Bayer accompanies smallholder farmers fight climate change

Bayer accompanies smallholder farmers fight climate change

Vietnam's agricultural sector is experiencing significant growth, with exports reportedly yielding $62.4 billion in 2024, despite the challenges of climate change and pressures to meet international export standards.

Speaking during a recent farm visit in Dak Lak province, Dr. Le Quoc Thanh, director general of the National Agricultural Extension Centre (NAEC), said, "People used to be mainly concerned about product quality and safety. However, many markets now demand proof of product origin and the production process, along with considerations of sustainability and environmental impact."

Dr. Le Quoc Thanh (left), director general of the National Agricultural Extension Centre, on a recent visit to a model farm in Dak Lak province

Bayer is accelerating its sustainable initiatives through flagship programmes, such as the Bayer Forward Farming (BFF) scheme and the Better Life Farming (BLF) Alliance. These programmes aim to tackle the pressing issues faced by local smallholder farmers while advancing the country’s agricultural transformation towards innovation and sustainability across key crops, including rice, coffee, and durian.

Natasha Santos, Bayer's global head of sustainability and strategic engagement, visited Vietnam in early February to meet farmers in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands. Sustainability is at the core of Bayer's business strategy, demonstrated through its commitment to sustainable practices and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the NAEC, the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute, and other partners in the agricultural value chain.

Natasha Santos, Bayer's global head of sustainability and strategic engagement, visiting a BLF model farm

During her trip, Santos and the Bayer Vietnam team engaged with local rice farmers in Can Tho, where the BFF initiative is transforming rice cultivation. The scheme aligns with the Vietnamese government’s vision of converting one million hectares of rice production into high-quality, low-carbon systems by 2030.

Over the past five seasons, BFF has achieved remarkable results, including a 50-70 per cent reduction in seed usage, 30-50 per cent reduction in nitrogen fertiliser, and a 14-25 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, along with 50 per cent water savings.

Bayer and partners on a field trip to a BFF model farm in Dong Thuan commune, Can Tho city

In Dak Lak, the focus shifted to the BLF initiative, which supports smallholder coffee and durian farmers in overcoming challenges related to climate change and residue management.

The results observed at two demonstration durian farms in Dak Nong over 2023-2024, where Bayer's integrated crop protection solutions were utilised, showcased an 80-90 per cent decrease in diseases and pests, and 20 per cent boost in yields, with fruit quality meeting export standards. Furthermore, the establishment of BLF centres, in collaboration with partners, provides farmers with comprehensive solutions, including plant protection, crop nutrition, irrigation, and market linkages.

Bayer is continuing to expand its network of Better Life Farming centres in the Central Highlands

Nguyen An Son, a local coffee farmer, shared his experience with BLF, saying, "Climate change is increasingly impacting coffee production. Through innovative agricultural techniques, I’ve learned to save water, manage pests, and optimise plant nutrition, leading to more resilient farming practices."

Santos emphasised the importance of innovation and public-private partnerships in implementing sustainable agricultural projects in Vietnam. "Our global goal is to promote a shift towards a regenerative agricultural ecosystem to drive farmer resilience and profitability," she said.

Dr Le Quoc Thanh from the NAEC said, "We welcome partners from the public and private sectors in seeking solutions to the key challenges in agriculture. In partnership with Bayer, we have been exploring environmentally friendly solutions that offer economic benefits to producers and ensure product safety."

Leveraging the resources, experience, and advanced technologies of Bayer and its value chain partners is expected to effectively implement sustainable farming models that meet market demands

As Vietnam navigates the complexities of climate change and the demands of global markets, Bayer’s initiatives, in collaboration with a network of global and local partners, address these challenges effectively.

By strengthening farming resilience and partnering with smallholder farmers, Bayer is playing a crucial role in advancing Vietnam’s agricultural transformation.

VIR