“New harvest” project advances sustainable agriculture in Viet Nam

The PepsiCo Foundation, Viet Nam Sustainable Agriculture Partnership (PSAV), the National Agricultural Extension Centre (NAEC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and CARE signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Washington DC on November 14 for the “New harvest: Sustainable agriculture initiative” project – the second phase of the “I am happy to sow” project in Viet Nam.

Running from January 2026 to December 2028, the initiative prioritises inclusive value chains and regenerative farming practices.

C.D. Glin, Chair of the PepsiCo Foundation, said: “Through supporting female farmers and smallholder households, we aim not only to increase productivity but also to empower women, foster financial independence, and build a more sustainable future for communities, in line with PepsiCo’s pep strategy.”

The project is driven by an effective public-private partnership model, linking ministries, research institutes, local partners, and the private sector. Public partners, including PSAV and NAEC, will provide technical support, create enabling policies, and coordinate with local authorities, while the Western Highlands Agro-Forestry Science Institute (WASI) offers scientific expertise.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung emphasised the Ministry’s commitment: “We will continue to support and coordinate closely with partners in implementing and scaling initiatives that deliver practical and social impact. PepsiCo Foundation, CARE, and the private sector are crucial in financial support, technological innovation, and promoting sustainable consumption.”

The project focuses on three interconnected goals: building climate-resilient food systems, empowering smallholder farmers—particularly women and ethnic minorities—to practice regenerative agriculture, and creating inclusive value chains by improving access to inputs, finance, technology, and markets. Successful models will be documented and scaled through the Food Innovation Hub Viet Nam (FIH-V).

Crystal Lander, CARE’s Vice President for Advocacy and Global Engagement, highlighted the importance of the project’s focus: “Shifting towards regenerative agriculture and climate adaptation is essential. ‘New harvest’ enhances productivity, restores soils, and safeguards livelihoods against increasingly complex climate risks, marking a vital step toward long-term sustainable development.”

The “New harvest” project forms part of PepsiCo Foundation and CARE’s global ‘She Feeds the World’ programme, supporting smallholder households, especially women, to access resources, knowledge, and confidence to improve productivity, nutrition, and community well-being.

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