Perception of challenges in opportunities for organic food research and development in Vietnam

Abstract

Since the inception of the green revolution during the 1970s, Vietnamese farmers converted their natural ways of farming into conventional agriculture using short-term rice and vegetables hybrids and intensive inputs of agrochemicals. Unfortunately, the Vietnamese society nowadays has a considerable concern about the side-effect of conventional farming on human health and the natural environment. There is a strong demand for safe food or organic food in urban areas as well as the rural communities. In response to this issue, the government has initiated the organic agriculture strategy for Vietnam in 2017 while growers and processors continue to practice organic agriculture for domestic consumption and exports over the last decade. Drawing on evidence from 36 in-depth interviews (qualitative research) with government officials, researchers, NGOs, media, processors and organic growers in Vietnam, this chapter aims to shed light on the organics industry. It places a spotlight on the perceptions of stakeholders with particular reference to (1) scope of adoption of organic agriculture, especially organic rice farming, (2) awareness of domestic and international standards and markets for organic food, (3) perception of government policies for the organic agriculture movement in Vietnam, and (4) the perception of current research activities on organic farming and practices inside the country. There is also a review of the literature and a profile of current research activities in key agricultural research institutions and universities in Vietnam is given.