Ireland Embassy visits low-emission models in Phu Tho and Son La

During October 21–22, 2025, a joint working delegation from the Mobilization Committee of the Vietnam Green Transition Association (VGA), led by Mr. Dang Huy Dong (former Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment), Head of the Committee, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Quang Vinh, Deputy Head, together with the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, headed by Deputy Ambassador Ronan Cunniffe, made a visit and working trip to Phu Tho and Son La provinces.

The mission aimed to monitor and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the project “Connecting Agriculture: Enhancing the Capacity of Smallholder Farmers through Transparent and Sustainable Trade,” funded by the Embassy of Ireland and implemented by the Center for Development and Integration (CDI) together with several VGA members.

In Phu Tho Province, on the morning of October 21, the delegation visited and worked with the Tea Research and Development Center (under the Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute).

This is where the VietFarm Low-Emission Cultivation Standard and the VietFarm Organic Tea Low-Emission Cultivation Process have been successfully applied on an area of 2 hectares.

The delegation visited the organic tea cultivation area and the tea variety conservation zone, and exchanged successful experiences with the leadership of NOMAFSI and the local authorities of Phu Ho Commune and Phong Chau Ward.

In Son La Province, on the afternoon of October 21 and October 22, the Irish Embassy delegation visited and worked with the Quang Huy Agricultural Service Cooperative in Phu Yen Commune, which has, for five years, successfully implemented the VietFarm Organic Rice Cultivation Process on an area of 145 hectares, applying the eGap traceability system.

The delegation toured the low-emission VietFarm-standard organic rice fields, milling and packaging areas, brocade weaving craft, garment production workshops, and traditional culinary facilities.

A highlight of the working visit in Son La was the delegation’s participation in the ceremony awarding the pilot VietFarm Low-Emission Certification to the Quang Huy Agricultural Service Cooperative.

Earlier, the delegation also took part in a local cultural exchange program at the Chu Communal House Historical Site in Phu Yen Commune.

The visit by the Embassy of Ireland and Vietnamese partners affirmed the initial effectiveness of the pilot green, low-emission agricultural models, contributing to enhancing product value, promoting digital transformation in agriculture, and strengthening friendly cooperation between the two countries.