Dong Thap: Seed to Table Promotes Sustainable Agriculture Development

(DTO) On July 24, at Dong Thap Community College, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with Seed to Table, held a conference to review three years of activities supported by grant funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 

The conference was attended by representatives of provincial departments, agencies, localities, cooperatives, businesses, lecturers, students, and farmers participating in the project. 

During the 2023-2026 period, the organic agriculture development project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan through Seed to Table, achieved many practical results, laying an important foundation for Dong Thap to develop professional and sustainable organic agriculture while gradually establishing a value chain from production to processing and marketing. 

At Dong Thap Community College, the project helped establish an organic farming model integrated with hands-on training. A 2,000-square-meter organic vegetable and fruit garden achieved PGS certification, while the Sen Hong Processing Facility was equipped with modern machinery to gradually commercialize products made from local agricultural produce, including dried mango, ice cream, and ginger syrup. 

In addition, numerous training courses on organic agriculture, food processing, and business management were organized with guidance from Japanese experts. Officials, lecturers, and students were also given opportunities to visit Japan to study and exchange experience in organic farming, agricultural product processing, and value chain development. 

At the conference, delegates shared achievements and lessons learned from implementing the project, as well as from their study visits to Japan. Many noted that the project not only provided facilities and technical support but also helped transform production mindset and strengthen the capacity of officials, lecturers, students, cooperatives, and farmers in developing sustainable organic agriculture. 

Speaking at the conference, a representative of the Provincial Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Services Center emphasized that, by 2030, the province will continue developing organic production areas based on the strengths of each locality, strengthen and expand the PGS system, promote deep processing and the circular economy, develop human resources, and enhance international cooperation. 

At the same time, the province will focus on building an organic agriculture ecosystem in which farmers are at the center, cooperatives serve as the foundation, businesses act as the driving force, science and technology provide solutions, and the market guides development. The goal is to raise farmers’ incomes and position Dong Thap as a leading locality in the Mekong Delta in developing organic agriculture linked with processing and the green economy. 

By NGAN NGUYEN
Translated by ANH DUC