Turning initiatives into resources for Viet Nam’s agroecology

On October 28 in Hanoi, the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment (ISPAE) organized the workshop “Agroecological Transition and Food Systems - From Practice to Policy.” The event was held within the framework of the ASSET Project (Agroecology and Safe Food System Transitions).

Expanding ecological practices through 'farmer-to-farmer sharing' model

The ASSET project is implemented in Son La and Dien Bien provinces, led by the Viet Nam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS). It involves the participation of ISPAE, the Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (NOMAFSI), the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute (FAVRI), and various international organizations.

According to Dr. Hoang Vu Quang, Deputy Director of ISPAE, the project aims for a comprehensive transformation of the agrifood production and consumption system toward an ecological, safe, and equitable approach. This is achieved through agro-forestry models, clean product value chains, and cooperative mechanisms among four key groups: the state, scientists, businesses, and farmers. "This is a crucial foundation for Viet Nam to gradually integrate agroecology into national target programs, moving toward sustainable and inclusive agricultural development," he said.

Mr. François Roger, CIRAD Regional Director, assessed that Vietnam is becoming an ASEAN “policy laboratory” for agroecology. Practical models in Son La, Dien Bien, and many other provinces are not only helping farmers improve their livelihoods but also contributing to shaping the national action plan for food system transformation.

According to Mr. Roger, “from practice to policy” means building on the wealth of field experiences, innovative models, diversified systems, and pioneering agroecological initiatives, and collectively reflecting on how these can be supported, scaled up, and sustained through coherent policy frameworks, institutional dialogues, and platforms for concertation. “This is precisely where the concept of policy dialogue takes on its full meaning: bringing together diverse actors, bridging knowledge systems, and co-constructing a shared vision and common directions”, he emphasized, expressing his expectation that Viet Nam will continue its pioneering role in the region in this field.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Tan, Country Representative for the Center for International Forestry Research (ICRAF) in Viet Nam, shared results from the “Agroecology for Sustainable Landscapes for the Poor in the Northern Uplands” (A4P) project. The project was co-implemented by ICRAF and the Center for Sustainable Community Development (CISDOMA) in Tram Tau (Yen Bai) and Kim Boi (Hoa Binh) from 2021-2025, with funding from Bread for the World (BftW) and co-financing from IFAD.

The project has helped over 200 farming households diversify crops through agro-forestry, reduce chemical inputs, manage household-scale nutrition, and conserve native species. In Tram Tau, residents planted over 15,000 fruit and timber trees. In Kim Boi, 14,000 canarium, michelia, and bamboo trees were cultivated, improving forest cover and income.

Beyond production, A4P also supported the restoration of upland taro varieties and developed the Shan Tuyet tea value chain, linking it with e-commerce and local specialty festivals. “Initial results show that agroecology not only improves soil and diversifies livelihoods but also helps build sustainable landscapes and increase resilience to climate change,” said Mr. Nguyen Quang Tan. Based on the project’s outcomes, ICRAF recommends that Viet Nam establish a policy framework for phasing out chemicals, financial mechanisms to support smallholders, and a 'farmer-to-farmer sharing' model to scale up effective ecological practices.

From agroecological initiatives to policy resources

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao The Anh, President of the Vietnam Agroecology Network (PHANO), emphasized that agroecology has become a strategic approach in Viet Nam’s agricultural development. This is reflected in the Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development 2021-2030 and the National Action Plan for a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system transformation by 2030 (Decision 300/QD-TTg).

However, he pointed out that resource mobilization remains a major bottleneck. “Farmers are currently managing the high costs and risks of transition on their own, while financial, technical, and market support remains limited,” he said.

Drawing from the experience of multiple projects, he argued that the transition can only succeed when scientists, extension workers, authorities, and farmers work together. The PHANO representative stressed that scientists must go to the fields, monitor crops with communal extension agents, and work with authorities to resolve policy barriers, the model is only sustainable when all four "houses" (stakeholders) participate.

Another critical factor is the availability of crop varieties and seed services suitable for specific ecological zones. "Seed policies and distribution must be adjusted to serve a more substantive ecological transition," analyzed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao The Anh.

According to him, Viet Nam currently has many policies oriented toward agroecology, but most remain high-level directives without implementation resources. The key issue is how to scale up innovative initiatives and scientific evidence into concrete, measurable, and funded policies for regional-level implementation.

To address this, the Working Group on Agroecology was formed, bringing together research institutes, international organizations, and local partners to translate practical evidence into policy arguments and implementation tools. The group is coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, FAO, ICRAF, CIRAD, and the ALiSEA network to standardize assessment criteria, design results-based financial mechanisms, and integrate them into national target programs for poverty reduction, new rural development, and climate change adaptation.

“The next phase must turn knowledge into action, and initiatives into resources,” said Mr. Dao The Anh.