Green Transformation in Agriculture Turning Plans into Actions

The endeavor toward green transformation represents an unparalleled initiative on a global scale to curtail carbon emissions. A significant portion, nearly 80%, of the global population is actively engaged in production, with agriculture standing out not only as susceptible to climate change but also as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In alignment with the imperative of reducing emissions to address global climate change and transition toward a green economy, Vietnamese agriculture is undergoing a gradual shift in its production model toward green growth and evolving consumption trends. Vietnam Business Forum interviewed Mr. Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on this issue.

Given the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s approval of the Action Plan for the implementation of the National Strategy on Green Growth for the 2021-2030 period in September 2022, what is your perspective on the development of green agriculture? Could you elaborate on the potential benefits and challenges of this approach?

Vietnam exhibits significant potential for the advancement of sustainable agriculture, owing to factors such as fertile soil, a favorable climate, abundant biodiversity, a proficient workforce, and a supportive policy framework. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has devised the Green Growth Action Plan to operationalize tasks mandated by the Government. This plan aligns with the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy for the 2021-2030 period, envisioning a sustainable, green, and environmentally friendly agricultural transformation by 2050, resilient to climate change and focused on reducing rural environmental pollution.

In recent years, Vietnamese agriculture has demonstrated continuous and comprehensive growth, attaining substantial achievements. The rapid enhancement of food production, both in quantity and quality, ensures an ample supply to meet domestic and export requirements. To propel agricultural integration, Vietnam must undertake decisive and forward-thinking measures to transition toward a green, low-emission, and sustainable food system. Prioritizing low-carbon agriculture is imperative in fulfilling Vietnam's commitments at COP26, striving for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is actively formulating policies for eco-friendly resource management, particularly targeting high carbon-emission sectors such as livestock farming and rice cultivation.

The envisioned green agricultural development in Vietnam encompasses the perpetuation of sustainable agricultural growth, heightened efficiency in resource utilization and protection, biodiversity preservation, reduced dependence on intensive agricultural chemicals, increased adoption of advanced water-efficient irrigation methods, promotion of organic production, and the widespread implementation of good agricultural practices. A pivotal focus lies on the creation of new rural areas, ensuring the realization of green and sustainable growth objectives and fostering a lifestyle harmonized with the environment and nature, thereby safeguarding and cultivating a green, clean, beautiful, and civilized landscape.

However, Vietnamese agriculture grapples with several challenges. These include the shrinking production land area, escalating food demand due to population growth, inadequate attention to sustainable development requirements, unresolved issues with chemical residues in animal feed and aquaculture, excessive use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, and persistent high levels of post-harvest losses. This reality not only poses environmental risks but also jeopardizes human health, impacting both producers and consumers.

Emphasis is placed on the development of green, clean, safe, and sustainable agricultural production 

Acknowledging these advantages and challenges, how does the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development plan to further promote green agriculture in the future?

The agricultural sector necessitates a paradigm shift in production thinking, evolving from a focus solely on agricultural production to a more encompassing consideration of agricultural economics. This transition emphasizes the enhancement of both value and yield, coupled with the diversification of market-oriented value chains. The sector is progressing from a singularly focused developmental approach to a more integrated multi-sector strategy, transitioning from a "single-value" to a "multi-value" integration framework.

Vietnam requires a visionary approach and decisive measures to embark on the journey toward a green food system. Presently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is actively formulating policies centered around eco-friendly resource management, with a specific emphasis on the sectors of livestock farming and rice cultivation. Collaborating with localities, the ministry is spearheading the establishment of concentrated, secure, and large-scale production zones to meet the increasing demand for both domestic and export markets, particularly for clean agricultural products.

In the coming time, the ministry will persist in refining mechanisms and policies conducive to fostering green, ecological agricultural growth models. The focus remains on the development of agricultural production characterized by being green, clean, safe, and sustainable, concurrently promoting a lifestyle aligned with environmental principles and sustainable consumption practices. Prioritizing the training and enhancement of human resources tailored for green and ecological agricultural development is integral to this vision.

The ministry will also drive digital transformation and technological innovation to optimize resource utilization and environmental conservation. Strengthening international cooperation and integration efforts is paramount, aiming to mobilize investment resources for sustainable green agricultural growth and development. This includes initiatives to enhance the efficacy of resource management, environmental protection, and the development of green infrastructure to adapt to climate change and curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Communicating and fostering awareness regarding green growth in agriculture and rural areas is also a priority, with a parallel emphasis on bolstering the monitoring and evaluation of green growth action plans. Additionally, there is a pressing need to further educate and raise awareness among producers about green agriculture and circular agriculture, recognizing that a correct perception is the foundation for informed and sustainable actions.

To align with global trends such as responsible agricultural production, low carbon emissions, environmental friendliness, and climate change adaptation, what additional measures should Vietnam consider?

In addition to expeditiously addressing prevailing limitations and weaknesses, Vietnam's agricultural sector is confronted with a myriad of emerging challenges, with climate change, market volatility, and shifting consumption trends standing out prominently. The escalating severity and extremity of climate change are altering production conditions significantly, which is particularly evident in the Mekong Delta.

The landscape of market dynamics is characterized by frequent and rapid fluctuations. Despite the opening of numerous markets through trade agreements, their accessibility is contingent upon meeting stringent standards and requirements, rendering market fluctuations inherently unpredictable.

Concurrently, substantial shifts in consumption patterns are underway. The global trend toward green consumption aligns with the principles of a green economy. Contemporary products are evaluated not solely on the basis of quality and output but also on the imperative of social responsibility in their creation. Regardless of the product's quality or affordability, if it contributes to environmental harm, it faces rejection in the market. The commitment made by the Prime Minister at COP26 to achieve "zero-carbon" by 2050 necessitates decisive action from the agricultural sector to uphold this commitment.

The transition toward eco-friendly practices in agriculture is an immensely challenging endeavor. It necessitates unwavering perseverance and a robust political commitment, which must be translated into strategic action plans tailored to each region. Furthermore, it demands a paradigm shift in individual attitudes and a steadfast resolve to take action. This green transformation is not just a policy change, but a testament to our collective responsibility toward sustainable development.

Thank you very much!

By Minh Ngọc, Vietnam Business Forum