Gia Lai extension provides in-depth EUDR training for coffee sector

In response to this situation, the Gia Lai Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with TMT Consulting Joint Stock Company, recently organized an in-depth training course on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and traceability requirements. The training was attended by 40 trainees, including technical staff and grassroots extension officers.

This activity is part of the "Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems - Viet Nam Component (SAFE Viet Nam)" project, funded by the EU, BMZ, and BZ, and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

During the training course, trainees not only studied theoretical content but also engaged in practical exercises, including collecting coordinates, mapping polygons, gathering farmer information, verifying deforestation status after 2020, and managing field data.

Mr. Huynh Viet Hung, Director of the Gia Lai Agricultural Extension Center, assessed the project as highly practical for the locality, one of the country’s key coffee-growing regions. In the context of export markets, particularly the European market, where the EUDR imposes increasingly strict requirements on traceability, legality, and deforestation-free compliance, proactively meeting these new standards is essential. Otherwise, coffee farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises will face challenges in market access.

"The project aims to promote a comprehensive transformation of the coffee supply chain towards sustainability, legality, and deforestation-free compliance. At the same time, enhance the capacity of management agencies, enterprises, and farmers; establish traceability systems; support sustainable production; and improve the competitiveness of Gia Lai coffee in export markets," said Mr. Huynh Viet Hung.

According to Mr. Hung, in the coming period, the Gia Lai Agricultural Extension Center will continue to coordinate closely with the SAFE Project Management Board, GIZ, relevant departments, local authorities, and enterprises to implement project activities in line with the approved plan.

It is expected that the Gia Lai Agricultural Extension Center will develop four sustainable livelihood models, organize two ToT training courses for technical staff from both public and private sectors, and deliver 105 training classes for farmers on sustainable coffee production in compliance with EUDR regulations. In addition, activities will be conducted to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders in implementing EUDR adaptation measures in Gia Lai.

"At the same time, we will coordinate with the Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection and the Provincial Forest Protection Sub-Department to develop growing area databases, traceability systems, digital maps, and management support tools," Director of the Gia Lai Agricultural Extension Center Huynh Viet Hung added.

Alongside the SAFE Viet Nam project, the Gia Lai Agricultural Extension Center will integrate training and technology transfer activities on sustainable coffee production, helping farmers meet EUDR requirements. In addition, efforts will be made to promote linkages among farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises, facilitate access to resources, and replicate sustainable livelihood models associated with forest protection. These activities will help coffee growers improve production efficiency while gradually better complying with export markets' requirements.

Mr. Huynh Viet Hung expressed his expectation that the project would bring about tangible changes, enabling Gia Lai's coffee sector to develop in a more sustainable, transparent manner and better meet the requirements of export markets, particularly the European market. The project not only supports capacity building for management agencies, enterprises, cooperatives, and coffee farmers, but also contributes to developing growing area databases and traceability systems, strengthening value chain linkages, and improving farmers' livelihoods.

"In the long term, we expect this to serve as an important foundation for enhancing the value, brand, and competitiveness of Gia Lai coffee in a legal, deforestation-free, and sustainable direction. As EUDR requirements become more stringent, agricultural extension will play a frontline role in communication and guiding production transformation," said Mr. Huynh Viet Hung, Director of the Gia Lai Agricultural Extension Center.