The coordination between the Noi Bai Commune People's Committee and the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association to organize an organic vegetable production training course is not just an ordinary knowledge-sharing session, but also confirms the local government's determination to turn organic agriculture linked with experiential tourism into a pillar of development.
Noi Bai Commune (Hanoi) is organizing farmer field schools, equipping farmers with organic farming techniques, sowing faith in sustainable agriculture, and creating new livelihoods.
Learning and practicing on-field farming
Where knowledge 'sprouts' from the soil
Vice Chairman of Noi Bai Commune People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Tan affirmed that ecological agriculture is a key link in the diverse livelihood chain, connecting land, people, and markets. Persisting in pursuing this model, despite a difficult starting point, comes with our great determination.
The ‘classroom in the fields’ offers more than dry theoretical lectures. Under the guidance of members of the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association, farmers go directly into the fields to observe practical procedures and compare them with theory on cultivation techniques, production recordkeeping and the requirements for joining the PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) chain, right on their own land.
According to PGS Vietnam standards, farmers must adhere to the rule of 100% no synthetic chemicals and maintain an inspection cycle of at least 3 times per year. Only through this transparency can Noi Bai organic vegetables sustain their brand reputation and achieve stable selling prices, 1.5 to 2 times higher than conventionally grown vegetables.
This model helps farmers transition from manual laborers to masters of the process. At the same time, it helps them understand that organic farming is not merely about avoiding chemicals, but is a comprehensive technical system that demands meticulousness, patience, and a high sense of responsibility.
‘Keeping the flame alive’ for livelihoods amid a tide of challenges
Although local vegetable products have entered strict supermarket chains such as AEON, the journey of organic agricultural development in Noi Bai still faces many obstacles. These difficulties truly reflect the 'tug-of-war' between traditional economic models and modern agricultural trends.
Mr. Hoang Van Hung, Director of Bai Thuong Organic Agriculture Service - Business Cooperative. Photo: _Nguyen Ha._
The analysis by Mr. Hoang Van Hung, Director of Bai Thuong Organic Agriculture Service and Business Cooperative, pointed out two core challenges. The first is the strictness of the modern market, where meeting high quality standards means persistent production risks; even a minor mistake can lead to produce rejection.
Second, the biggest challenge lies in human resources, as organic production requires high technical skills, meticulousness, and patience, yet must compete fiercely with industrial zones. Ensuring organic production requires about 100–120 working days per hectare each crop season, 30–40% higher than conventional farming.
Meanwhile, Ms. Tran Thi Tho, one of the pioneering households, shared her concerns regarding consumption demand. When supermarket purchasing power drops while traditional markets still favor cheaper conventional vegetables, the cooperative's market outlet is directly affected. This is a systemic issue that requires stronger intervention and market linkage support from local authorities and relevant organizations.
A corner of the organic vegetable growing area. Photo: _Nguyen Ha._
In response to these concerns and anxieties, Noi Bai commune pledged to continue collaborating with the Association and the PGS network to support farmers in technical guidance, production organization, and market linkage, demonstrating its accompanying commitment. The ultimate goal is to build a complete organic vegetable value chain, turning ecological agriculture into a local highlight.
_(According to Nguyen Ha – Agriculture & Environment Newspaper)_
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