“VietFarm Standards & Sustainable Agriculture: Transitioning to Chemical-Free Farming and Sustainable Practices” trainning course

Continuing the training program in Kinh Mon district, on March 28, 2024, the Center for Development and Integration (CDI), in collaboration with the Bach Dang Clean Agricultural Product Production and Trading Cooperative located in Bach Dang commune, orchestrated a Training Course titled “VietFarm Standards & Sustainable Agriculture: Transitioning to Chemical-Free Farming and Sustainable Practices." The event took place at the Cooperative Office situated in Dai Uyen village, Bach Dang commune.

With an impressive turnout of over 50 participants, including members from the Bach Dang Clean Agricultural Production and Trading Cooperative, the Bach Dang Agricultural Service Cooperative (both located in Bach Dang commune, Kinh Mon district), and the Chien Thuy Farm from Nam Sach district, the course garnered significant enthusiasm and engagement.

During the course, attendees received detailed guidance from the lecturer on implementing VietFarm standards in agricultural practices. They were taught how to assess their unit's performance against these standards on a scale of 1 to 5, with a focus on achieving a satisfactory score of 3 or higher across the majority of criteria. Beyond considerations of production area quality and safety, the curriculum covered criteria related to environmental impact, sustainable production methods, and the adoption of innovative, energy-saving techniques.

Furthermore, Lecturer Nguyen Thanh Son provided theoretical insights into the application of microorganisms in agriculture as substitutes for chemical inputs, thereby fostering a more sustainable environment. Through hands-on activities within the classroom, such as the multiplication of Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Trichoderma biomass, participants gained a deeper understanding of this production process. This practical experience enabled them to comprehend how these secondary products could enhance soil quality, contribute to composting, and serve as biological alternatives to conventional pesticides, thus aligning with sustainable agricultural principles.

Following the conclusion of the training course, participants, particularly those from the Bach Dang Clean Agricultural Production and Business Cooperative, will continue to receive support from CDI. This assistance will encompass guidance on adhering to VietFarm Standards and additional technical advice aimed at refining their farming model. CDI's commitment extends to providing ongoing support through both online resources and on-site consultations, facilitating the establishment of sustainable local cooperatives.