Agricultural sector to cut at least 15% greenhouse gas emissions by 2035
Vietnam's agricultural sector aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15% by 2035, compared to the baseline set in 2020. As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) plans to introduce a low-emission label for agricultural commodities.
These are two among the objectives set under the project on low-emission crop production for the period for 2025-2035, with a vision extending to 2050, focusing on high-emission crops such as rice, cassava, sugarcane, coffee, and bananas. It aims to pilot at least 15 farming models nationwide that are ready for carbon credits and meet international standards.
Each province will develop one or two low-emission production models with potential for replication.
The sector will also develop at least five technical emission-reduction packages for key crops, create an emissions database integrated into the national monitoring system, and train 3,000 agricultural extension officers, farmers, and businesses in farming practices and emission-measurement tools.
To raise awareness, the ministry plans to issue five communication toolkits promoting green, low-carbon, and responsible farming practices.
By 2050, Vietnam’s crop production is expected to evolve into an ecological, low-emission, and modern sector central to the country’s green transition. The agricultural sector aims for complete the adoption of sustainable farming practices across major crops, a comprehensive national emissions database, and extensive use of the low-emission label for key agricultural products.
A farmer in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap picks tangerines. (Photo: VNA).
Vietnam targets to become a regional leader in climate-responsible agriculture, enhancing its green competitiveness in global markets and contributing to the realisation of the nation’s net-zero commitment by 2050.
To implement the project, the MAE has outlined seven groups of solutions, focusing on strengthening governance, advancing science and technology, restructuring production along value chains, building data systems, mobilising finance, promoting training and communication, and enhancing international cooperation.
First, the ministry will improve regulatory frameworks, policies, and management tools, integrating emission-reduction goals into sectoral planning while strengthening decentralisation, monitoring, and the use of digital technologies for programme evaluation.
In terms of science and technology, the sector will research, standardise, and transfer low-emission farming packages, expand the use of digital tools, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI), and promote pilot demonstration models for replication nationwide.
In terms of production organisation, efforts will concentrate on developing value-chain linkages related to traceability and carbon credits. This will involve encouraging cooperatives to take a central role and supporting enterprises in investing in raw material zones.
A unified emissions database system will be established from the central to the local levels, integrated with the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework and the national greenhouse gas inventory.
Implementation funding will come from state budget, private capital, international aid, and global climate programmes, with priority given to investments in data systems, training, pilot models, and technology.
Training and communication efforts will focus on disseminating technical knowledge, raising awareness about carbon credits, and combining vocational training with public outreach.
Finally, Vietnam will strengthen international cooperation in research, project development, experience sharing, and participation in the global carbon credit market, contributing to advancing the country’s agriculture toward a low-emission, sustainable future.
