“Net Zero“ Agriculture Advancing Sustainable Green Values

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Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam.

At the COP26 Conference, Vietnam made strong commitments concerning the agricultural sector, including joining the "Global Methane Pledge" and committing to the " Glasgow Declaration of Leaders on Forests and Land Use." Could you share what actions the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has undertaken in this regard?

In the past two years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has developed and implemented a greenhouse gas emission reduction plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, and a strategy for fulfilling the "Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use." The Ministry has also executed the Emission Reduction Payment Agreement (ERPA) for forests in the North Central region, with ongoing negotiations for the Central Highlands and South-Central regions. We have also reviewed forest carbon credit exchange projects in line with COP26 initiatives.

Over recent years, Vietnam's agricultural sector has been undergoing a transformation focused on increasing added value and promoting sustainability. This includes advancing organic, circular and green agriculture. Green agriculture integrates smart farming techniques, prioritizes organic fertilizers, reduces chemical and pesticide use, adopts water-efficient irrigation systems, and leverages technology to recycle waste and by-products. These practices aim to enhance production efficiency, conserve resources, protect ecosystems and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

Many green agricultural models have been successfully implemented across many localities, particularly integrated farming systems in rice cultivation. These models emphasize reducing seed usage, adopting integrated pest management (IPM) and applying pesticides based on the “4 Rights” principle: Right medicine, Right dosage and ratio, Right timing and Right method. Additionally, initiatives like the "3 Reductions, 3 Increases" - reducing varieties, fertilizers and pesticides while increasing yield, quality and efficiency - and the "1 Must, 5 Reductions"- requiring the use of certified varieties and reducing excessive use of varieties, fertilizers, pesticides, water, and post-harvest loss - have been widely adopted. These methods have effectively reduced production costs, minimized environmental impact and improved both rice productivity and quality.

In forestry, Vietnam has actively implemented the national action plan to fulfill the Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use by 2030, as well as the action plan to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The forest environmental services payment policy has significantly contributed to forest protection and development, with revenues reaching approximately VND3,200 billion in 2023. Sustainable forest management certifications (FSC and VFCS/PEFC) now cover 465,000 ha. Additionally, Vietnam sold 10.3 million forest carbon credits for the first time, generating VND1,200 billion for the World Bank, which will provide important funding for further forest protection and development.

Vietnamese agriculture is increasingly showing greater responsibility to the international community. As outlined in the Strategy for Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, the country aims to promote agricultural restructuring by shifting from a "production mindset" to an "economic mindset." This shift focuses on creating "green values" through green transformation, sustainable consumption and the green economy.

Vietnam has approved an action plan to implement the 2021-2030 National Strategy on Green Growth, focusing on ecological, circular, and low-carbon agriculture

What are the advantages of adopting a green agriculture mindset?

One major global issue today is climate change, which has a significant impact on the economic development of each country. In particular, agriculture is the sector most affected by climate change, and is also the second largest source of emissions after the processing and manufacturing industry. Every year, agricultural production releases about 80 million tons of CO2 emissions into the environment, accounting for over 30% of the total national greenhouse gas emissions. Of which, nearly 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture come from crop cultivation activities, 46% from rice cultivation activities. To maintain ecological stability and balance, limit climate change from affecting the environment and human life, countries must be responsible for preserving the environment.

Currently, the EU checks whether wood, coffee, rubber and cashews are grown in countries that violate deforestation regulations, but in the coming time, they will also check whether the wood we import for raw materials - to check whether the country exporting wood to Vietnam violates deforestation or not. We must adapt to changing trends and must see that: The global greening trend is essential and the Prime Minister has declared that Vietnam is ready to commit.

Recently, our working group and representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture concluded technical discussions and are now moving forward with the legal procedures to allow the export of Vietnamese passion fruit to the U.S.. Concurrently, the review process for new products such as seedless lemons, guava and jackfruit has begun. Agri-businesses have expressed optimism, noting that the successful negotiation and signing of agreements for Vietnamese products to enter high-standard markets is a catalyst for the modernization, professionalism and sustainability of Vietnam’s agricultural sector. This development also highlights the growing emphasis on strengthening the link between agri-businesses and farmers to ensure the quality and compliance with stringent import market standards. As global demand for clean, green agricultural practices and low-emission products rises, it is important for Vietnamese farmers and enterprises to accelerate the transition to "Net Zero" agriculture to remain competitive.

Vietnam is actively working to secure "visas" for its premium fruits to enter key markets. With this ongoing effort, agricultural exports are expected to continue their positive growth, leading to an increase in high-value products and the emergence of more billion-dollar export items in the near future.

How does the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development plan to advance green agriculture and accelerate the transition to low-emission farming in the future?

To achieve its Net Zero goal in agriculture, the Vietnamese government has approved a project aimed at developing one million ha of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta by 2030. This program is a global model for low-carbon agricultural development. Several localities in the region, such as Can Tho, Hau Giang and Soc Trang, are already implementing the project.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also approved an action plan to implement the National Strategy on Green Growth for 2021-2030, with a focus on promoting ecological, circular, and low-carbon agriculture. The plan aims to enhance agricultural quality, competitiveness, added value, and sustainability. Key priorities include refining green agriculture policies, fostering green value chain collaborations, scaling effective production models, advancing scientific research and strengthening human resources and farmers' capacity for green agriculture. It also emphasizes market development and international economic integration.

Thank you very much!