and positive transformations. The production of safe, sustainable agricultural products in association with market consumption has been the growing concern of various sectors, government levels, and farmers. Consequently, farmers' awareness has been continuously elevated through participation in the model.

Regarding the development of PGS-compliant organic farming in Dong Thap province from 2023 to 2026, the local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has set the goal of establishing three new PGS groups, improving market access to ensure the quality of organic vegetables and increasing income for PGS farmers. The Department also plans to establish organic vegetable farms in three schools located in the districts of Hong Ngu, Cao Lanh, and Lai Vung.

Mr. Le Quoc Dien stated that the agricultural sector in Dong Thap province aims to proceed gradually with the development process. The Department will begin by assisting local officials and PGS farmers in acquiring the skills to train the local populace and gradually expand the organic farming area. Many farmers have the habit of waiting for results from neighboring households before joining. Additionally, there is a need to change the perception of organic farming and organic products by creating high-quality items and meals.

Furthermore, Dong Thap province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is proposing policies to support farmers in producing PGS-compliant organic products. The Department has completed a curriculum on PGS-standard production to standardize documentation for accessible guidance for farmers. On the other hand, the unit is training officials with the skills to assess and monitor the production processes of local farmers.

The development of PGS-compliant organic farming models in the provinces of Ben Tre and Dong Thap has played a significant role in raising community awareness regarding organic agriculture. Moreover, the farmers engaged in PGS-certified organic vegetable production in Ben Tre province also engage in grassroots promotion of organic products to local residents. These farmers are perceived by the local community as genuine, refraining from chemical spraying and pesticide usage on vegetables. Consequently, local residents have taken the initiative to seek out PGS-certified organic vegetable farms in Ben Tre for the purchase of organic produce.

The organic agriculture development project was recently implemented by Seed to Table in Dong Thap province in 2019. Consequently, consumers' awareness regarding organic agriculture and organic products has significantly improved within the last ten years.