Sir, the “Low Emission Green Vietnamese Rice” brand of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association is creating quite a good effect on the market. Could you please share more about this brand?
“Low-emission green Vietnamese rice” is not yet a commercial brand, but a collective brand built by the association. The association's goal is to demonstrate that Vietnamese rice products are produced according to a farming process that reduces costs and greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the sustainable agricultural orientation of the Project "Sustainable development of one million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030" (1 million hectare Project).
This is the first step to spread the sustainable rice production model, helping both farmers and businesses to be proud that their products contribute to environmental protection.
The label has two meanings: first, it encourages farmers, cooperatives and businesses to participate in the Project, and commit to producing according to standard processes, thereby creating motivation to produce according to standard, environmentally friendly processes. Second, it helps consumers and businesses easily identify specific products of the project. Instead of just hearing about rather distant technical criteria, consumers can now immediately see a concrete demonstration of the actual emission reduction process.
To date, approximately 20,000 tons of rice have been certified as “Low Emission Green Vietnamese Rice”; of which 500 tons are being prepared for export to Japan – a market that is very strict in terms of food safety criteria. Although there has not been a significant price difference recorded, the prestige value, green image and sustainability of the product have been confirmed. Thereby, affirming the greening efforts of the Vietnamese rice industry.
How do you assess consumer interest in green, low-emission certified rice products?
Even domestically, many retail chains such as Co.opmart and Aeon have begun to research and distribute this green-labeled rice. Consumers are gradually paying attention to environmental factors in their food choices. Although the selling price has not increased, the prestige value and social awareness of the product have become clearer.
In the second phase, the association will certify about 50,000 tons of rice to achieve this label. Although still modest compared to the total output of millions of tons each year, this is an encouraging signal for farmers, businesses, and cooperatives when participating in the project.
Notably, a number of cooperatives and enterprises that have not yet participated in the 1 million hectare project and even foreign enterprises have contacted the association to learn how to participate in the project. Although it is only the association's brand, it has received the attention of countries and international organizations such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Japan, etc.
So how is the process to be labeled “Low Emission Green Vietnamese Rice” carried out?
Units wishing to be recognized must be located in the production planning area of the 1 million hectare Project registered by the province or city, have confirmation of the area and production process from the locality, and register before planting.
In particular, they must commit to complying with the cost-reducing, emission-reducing farming process issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development . Technical indicators will be tested in practice and compared to prove that production has reduced emissions.
Currently, the Vietnam Rice Industry Association is also completing the registration procedure for protection with the National Office of Intellectual Property. While waiting for the completion of the domestic certification process, the association will coordinate with international certification organizations to evaluate and authenticate products according to emission reduction criteria.
After a period of implementation, how do you evaluate the response of farmers, cooperatives and businesses to this 1 million hectare project?
It can be said that no other program in the rice industry has received such widespread attention as this Project. From farmers, cooperatives, material supply enterprises, research institutes, to local authorities and central leaders - all have participated very actively.
The project not only has economic and technical significance, but also economic, political and social significance, contributing to helping Vietnam fulfill its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
At the same time, the project also creates a sustainable rice ecosystem, in which all components in the chain from research, production, processing to consumption are closely linked and work towards the goal of green - clean - efficiency.
Recently, many large rice export markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia have tended to be self-sufficient in rice supply. What do you think about the market diversification strategy of the Vietnamese rice industry?
In fact, market diversification is not a new story for the Vietnamese rice industry. 5-7 years ago, Vietnamese rice was present in about 150 countries and territories. However, some traditional markets still account for a high proportion, such as the Philippines which used to import about 3 million tons/year, Indonesia about 2 million tons and China once imported up to 3 million tons.
Currently, in the face of new fluctuations, such as the Philippines' suspension of rice imports, Vietnam does not have to diversify its markets but instead promote trade in potential markets. Vietnam is boosting exports to the African region, while expanding access to Central Asian and South American markets... through the economic diplomacy activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
Vietnamese rice can compete globally thanks to three major advantages. Firstly, the quality of Vietnamese rice is suitable for the tastes of many markets: long grains, soft rice, light aroma... different from specialty rice lines such as Hom Mali (Thailand) or Basmati (India)...
Second is the flexibility of the crop season in Vietnam, almost every month can harvest and export new rice, this is an advantage that few countries have. Third is that Vietnam has high rice productivity, helping to keep production costs low, thereby improving price competitiveness while still ensuring profits for farmers and businesses.
Currently, the Vietnamese rice industry is also implementing many programs, including the 1 million hectare rice project, to further reduce costs, increase efficiency and maintain sustainable competitive advantages in the international market.
Thanks for sharing!
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/xay-dung-he-sinh-thai-lua-gao-viet-nam-ben-vung-20251030154826513.htm
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