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On May 16, 2026, the Quynh Tam Commune People’s Committee successfully hosted the “Stakeholder consultation workshop on the FSC forest certification smallholder group profile for Quynh Tam Cooperative”. This milestone event was organized under Project AIN 8748, which aims at sustainable forest management and certification for smallholder plantations in Vietnam.

The workshop saw full participation from key stakeholders, including leaders and forestry officials of Quynh Tam commune; representatives of the local Forest Protection Station; the North Nghe An Protection Forest Management Board; 12 village heads; representatives of major smallholder households, forestry experts, and the entire FSC Certification Management Board of Quynh Tam Cooperative. Mr. Truong Van Phuc, Director of Quynh Tam Cooperative, introduced the participants, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Phuong, National Project Coordinator for AIN 8748, delivered the opening remarks and outlined the workshop’s expectations.

Presentation of Core Technical and Management Topics

During the workshop, representatives of the Project Management Board presented strategic and technical forestry orientation topics for the locality:

• Raw material timber potential assessment: Analyzing timber volume and current status to shape supply capacity and enhance the economic value of smallholder plantations.

• Social impact and forestry risk assessment report: Identifying socio-economic impacts on local livelihoods and potential cultivation risks, while proposing effective mitigation measures.

• Sustainable forest management plan: Outlining technical roadmaps, harvesting, and replanting procedures in accordance with strict international standards.

• Biodiversity and High Conservation Value Forest report: Assessing ecosystems and proposing conservation measures for indigenous flora and fauna alongside economic activities.

Strategic Orientation and Problem-Solving from Local Authorities

Speaking at the workshop, the Quynh Tam commune forestry official highlighted the substantial benefits for forest owners joining the FSC system, such as increasing the commercial value of timber, accessing advanced cultivation practices, and securing long-term market stability. To resolve existing forest land management difficulties caused by historical factors and complex terrain, the local government announced plans to remeasure all forest land areas in the coming time. Concurrently, the commune authorities directly addressed residents’ procedural inquiries and actively encouraged more households to join to expand the smallholder group’s scale.

Furthermore, in light of the approaching severe heatwave, the representative of the North Nghe An Protection Forest Management Board issued urgent warnings regarding forest fire risks. Forest owners were requested to strictly control vegetation debris clearance, entirely avoid slash-burning during peak heat days with strong Foehn winds, adhere to regulated timeframes, clear firebreaks, and maintain close coordination for fire patrol and monitoring.

Dynamic Discussions and Practical Field Experiences from Villages

The consultation session witnessed active and practical contributions from village heads and local smallholders to internalize field procedures:

• Insights from Tien Son village: Sharing field experiences in managing 7-year-old plantations, focusing on density adjustments and proper thinning techniques to transition from small-timber to high-quality FSC large-timber models.

• Cultivation and vegetation debris clearance techniques: Engaging in deep discussions regarding optimal planting density and safe slash-burning methods compliant with forest fire prevention regulations.

• Occupational safety & Disaster response: Emphasizing the necessity of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during forestry operations and drafting proactive contingency plans for storms, flash floods, and landslides to minimize asset damage.

• Administrative bottleneck resolution: Local authorities acknowledged and pledged support for households with lost forest land-use rights certificates to secure their legal rights when joining the certification group.

The consultation workshop in Quynh Tam commune not only facilitated the finalization of technical reports for Project AIN 8748 but also fostered strong cohesion and consensus among authorities, technical units, and the local community. This builds a solid foundation for Quynh Tam Cooperative to realize its goal of expanding FSC-certified forest areas, elevating forestry economic value, and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

 

As part of the AIN8748 Project, on April 28, 2026, a training course entitled “Organic Free-Range Chicken Farming Techniques” was organized at Minh Thanh Agricultural Cooperative, with the participation of 30 local poultry farming households and cooperative staff members.

The training course was directly delivered by Dr. Le Xuan Anh. During the session, participants were introduced to and guided on how to distinguish between different poultry production models, including free-range chickens, safe poultry farming, organic-oriented poultry farming, and certified organic chickens.

