Finding solutions to develop a circular economy in cocoa production

Attending were representatives of leaders of the Central Highlands provinces; relevant institutes, departments and branches; and domestic cocoa production enterprises.

Mr. Bach Thanh Tuan, Director of the Center for Community Development - CDC delivered the opening speech.

This is one of the activities within the framework of the Project “Circular Economy in Cocoa Production: From Cocoa Beans to Chocolate Bars”, phase 2022 – 2026, funded by the European Union and Helvetas Organization, implemented in the Central Highlands and Southeast regions.

Delegates attending the conference.

The project aims to promote the circular economy model in the agricultural sector and in Vietnam's agricultural policy, towards equitable economic growth and reduced environmental impact.

In particular, focusing on transforming the cocoa/chocolate sub-sector to a circular economy approach at key stages in the product life cycle and replicating the circular economy approach to other agri-food sub-sectors.

Mr. Pham S, former Vice Chairman of Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, spoke.

The project will bring 3,500 farmers increased income thanks to the application of circular economy solutions; 500 people have jobs or better job opportunities; 6 cocoa companies convert to circular economy model; 4,000 tons of cocoa produced applying new solutions; 100 tons of bio-packaging produced; 250,000 EUR invested in circular economy model; 4 policy initiatives supporting circular economy built.

Delegates attend the discussion session of the meeting.

As of March 2025, the project has: 3 published case studies; 10 cocoa enterprises/cooperatives supported; 30 technical support packages implemented; 6 demonstration models; 27 training courses organized, with 1,428 people trained; about 70% of cocoa farmers have access and indirectly benefited...

Currently, the total cocoa growing area in Vietnam is 3,4071 hectares, of which Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Lam Dong provinces account for 48%. The total raw cocoa output of Vietnam is 4,789 tons/year. Cocoa is a perennial crop, the development of cocoa in recent times has been unstable, many cocoa areas have been replaced by other crops in the regions. In particular, the optimization of the production value chain and the utilization of by-products to increase economic efficiency have not received attention.

Helvetas Vietnam and Center for Community Development – ​​CDC signed a cooperation agreement.

At the meeting, delegates shared a number of solutions for developing a circular economy in the cocoa industry. That is, cocoa cultivation needs to identify appropriate crop combinations to create advantages for the entire crop ecosystem including cover crops, shade trees, windbreaks, and shade trees for cocoa trees is mandatory; widely deploying applications for processing from cocoa by-products (cocoa husks, cocoa pulp, etc.); raising people's awareness in developing sustainable cocoa trees. In addition, there should be development policies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment specifically for cocoa trees to exploit the advantages of Vietnamese cocoa trees...

On this occasion, Helvetas Vietnam and the Center for Community Development - CDC signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two parties in strategic cooperation on environment, society and governance towards the goal of sustainable development, joining hands towards prosperity for the community.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202504/tim-giai-phap-phat-trien-kinh-te-tuan-hoan-trong-san-xuat-ca-cao-b600a61/