International aid helps Can Tho and Gia Lai pilot organic farming

On June 24, in Can Tho, the Viet Nam Organic Agriculture Association (VOAA) officially launched the project “Piloting Organic Production Practices on Cocoa and Fruit Farms to Enhance Climate Resilience and Livelihoods for Vietnamese Farmers.”

The project is being implemented by VOAA with non-refundable grant funding from Naturland – Verband für ökologischen Landbau e.V. (Federal Republic of Germany) under the German Government’s International Climate Initiative (IKI). The grant has been approved for acceptance by Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs in accordance with relevant regulations and will be implemented through December 31, 2027.

The project’s core focus is the establishment of six organic farming demonstration models, incorporating practical approaches such as agroforestry, intercropping, crop diversification, soil improvement and mulching, the use of organic inputs, ecological pest management, and biodiversity conservation.

In Can Tho, two farms have been selected for pilot implementation: a 6.3-hectare kumquat orchard in Tan Hoa Commune and a 2-hectare pink guava orchard in Phuong Binh Commune. Through these models, the Project Management Board will document and disseminate practical experiences to farmers’ groups, cooperatives, cooperative teams, and linked production areas in the locality and other regions with similar conditions.

In addition, the project will organize training programs on organic production for cocoa and fruit crops, as well as technical training for farmers, cooperatives, local extension officers, and businesses participating in the value chain. At least 10 master trainers, consultants, and technical specialists are expected to strengthen their capacities and continue supporting farmers after the project concludes.

Mr. Ha Phuc Mich, Chairman of VOAA, emphasized that Asia possesses many favorable conditions and contributes significantly to global organic agricultural output. In developed countries, organic products are increasingly favored for their health benefits and role in protecting the environment and ecosystems. Viet Nam’s Party and State have likewise affirmed that organic agriculture is an inevitable development pathway as the country deepens its international integration.

However, according to the VOAA Chairman, despite encouraging growth, Viet Nam’s organic agriculture sector remains relatively young. The legal framework only began to take shape in 2018 following the issuance of National Standard TCVN 11041:2017 and Decree No. 109/2018/ND-CP on organic agriculture. Compared with countries that have decades of experience in organic farming, Vietnam still faces significant shortages in both expertise and human resources.

According to the 2026 annual report jointly released by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Viet Nam’s organic agricultural land reached 125,045 hectares by the end of 2024, ranking fifth among the top ten Asian countries with the largest organic farming areas.

However, this figure accounts for only 1.07% of the country’s more than 11 million hectares of agricultural land. Under Decision No. 885/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister, Viet Nam aims to increase organic farming land to 3% of total agricultural land by 2030. As such, the implementation of practical international cooperation projects is considered highly necessary.

Mr. Mich emphasized that the project represents a practical step toward developing organic production models suited to Viet Nam’s conditions, while helping to connect environmental protection, climate adaptation, market development, and improved farmer incomes.

Founded in Germany in 1982, Naturland is one of the world’s leading non-profit organic agriculture organizations. It currently operates a global network of approximately 100,000-120,000 farmers across 60 countries. Beyond ecological standards, Naturland has also pioneered the application of social responsibility and Fair Trade standards, placing workers’ rights at the center of its certification system.

Mr. Albin Deforges, Director of Naturland Viet Nam, affirmed that the launch of the project marks another important milestone in fulfilling the organization’s commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural development. Following five years of successfully applying stringent organic standards to Viet Nam’s aquaculture sector, particularly shrimp production, as well as cashew and spice value chains, Naturland plans to expand its activities into other strategic commodities, including cocoa, tropical fruits, coffee, and rice.

The project launch represents a timely and practical initiative to establish exemplary organic production models tailored to Viet Nam’s realities. Its success is expected to lay a solid foundation for scaling up organic agriculture and agroforestry practices, expanding market opportunities, and improving sustainable livelihoods for Vietnamese farmers in the face of global climate change.