The training focused on key technical aspects of organic chicken farming, such as appropriate housing design, stocking density management, breed selection standards, chick care techniques at different growth stages, the use of organic feed inputs, as well as disease prevention and vaccination measures.

Through the training program, participating households and cooperative staff gained a better understanding of organic chicken farming techniques, particularly recognizing the crucial role of organic feed sources in developing sustainable and safe poultry production systems.

At A Luoi 4 Commune, Hue City, the A Roang Agriculture-Forestry-Fishery Production and Business Cooperative, in collaboration with experts, has implemented a green-skinned pomelo planting model with promising initial results.

Efforts to Enhance Technical Capacity The program featured direct guidance from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Phuong (National Coordinator) and Dr. Tran Dang Khoa (Consulting Expert). The central goal is to improve the professional and technical expertise of cooperative members in handling issues related to pomelo cultivation.

Results After One Month The model is currently applied across 8,900 $m^2$ involving 22 households, with a total of 355 trees planted.

• Growth Status: After one month, the orchard is growing well, with over 85% of the trees producing new shoots and leaves.

• Challenges & Solutions: Some trees showed yellowing leaves due to insufficient basal fertilization or waterlogging causing root suffocation. Experts promptly instructed farmers to increase organic manure and NPK fertilizers, and to dig drainage ditches.

• Maintenance Techniques: Households were guided on the first round of top-dressing fertilization combined with organic manure and mulching to maintain soil moisture.

Future Outlook In the next phase, the cooperative will continue periodic top-dressing fertilization in April, July, and September. Additionally, pruning, canopy shaping, and pest control will be prioritized to ensure sustainable growth.

Plants 1 month after planting

Instructions for top-dressing fertilization techniques

Top-dressing with NPK combined with animal manure

Top-dressing with NPK combined with animal manure and mulching

Top-dressing with NPK in the perennial orchard

Plants 1 month after top-dressing fertilization

 

The first organic cucumber crop at Minh Thanh Cooperative, Van Du commune, Nghe An province has achieved results far exceeding initial expectations. Not only bringing a bumper harvest, this model also sends a positive signal about a sustainable agricultural development path in the locality.

Short-term crops for long-term gains, preserving large timber forests

Implemented from August 2025 within the framework of Project AIN8748, the organic agricultural model linked with large timber forest planting carries a dual purpose. The project helps small-scale forest owners earn additional income from short-term crops through organic farming methods, allowing them to maintain and keep acacia plantations for a longer cycle. To participate in the model, all households must commit to keeping acacia plantations for at least 8 years before harvesting, which is a choice that brings long-term value to both the economy and the environment.

Surveying and selecting the location to implement the model.

A systematic approach from production to consumption

Identifying quality as the core factor, right from the beginning, the model was meticulously prepared with the close companionship of organic agriculture experts under PGS standards. Going through strict processes from surveying soil and water, building farming plans to organizing technical training classes and production record keeping, people in Van Du have gradually become accustomed to clean, transparent, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Technical training on organic farming under PGS standards.

Not stopping at the production stage, Project AIN8748 has also supported market connection, brand building, and establishing a traceability system for the products. Through the connection program, Van Du PGS organic transitional cucumber products have been purchased every day by the BigGreen organic food chain with a stable price that is twice as high as previous crops.

Implementing the cucumber model and leaders of Van Du Commune People’s Committee visiting the Van Du PGS organic cucumber model.

The Van Du PGS Organic Certification Management Board awarding the Organic Transition Recognition Certificate to 2 production groups within the framework of the market connection program for organic products.

Paving the way for sustainable agriculture

Behind the lush green cucumber rows is the perseverance of the people, the support of experts, the Van Du PGS Management Board, and Minh Thanh Cooperative. This success also highlights the coordinating role of the Project Management Board at the Central Vietnam Climate Change Study Centre, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, along with the financial support and companionship of Project AIN8748 funded by the FFD organization and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Van Du PGS organic transitional cucumbers displayed for sale in supermarkets in Hanoi.

