Public-private partnerships in agricultural extension boost agritourism

Immense potential

Southern Khanh Hoa province (formerly Ninh Thuan) and the northeastern region of Lam Dong province (formerly Binh Thuan) are localities with distinct advantages in grape and apple cultivation. The convergence of agricultural extension activities, specifically the transfer of technical advancements, with the development of ecotourism and experiential tourism is opening up a promising new direction. This approach not only serves as a solution to foster agricultural development but also contributes to building a dynamic, creative, and tourist-friendly local image.

According to Dr. Pham Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Institute for Cotton and Agricultural Development Research (Nha Ho Institute), grapes and apples have for many years been considered key crops delivering high income for farmers and playing a crucial role in the crop structure of localities in the South Central Coast region. Currently, the grape production area in the South Central Coast is approximately 1,200 to 1,300 hectares, with an average output of 25,000 to 30,000 tons per year. Additionally, the apple production area covers about 1,000 hectares, concentrated mainly in the plains and coastal communes.

In recent years, agricultural experiential tourism has become a trend favored by many domestic and international visitors. Agricultural production models associated with tourism development have garnered significant attention from local authorities. Many specific local agricultural models are visited and experienced by tourists whenever they travel to the southern area of Khanh Hoa and the northeast of Lam Dong province (formerly Binh Thuan). Popular destinations include the Ba Moi grape garden, Thai An grape garden, An Hoa sheep field, and My Nghiep lotus pond. Products derived from grapes and apples, such as wine, jam, syrup, apple nectar, and dried apples, are becoming increasingly diverse and highly rated by both domestic and foreign tourists.

Although the potential for specific agriculture tied to agritourism exploitation and development remains vast, several inadequacies persist, ranging from production organization and promotion to reception services and infrastructure. Dr. Pham Trung Hieu asserted that agritourism remains largely spontaneous with a lack of coordination among stakeholders. Investment in infrastructure, human resource training, and brand promotion is still limited. Therefore, the public-private partnership model in agricultural extension associated with tourism is a necessary solution for sustainable development.

Multi-benefit model

Addressing the aforementioned reality, the Nha Ho Institute has developed a linkage model for grape and apple production aligned with VietGAP standards and ecotourism. The Institute coordinated with local authorities to select planting areas and eligible households to establish the model in the southern area of Khanh Hoa and the northeastern area of Lam Dong province, with a scale of 8 hectares of grapes and 8 hectares of apples, involving 80 participating households.

The Nha Ho Institute developed the plan while coordinating with local authorities to supply materials for the model's implementation, including quality apple varieties, trellis materials, fertilizers, and plant protection drugs meeting quality standards. The Institute also organized training classes for farmers on grape and apple farming techniques and fertilization processes, in accordance with VietGAP standards; integrated pest management; issues related to ecotourism; and guidance on farming practices in line with VietGAP procedures.

Enterprises, cooperatives, and households producing and trading grapes and apples in the project area, such as the Thai An General Agricultural Service Cooperative, Phuoc The Agricultural Cooperative, and Thai Thuan Agricultural Produce Production and Purchasing Co., Ltd., are units participating in the value chain linkage. This spans from production, purchasing, and processing to product consumption for the project. These entities play a role in developing agritourism products, investing in facilities and services for tourists, contributing to the local budget, creating jobs, and improving local people's incomes.

According to Dr. Pham Trung Hieu, public-private cooperation helps mobilize capital from the model and resources from enterprises and cooperatives, reducing the burden on the state budget while ensuring investment efficiency. The model enhances the value of grape and apple products and improves people's income. Private enterprises play a role in ensuring stable product offtake, while the State supports trade promotion, market connections, and the development of agricultural-tourism regional brands.

Furthermore, through training and technical transfer programs coordinated by the State and enterprises, farmers gain access to advanced production methods, thereby enhancing their skills and awareness of production in accordance with VietGAP standards. The public-private partnership model in grape and apple production associated with agritourism creates additional jobs in production, services, tour guiding, accommodation, and cuisine, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction in rural areas. Cooperation between the government, businesses, and citizens helps form new-style cooperatives, increasing cohesion in local economic development.

Dr. Pham Trung Hieu assessed that, within the model, the State (the public sector) orients production toward VietGAP standards, while enterprises support technology and invest in water-saving irrigation systems and waste treatment, thereby helping to develop sustainable agriculture. Public-private cooperation facilitates the planning and promotion of experiential tours of grape and apple gardens produced under VietGAP standards, combining indigenous culture and cuisine. The State supports media communications, while enterprises exploit tourism services, thereby spreading the brand of the grape-apple region produced under VietGAP standards.