Vietnam green and low-emission rice enters global market

In April, the Vietnam Rice Sector Association (VIETRISA) officially launched the 'Vietnam green and low-emission rice' brand, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural economy.

King Green Natural Food Joint Stock Company, the owner of the 'Rice King' brand, was granted the right to use the 'Vietnam green and low-emission rice' label for nearly 182 hectares of certified rice fields, with a total production of 620 tons.

Mr. Dang Van Vu, representative of King Green, shared that in the 2024 summer-autumn season, the company began collaborating with 700 local farming households to produce low-emission rice. However, at that time, both the company and the farmers were uncertain and concerned, as they did not fully understand the impact of the high-quality, low-emission rice farming process on yield, costs, and profitability.

Thanks to the active support from local authorities, VIETRISA, and international organizations, the company and the farmers involved in the supply chain received comprehensive training on advanced farming techniques. The training also incorporated several social initiatives, including health consultations for those directly involved in production, the use of safe and sustainable agricultural inputs, and the promotion of gender equality in agriculture.

After three growing seasons, these advanced techniques significantly improved soil quality, boosting its organic content. The results were clear: production costs were reduced, profits increased, and rice quality consistently improved over the seasons.

The certification of the 'Vietnam green and low-emission rice' brand by King Green not only proves the efforts of both farmers and the company in producing high-quality rice, but also opens the door to exports to demanding global markets.

According to Mr. Vu, several market surveys conducted by the company across Europe, America, Australia, and other regions have revealed a clear and growing consumer demand for rice and rice-based products made from clean, safe, and healthy raw materials. Consumers in these regions are increasingly seeking out products that meet high standards of quality and sustainability.

For years, King Green has received numerous orders from discerning international markets for Vietnam's low-emission rice. However, due to limited supply, the company was unable to meet the demand at the time. This certification now acts as a powerful lever, allowing the company to assert its capabilities, expand its share in the export market, and strengthen its position among domestic consumers.

Currently, King Green is in the process of designing packaging and preparing for the labeling of 620 tons of rice under the 'Vietnam green and low-emission rice' brand. These rice products will be distributed to domestic supermarket chains and exported to markets where the 'Rice King' brand has a competitive edge, such as Australia, and emerging markets in Europe, America, South Korea, and Japan. This move not only meets the increasing demand for sustainable rice but also supports the broader goal of enhancing Vietnam's rice industry on the global stage.

Similarly, Trung An High-Tech Agriculture Joint Stock Company is set to label a 1,000-ton rice shipment in May with the 'Vietnam green and low-emission rice' brand. This shipment will be exported to Japan, one of the most demanding markets in the world. Japan’s rigorous standards require the rice to comply with over 600 active ingredients and undergo a lengthy testing process, sometimes lasting up to a month.

Mr. Pham Thai Binh, CEO of Trung An, believes that the launch of this brand marks a major turning point in efforts to enhance the global standing of Vietnamese rice. He proudly affirmed,“The winds of change are already blowing in the Vietnamese rice sector, and from now on, things will be different.”

Mr. Le Thanh Tung, Vice Chairman of VIETRISA, observed that the introduction of the 'Vietnam green and low-emission rice' brand is a direct response to the growing consumer demand for rice that meets low-emission standards. This move not only addresses market demands but also aligns with global trends toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. The certification reflects the commitment of Vietnamese rice producers to meet high international standards, providing a foundation for further growth in both domestic and international markets.

Before being granted the right to use the brand, businesses must undergo a strict verification process conducted by specialized authorities to ensure compliance with the criteria set forth by the association. Once the brand is granted, companies are responsible for managing the quality of their products from production directly to consumers.

Mr. Tung is hopeful that in the near future, localities within the "1 million hectares of high-quality rice project" will continue to expand their rice cultivation areas. As a result, millions of tons of rice will be certified as meeting the standards, enhancing the image of Vietnamese rice among consumers worldwide.

Sharing this hope, Mr. Do Ha Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), expressed his desire for the 161 rice-exporting businesses in Vietnam to have the 'Vietnam green and low-emission rice' brand label on their product packaging. This would bring added safety to consumers both domestically and internationally, reinforcing the global reputation of Vietnamese rice as a safe and sustainable product.