Following this initial success, Minh Thanh Cooperative and the people of Van Du commune are now ready to expand the organic cucumber cultivation area according to PGS standards. A cucumber crop has closed, but a new path for agriculture linked with sustainable forest development in Van Du has only just begun.

In 2025, the project “AIN8748supported Minh Thanh Cooperative in Nghe An Province in implementing a conversion model for rice and cucumber production toward organic farming. This activity is part of the project’s efforts to promote sustainable agricultural production models, contributing to enhancing the value of local agricultural products and creating stable livelihoods for local communities.

After a period of implementation and improvement of the cultivation process, by February 2026, the organic-conversion cucumbers produced by Minh Thanh Cooperative were officially introduced to the market. With technical support from Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Binh – Director of the Center for Organic Agriculture, Vietnam National University of Forestry, who also serves as the PGS advisor for the project, and with the support of the AIN8748 Project Management Board, the cooperative gradually established its production procedures and connected with distribution channels. As a result, the product has been distributed through several reputable organic food store chains such as Biggreen and Bac Tom, with a total consumption of nearly 1,200 kg in February 2026.

The Van Du organic-conversion cucumbers produced by Minh Thanh Cooperative are cultivated following a transition-to-organic farming process, which emphasizes minimizing chemical inputs and protecting the soil ecosystem. Thanks to the distinctive soil and climate conditions of the Van Du area, the cucumbers have a naturally crisp texture, refreshing taste, and high nutritional value. The product not only aims to ensure consumer health and safety but also contributes to promoting sustainable farming practices and increasing the value of local agricultural products. In addition, the product has been registered for traceability within the CheckVN supply chain system, helping to improve transparency and strengthen consumer trust.

In the near future, the organic-conversion rice model implemented by Minh Thanh Cooperative is also expected to be completed and introduced to the market. This will further expand organic agricultural products while improving economic benefits for local farmers. Through these support activities, the AIN8748 project continues to promote sustainable agriculture and forestry production models linked with community livelihood development.

Some photos:

Organic-conversion cucumbers from Minh Thanh Cooperative displayed on the shelves at Biggreen

Product information on the CheckVN traceability system

On January 22, 2026, leaders of Van Du Commune organized a field visit to assess the organic cucumber farming model, one of the representative livelihood development models supported by the project “Evidence-Based Forestry Decision-Making, Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Certification for Smallholder Forest Growers in Viet Nam” (AIN 8748) and implemented in the locality.

The delegation included Mr. Thai Minh Sy – Secretary of the Commune Party Committee and Chairman of the Commune People’s Council; Mr. Hoang Van Tuan – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee; Mr. Ma Xuan Uyen – Vice Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee; Mr. Nguyen Dinh Ban – Chairman of the Commune Farmers’ Association; and Mr. Dao Quang Bien – Deputy Director of the Van Du Commune Public Service Provision Center.

The organic cucumber farming model, located in Dong Cay Ngut area, Hamlet 8, Minh Thanh, is implemented under Project AIN 8748 with the aim of supporting sustainable livelihood development, improving household incomes, and reducing pressure on forest resources. The model covers an area of 1.7 hectares, with the participation of six farming households, applying organic cultivation practices that are environmentally friendly and safe for both producers and consumers.

According to feedback from participating households, the adoption of organic farming practices has helped reduce input costs, limit the use of chemical pesticides, improve product quality, and meet market requirements. The cucumber products have been stably marketed, contributing to income improvement and encouraging farmers to remain engaged in sustainable agricultural production.

Through the field visit, leaders of Van Du Commune highly appreciated the effectiveness of the model supported by Project AIN 8748, affirming that this approach aligns well with the local agricultural economic development orientation. In the coming period, the commune will continue to coordinate with the Project and relevant stakeholders to replicate effective livelihood models, thereby contributing to local socio-economic development and improving the livelihoods of local people.

Project AIN8748 supports Minh Thanh Agricultural Cooperative (Van Du Commune, Nghe An) in implementing an organic farming model integrated with large-timber forest plantations and value chain linkages.

