Vietnamese agro products expand sustainable export opportunities

Vietnamese agricultural products are gradually meeting international standards, opening up broader opportunities in export markets. The adoption of transparent and sustainable production processes not only enhances brand value and increases profitability but also strengthens long-term trust with partners. This enables farmers and businesses to expand their markets.

In recent years, hundreds of Vietnamese agricultural export shipments to major markets have been issued warnings or returned due to failure to meet international standards. Affected products range from durian and dragon fruit to passion fruit, chili, and okra. This situation has not only caused losses of millions of U.S. dollars but also created a negative precedent. It has resulted in stricter inspections for subsequent shipments.

Nông Đức Lai, Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in China, said that Vietnam is among the countries with a high rate of products receiving warnings. Similarly, the Certification Manager of Control Union noted that the EU and the U.S. are tightening regulations, especially for products that have previously violated requirements. In the near future, anti-deforestation regulations (EUDR) and U.S. requirements for growing area codes will require full transparency across the entire supply chain. This includes the stages from raw materials to processing.

The challenges lie not only in technical compliance but also in the ability to access information and understand differences among markets. The EU requires sustainability certifications for importers, while China places greater emphasis on quarantine requirements. Many cooperatives and small businesses have not received adequate training on these standards. This increases the risk of warnings and damage to brand reputation.

According to a survey by Control Union, around 30% of cooperatives and businesses that had obtained organic certification still failed during reassessment. The main reason was improper use of plant protection products. This demonstrates that compliance with international standards remains a major challenge. It requires farmers and enterprises to improve their awareness and quality management capabilities.

To transform challenges into opportunities, strict compliance with production processes is essential. European experience shows that relying solely on administrative regulations is insufficient. Between 2011 and 2021, pesticide use in the EU decreased by only 6%. This was far below the target of a 50% reduction by 2030, indicating that real motivation must come from economic benefits. Several European countries have introduced economic tools to encourage farmers to reduce chemical use.

Denmark has implemented a pesticide tax system based on toxicity levels. This encourages farmers to shift toward biological solutions. France and Germany have tested a “refund fund–usage fee” model, in which farmers receive partial refunds if they can prove reduced chemical use or conversion to organic farming. These examples demonstrate that markets can serve as a driving force for changing production behavior. They also help enhance brand credibility.

In Vietnam, several cooperatives have taken the lead in sustainable production. Nam Yang Cooperative, with its coffee and pepper products, has committed to reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and adopting biological solutions. The cooperative currently manages 120 hectares of coffee and 80 hectares of fully organic pepper. This includes more than 30 hectares certified organic under U.S. and European standards. The entire production process strictly follows international requirements, enabling its products to meet demanding market standards and increase brand value.

To expand such models, experts believe it is necessary to develop organic fertilizers and plant protection products that meet international standards. Currently, around 90% of fertilizers and plant protection products in Vietnam do not meet organic production requirements. This creates a major barrier for cooperatives and businesses. Improving supply sources and providing guidance on compliance with international processes will help enterprises strengthen their brands, protect export credibility, and achieve sustainable market expansion.

As international standards continue to become stricter, investment in transparent supply chains, organic production, and sustainable farming methods is not only a mandatory requirement. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the position of Vietnamese agricultural products in global markets while building long-term brand value.