Organic coffee project in Gia Lai delivers high effectiveness

Results exceed expectations

As Viet Nam's coffee industry is facing increasingly strict requirements of international markets in terms of quality, traceability, and environmentally friendly production, the development of organic coffee is considered an inevitable direction to enhance added value. In Gia Lai, the project "Developing an Organic Coffee Production Model" implemented by the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center during the 2023–2025 period has delivered positive results, laying an important foundation for scaling up the model across the locality.

The project was implemented in Bo Ngoong commune with the objective of establishing an organic coffee production model associated with a community-based agricultural extension group, enhancing the capacity of farmers and cooperatives, and promoting product consumption linkages along value chains. The project developed a 30-hectare organic coffee intensive cultivation model, with the participation of four households. Throughout the 3-year implementation period, participating households received support on materials, technical guidance on organic farming practices, establishment of buffer zones, production log maintenance, and strict compliance with international organic standards.

In addition to production support, the project also focused on capacity building for local residents through training courses, technical training, field workshops, and study visits to learn from practical experiences. The community-based agricultural extension group proved effective, serving as a bridge between specialized agencies, enterprises, and farmers in technology transfer and production organization.

Mr. Vo Van Ke, Project Director, said that after three years of implementation, the project has fully achieved its planned objectives and recorded numerous outcomes beyond expectations. The entire model area has been certified to EU organic standards, assigned planting area codes, and equipped with a QR code-based traceability system. In particular, the model's coffee yield reached 2.06 tons of green beans/hectare, an increase of more than 58% over the initial target of 1.3 tons/hectare.

According to Mr. Ke, beyond productivity gains, the model also delivered significant economic benefits. Average profit reached VND 334.4 million/hectare, 17.26% higher than traditional production methods. Linkages with purchasing enterprises have helped farmers feel secure in production, reduced pressure on product output, and gradually enabled access to high-value markets.

"Another important milestone is the successful development of a production and consumption linkage chain. Through seminars and enterprise–cooperative networking activities, organic coffee products have received long-term purchasing commitments from businesses after certification. This is a key factor in ensuring the sustainability of the model, helping to avoid a situation where products meet standards but face difficulties in consumption," emphasized Mr. Vo Van Ke.

According to Mr. Ke, the model also delivers significant environmental and social benefits beyond its economic efficiency. The use of organic fertilizers, bio-products, and environmentally friendly farming practices helps improve soil fertility, enhance water retention capacity, restore beneficial microorganisms, and reduce environmental pollution. Producers also have less exposure to hazardous chemicals, thereby contributing to protecting public health.

Spreading organic production

The results show that the organic coffee model is fully aligned with Gia Lai Province’s orientation toward developing green agriculture and circular agriculture. It is also considered an important solution to help the locality’s coffee industry adapt to climate change and comply with new import market regulations, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In addition to supporting project implementation, Vinh Hiep Co., Ltd. has been working with cooperatives and farmers to ensure stable, sustainable consumption of organic coffee products.

According to Mr. Duong Van Thanh, Head of the Sustainable Development Division at Vinh Hiep Co., Ltd., through the project, farmer households have gradually established organic-certified coffee raw material areas that meet the requirements of both domestic and international markets. As a result, coffee bean value has increased, creating stronger competitiveness and higher incomes for producers.

"This is an important foundation for Gia Lai’s coffee industry to develop in a green and smart direction, effectively adapt to climate change, and meet the trend of green consumption," Mr. Thanh said.

According to Mr. Vo Van Ke, the results achieved indicate strong potential for scaling up the model. Gia Lai holds significant advantages, including its extensive coffee-growing area, favorable climate and soil conditions, and strong support from local authorities for the development of organic agriculture. In addition, growing market demand for certified organic coffee products is encouraging farmers to confidently change production methods.

"Even during the project implementation period, the replicated area increased by 12 hectares, exceeding the initial target by 40%. This demonstrates both the model’s spillover effect and farmers’ confidence in the effectiveness of organic production," Mr. Ke said.

He added that through training courses and field visits, many farmer households have accessed and gradually adopted organic cultivation practices. The model has become a learning and knowledge-sharing platform for farmers, contributing to the formation of concentrated organic coffee production areas in the future.

"The project has left a clear mark on the transition toward green and sustainable agricultural production. The success of the model not only generates economic benefits for coffee growers but also enhances the value and reputation of Gia Lai coffee in both domestic and international markets," Mr. Vo Van Ke said.

$1 = VND 26,456 - Source: Vietcombank.