Enhanced agricultural practices boosted through green initiatives

In the dynamic world of agriculture, Vietnam is making significant strides towards a greener future. The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) has approved funding for HUSK, a company specializing in biochar-based fertilisers, to expand its operations in the country. This three-year project, led by food ingredients manufacturer BENEO, non-governmental organisation Rikolto, and climate-tech company CarbonFarm, aims to encourage sustainable rice production and strengthen Vietnam's position as a trusted supplier of SRP-certified rice.

HUSK is establishing a new production facility in Vietnam to manufacture biochar-based fertilisers tailored for local agricultural regions. The company is also forming research partnerships with institutions like Can Tho University and Nong Lam University to test and refine products for crops such as rice, coffee, durian, and bell pepper. Successful business cases will be documented to inspire wider adoption of sustainable practices.

Meanwhile, the project helps farmers meet international sustainability benchmarks. Trained farmers are guaranteed purchase quantities for their SRP-verified rice, and the subsidy covers training costs, monitoring and validation of emissions and water consumption reductions, logistics, and processing of SRP-verified rice.

Phuc Sinh Corporation, another key player, has secured $15 million funding from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank. This funding will be used to raise production capacity, invest in agricultural projects, and apply advanced technology to the supply chain. The project equips cooperatives to support farmers in scaling sustainable production.

The export value of agro-forestry-fishery products in Vietnam reached $39.68 billion in the first seven months of the year, with significant growth in coffee, cashew nut, and pepper exports. Pepper exports, in particular, have seen an on-year increase of 30% to $1 billion. However, rice exports have seen a 15.9% decrease in value due to a significant 18.4% drop in price.

To support the BENEO-led project in Vietnam, CarbonFarm deploys digital and satellite tools to collect data. Rikolto leads training for Vietnamese farmers to encourage sustainable rice production. The name of the person leading the collaboration between BENEO, Rikolto, and CarbonFarm is not publicly available.

HUSK is expanding market presence through demonstration farms, farmer training, and direct engagement, while building distribution and offtake partnerships with cooperatives and agribusinesses. The initiative is a testament to the commitment of these companies and organisations towards sustainable agriculture and the economic growth of Vietnam.