Collaborative sustainable rice farming initiative launches in Vietnam, with Beneo among the participating entities
In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture, Beneo, a leading ingredient supplier, and its partners have embarked on a three-year project in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of rice production, promote climate-resilient rice cultivation, and support local farmers [1][2][3][4][5].
The project, funded by the Government of Flanders, will train at least 1,000 farmers by summer 2025. The training will focus on efficient water management, responsible pesticide and fertilizer use, and climate-adaptive farming methods to minimise emissions and resource waste [6].
Innovative technologies will play a crucial role in this endeavour. Climate-tech partner CarbonFarm will deploy digital and satellite tools to support data collection, sustainability assessments, and project validation [7]. These tools will be used to track farming practices, measure water use, and scientifically assess greenhouse gas emissions like methane, contributing to the initiative's goal of nearly halving greenhouse gas emissions and reducing water usage by 30% without yield loss [1].
Demonstration fields will showcase practical applications of sustainable methods, providing a tangible example for other farmers to follow. Beneo, responsible for developing the market for SRP-certified rice ingredients, will handle at least 10,000 tonnes of sustainably grown rice during the project [4].
The project also emphasises market development. Beneo will process the sustainably grown rice at their Belgian facility and market the SRP-certified rice ingredients. Rikolto, a leading organisation in farmer training, will be responsible for training Vietnamese farmers [5].
This collaborative partnership among Beneo, Rikolto, CarbonFarm, and the Government of Flanders is designed to link farmers to market opportunities and foster a sustainable rice value chain. The initiative reflects Beneo's commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting farmers, and providing environmentally and socially responsible solutions [8].
Vietnam, one of the world's largest rice exporters, faces challenges such as inefficient water use, overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, and burning of rice residues in its farming sector [9]. This project is a significant step towards addressing these challenges and meeting Vietnam's ambitious agricultural goals while expanding its export market through smart farming practices and supportive policies [10].
Roland Vanhoegaerden, Operations Managing Director for Speciality Rice Ingredients at Beneo, commented on the initiative, expressing the company's dedication to climate mitigation actions, sustainability, and a proactive approach to addressing global challenges [11]. The initiative is part of Beneo's sustainability strategy, the "Healthy Planet Plan" [12].
Land consolidation, infrastructure needs, and building market trust are challenges in developing large-scale green agriculture in Vietnam. However, this project represents a significant stride in the right direction, demonstrating the potential for sustainable rice production to benefit both the environment and local communities.
[1] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-launch-integrated-project-to-boost-sustainable-rice-production-in-vietnams-mekong-delta] [2] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-to-train-1000-farmers-in-vietnam-on-sustainable-rice-cultivation] [3] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-to-process-sustainable-rice-ingredients-from-vietnam] [4] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-to-handle-10000-tonnes-of-sustainably-grown-rice-from-vietnam] [5] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-rikolto-to-train-1000-farmers-in-vietnam-on-sustainable-rice-cultivation] [6] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-launch-integrated-project-to-boost-sustainable-rice-production-in-vietnams-mekong-delta] [7] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-to-train-1000-farmers-in-vietnam-on-sustainable-rice-cultivation] [8] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-to-train-1000-farmers-in-vietnam-on-sustainable-rice-cultivation] [9] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-launch-integrated-project-to-boost-sustainable-rice-production-in-vietnams-mekong-delta] [10] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-to-train-1000-farmers-in-vietnam-on-sustainable-rice-cultivation] [11] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-launch-integrated-project-to-boost-sustainable-rice-production-in-vietnams-mekong-delta] [12] [https://www.beneco.com/en/news/sustainability/beneo-and-partners-launch-integrated-project-to-boost-sustainable-rice-production-in-vietnams-mekong-delta]
- The partnership between Beneo, Rikolto, CarbonFarm, and the Government of Flanders is not only about promoting sustainable rice production but also links farmers to market opportunities, thus creating a sustainable rice value chain that embraces technology and environmental science.
- The initiative, funded by the Government of Flanders, is part of Beneo's 'Healthy Planet Plan', a sustainability strategy that includes climate mitigation actions and a proactive approach to addressing global challenges in the realm of science, technology, and finance.
- As a part of the project, innovative technologies like those provided by climate-tech partner CarbonFarm, will be utilized in the finance sector for data collection, sustainability assessments, and project validation, thereby aiding in climate-change mitigation efforts in the environmental-science domain.
