8th Organic Asia Congress held in Ninh Binh

Jointly organised by the Viet Nam Organic Agriculture Association and the Inter-Continental Network of Organic Farmers’ Organisations in Asia (IFOAM Asia), the event brings together policymakers, experts, scientists, businesses, and agricultural development organisations.

Under the theme “Organic for a Better Future”, the congress serves as a platform to exchange experiences, update knowledge, and promote cooperation and trade in organic products across the region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tran Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee, affirmed that hosting the congress on the historic land of the ancient capital Hoa Lu is a great honour for the province. He emphasised that it offers an opportunity for Ninh Binh to promote its image, foster exchanges and learning, and work together towards a green, clean, and sustainable future.

According to him, climate change is directly threatening food security and public health, making organic agriculture not only a trend but also a strategic solution for sustainable development.

He noted that in recent years, agriculture in Ninh Binh has seen a strong shift towards organic, ecological, and multi-value models. By the end of 2024, the province had 26 hectares of certified organic medicinal plants, over 5,000 hectares of rice and 700 hectares of vegetables cultivated using organic-oriented methods, and 1,689 hectares of clams certified under the international ASC standard.

To sustain this development, Ninh Binh has identified five priority solution groups: expanding organic farming areas; linking agriculture with experiential tourism; building brands and expanding markets; attracting investment in high technology and digital transformation; and enhancing international cooperation.

The discussions focus on three key themes: policies, markets, and organic practices. These cover experiences in developing incentive mechanisms, expanding markets, ensuring supply chain transparency, and disseminating best practices in production from crops, livestock, and aquaculture to soil, water, and biodiversity conservation.

Ha Phuc Mich, Chairman of the Viet Nam Organic Agriculture Association, affirmed that developing organic agriculture is an inevitable trend aligned with the Party and State’s orientation towards green, clean, and sustainable agriculture. Hosting the 8th Organic Asia Congress is an important opportunity for Viet Nam to learn, cooperate, and enhance its position on the regional and global organic agriculture map.