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Socioeconomic and ecological benefits: Evidence from Participatory Guarantee Systems organic vegetable production in Viet Nam and policy implications

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Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Hanoi, Viet Nam ;

Pages 4 p.

Author Hoi, P.V.; Grovermann, C.; Ferrand, P.; Home, R.; Dzung, D.D.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Policy brief

Category Policy brief

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd7787en

Synopsis (short abstract) This policy brief addresses the challenge of scaling up organic vegetable production in Vietnam, specifically those certified through Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) and based on agroecological principles. While organic PGS is crucial for ensuring food safety and environmental integrity, its widespread adoption is significantly hindered by high labour requirements, persistent productivity gaps, and constraints within market and institutional frameworks.Research conducted in the peri-urban areas of Hanoi and other provinces shows that membership in PGS significantly improves farm profitability (by 117 percent) and agroecological performance (by 40 percent), alongside increasing the diversity of market channels for farmers. However, these benefits are limited by low farmer awareness, a lack of practical technical training to address common pest and soil challenges, and unstable markets for organic produce. Furthermore, the absence of clear governmental lists for permitted organic inputs impedes innovation and local support.To maximize the socioeconomic and ecological potential of this sector, the brief proposes three core policy recommendations:1. Strengthen Local Capacity by establishing a national program for hands-on, contextualized agroecology training.2. Support and Incentivize the uptake of organic practices through targeted subsidies, dedicated credit access, and supportive, coordinated agricultural policies.3. Reform Policy through Evidence by utilizing continuous agroecological performance assessments and establishing a multi-stakeholder working group to monitor and guide the effective implementation of greener policies.Implementing these recommendations requires coordinated investment and commitment from both public and private actors to foster a resilient and sustainable vegetable value chain.

Cite this content as:

Hoi, P.V, Grovermann, C., Ferrand P., Home R., Dzung, D.D. 2025. Socioeconomic and ecological benefits: Evidence from Participatory Guarantee Systems organic vegetable production and policy implications. Hanoi, FAO. 

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd7787en

Language English

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