Project AIN8748, titled “Evidence-based Forestry Decision-making, Sustainable Forest Management, and Forest Certification for Small-scale Plantations in Vietnam,” aims to build resilience for small-scale forestry livelihoods in Vietnam. This is achieved by promoting forest planning, certification, environmental management, and climate-smart agricultural practices in Hue City and Nghe An Province.

The organic agriculture model integrated with large-timber forest protection in Van Du Commune. Photo: Pham Tuan.

The project is funded by the Finnish Forest Association for Development (FFD) through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The Central Vietnam Climate Change Research Center (CCCSC) at Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry serves as the project coordinator in Vietnam. Direct beneficiaries include four cooperatives under the Hue City Cooperative Alliance and four cooperatives in Nghe An Province, including the Minh Thanh Agricultural Service and Construction Cooperative (Minh Thanh Cooperative) in Van Du Commune.

Two Organic Farming Models

The pilot models aim not only to diversify and increase local income through organic products but also to help farmers transition forest plantations from short-term livelihoods into long-term assets. This shift generates higher income while contributing to the mitigation of negative climate change impacts.

Under Project AIN8748, two organic models have been deployed: a 1.28-hectare organic rice model in Dong Than (Village 3) and a 1.7-hectare organic cucumber model in Cay Ngut (Village 8), involving a total of 12 households.

Minh Thanh Cooperative and participating households signed a commitment to implement organic farming alongside the protection of large-timber acacia plantations. Consequently, the Project provides partial funding for model development, capacity-building training on organic cultivation techniques, brand identity development, and guidance on production processes to achieve PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) organic certification.

Overview of the “Market Linkage for Certified Organic Agricultural Products” program on December 25, 2025. Photo: Dinh Tiep.

In exchange for these benefits, Minh Thanh Cooperative and the households committed to maintaining at least 40 hectares of large-timber acacia forest (trees aged 8 years and older), refraining from harvesting young forests, and strictly enforcing forest protection measures—specifically preventing illegal logging and littering within forest areas. Regular monitoring of the forest status is conducted collaboratively.

Regarding production, households pledged to follow organic technical protocols, avoiding chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, or toxic chemicals on the supported areas, while sharing experiences to scale up the model within the community.

Creating a Foundation for Green Agriculture Development

Alongside the forest protection commitments, Project AIN8748 has organized training sessions on organic agriculture and PGS standards, established the Van Du PGS Coordination Board, trained PGS inspectors, and conducted soil and water sampling for professional analysis. Results showed that all indicators were below the thresholds permitted by PGS standards, creating favorable conditions for the models to achieve organic certification soon.

Additionally, the Cooperative has focused on developing product brand identities and planting Napier grass as biological buffers to protect the farming environment and increase product value. The Van Du PGS Coordination Board has already granted “Organic Transition” certification to the rice and cucumber production groups.

The Van Du PGS Coordination Board awards organic transition certificates to the rice and cucumber production groups. Photo: Dinh Tiep.

To expand market reach and increase post-certification value, on December 25, 2025, CCCSC (Hue University) collaborated with Minh Thanh Cooperative to host the program “Market Linkage for Certified Organic Agricultural Products.” This initiative is a vital step in promoting consumption linkages, enhancing the value of organic produce, and connecting green agriculture with forest resource protection and sustainable local development.

The event saw the attendance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Phuong (Director of CCCSC and National Project Coordinator), leaders of Minh Thanh Cooperative, the Van Du PGS Coordination Board, and representatives from companies such as Biggreen and Tam Dat. Online participants included Mr. Tran Manh Chien (CEO of Bac Tom clean food chain and Head of PGS Vietnam Coordination Board), Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Binh (Director of the Organic Agriculture Center, Vietnam National University of Forestry), and Ms. Vu Le Y Voan (Senior Advisor to the FFF Project).

Signing ceremony for purchasing contracts of PGS-standard organic transition products. Photo: Dinh Tiep.

Following discussions, three organizations and two business households signed contracts to purchase PGS-standard organic transition products from Minh Thanh Cooperative.

