Vietnam: Farmers mull organic route

Organic farming can provide healthier fruits and vegetables and more sustainable production for Vietnamese farmers if they are provided technical expertise and proper certifi cation, a workshop held in the northern mid-land province of Vinh Phuc heard. In response, 17 farmers in Dinh Trung commune in Vinh Phuc province conducted an experiment in organic farming in which they produced squash without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The farmers reported that organic rows yielded only slightly lower productivity than conventionally farmed rows, but the soil was softer and moister and the farmers themselves felt healthier working without chemicals. "Instead of buying fertilizer, we made green manure out of available materials in our garden," explains farmer Truong Thi Tho."We have also learned how to control pests using bio-pesticides and crop rotation." The project, implemented by Agriculture Development Denmark Asia (ADDA) in collaboration with the Vietnam Farmers' Association will continue through to 2010. Organizers will develop organic farming production methods, markets for organically-grown produce, certifi cation policies and procedures, and quality assurance for organic produce.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Reprinted with permission from Organic Monitor