Van Du Commune currently has over 1,590 hectares of rice, with approximately 250 hectares transitioning toward organic methods, and nearly 50 hectares of safe cucumber production. This presents significant potential for scaling the model and further developing organic agriculture linked with sustainable forest management.

Integrating organic production with specific forest protection commitments not only boosts local income but also enhances carbon sequestration, reduces emissions, and improves resilience to climate change. These project models have fostered a shift in production mindset—moving toward respecting ecosystems, protecting natural resources, and advancing sustainable green agriculture in the mountainous regions of Nghe An.

By Dinh Tiep Source: nongnghiepmoitruong.vn

In implementation of Project AIN 8748, from December 18–19, 2025, the Hue City Cooperative Alliance (TPHCA), in collaboration with an independent consultant and FSC internal auditor (Dr. Hoang Thi Nguyen Hai), conducted an internal audit to prepare for the M2 annual surveillance audit as required by the FSC certification system.

• Audit Locations: Included audits at the TPHCA office and field assessments at forest lots belonging to member cooperatives selected for sampling (Thuy Phuong Cooperative).

• Objectives: To assess compliance with the FSC Forest Management (FSC-FM) Standard among group members; evaluate the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the Group Management System (GMS); verify the practical application of internal procedures and guidelines; assess the understanding, implementation capacity, and responsibility of the Group Management Board and cooperative members; and identify Non-Conformities (NCs) and areas for improvement to propose corrective and preventive measures before the official audit.

• Audit Results: Overall, TPHCA has proactively reviewed, updated, and maintained relatively complete FSC documentation. Forest owners and cooperative personnel have participated in numerous training sessions, possess experience in silviculture and forest management, and comply with the basic requirements of FSC standards. However, more focus is needed on waste management. Some reports require updates with recent field monitoring data, and monitoring forms must be fully completed with all necessary information.

Recommendations: In the coming period, cooperatives are urged to promptly address the identified non-conformities before the official audit. There should be increased communication and supervision regarding waste collection during forestry activities. Additionally, the Cooperative Alliance must continue to maintain and enhance internal inspection and monitoring in accordance with FSC standards.

PHOTOS FROM THE INTERNAL AUDIT PROCESS

Audit at the TPHCA office

Document review at the Cooperative Alliance

Field assessment (Thuy Phuong Cooperative)

Forest lot under maintenance/tending

Collecting plastic waste on the plantation lot

Forest lot undergoing vegetation treatment for planting

On December 5-6, 2025, the “Cooperative Communication” training course was held at the Central Vietnam Climate Change Study Center (CCCSC). The event saw participation from various units, including A Roang, Hoa My, Thuy Phu, and Phu Bai cooperatives, as well as the Hue City Cooperative Alliance . The training aimed to raise awareness of the vital role communication plays in brand building and market connectivity for cooperatives under project AIN8748.

Led by instructor Le Chi Hung Cuong, participants were equipped with a comprehensive skill set:

• Photography Techniques: Principles of composition and lighting to capture vibrant agricultural products using smartphones.

• Writing Skills: Structuring engaging news stories and delivering concise messages tailored to the cooperative context.

• AI Application: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to generate content, edit images, and develop communication plans aligned with the “Cooperative 4.0” model.

Despite challenges regarding uneven technological proficiency, the course concluded successfully with numerous practical outputs and strengthened connections between local cooperatives.

From December 1-2, 2025, a communication training course was organized at Minh Thanh Cooperative (Nghe An) for members of Minh Thanh, Quynh Tam, and Thanh Thuy cooperatives. The program focused on empowering cooperatives to master digital tools for more effective agricultural promotion.

The curriculum was highly practical, featuring several key themes:

• Multimedia Content Creation: Hands-on practice in filming and photographing production activities and products on-site.

• Social Media Strategy: Building content for Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok, alongside livestreaming skills for sales.

• AI Support Tools: Applying ChatGPT and Google Lens for information retrieval and professional support.

• Risk Management: Discussions on “seeding” strategies and handling communication crises in the digital space.

Applying the “learning by doing” methodology, the course helped participants gain confidence in reaching customers and aiming for sustainable development amidst digital transformation.