Farmer partnerships and digital traceability in Vietnam
In February, Liam Southam-Rogers and Sophia Thach travelled to Vietnam, joining local partners to strengthen relationships with farming cooperatives, test digital traceability tools with farmers, and advance the project's certification and market access goals.
The trip centred on the Mai Son district, where the team met with the Ban Chum Mango Cooperative, the Ngọc Hoàng Dragon Fruit Cooperative, and a new dragon fruit group in establishment. The decision to include two dragon fruit groups was deliberate, a strategy to reduce risk and build stronger value chain outcomes.
A highlight of the field visits was the enthusiasm farmers showed for testing digital tools. Across all three groups, growers demonstrated good digital literacy and reliable internet access in their fields.
"“What stood out was the farmers’ openness to digital tools—they were quick to engage, test apps, and ask questions. What they need now is support with market coordination, branding, and connecting to value chains" Sophia Thach said.
"They were downloading apps, testing platforms, and asking good questions - the digital aspect isn't a barrier. What they really need is support on the agronomic side, particularly around disease management and chemical inputs, and that's where we can make a real difference."
All groups indicated willingness to continue covering app and VietGAP certification costs beyond the project period if the benefits are clear, a strong signal of genuine buy-in.
Back in Hanoi, the team met with TQC, the selected VietGAP certification body, ahead of contract signing, followed by a full project team meeting at the FAVRI office with representatives from AHR, FAVRI, NOMAFSI, and VNUA to set priorities for the coming months, including baseline socio-economic, gender and ethnic minority surveys, market research, and field trial planning.
Before leaving Vietnam, the team took the opportunity to discuss market entry strategy with branding consultancy Deep Blue including farmer capacity building workshops in April and May.
"This trip gave us a much clearer picture of where each group is at and what they need," Liam Southam-Rogers said.
"We've got the right partners on board, a certification pathway in motion, and real momentum with the project team.
Left to right: The project team discussing the trial at the cooperative leader’s mango field; Irrigation, compost and pruned dragon fruit plant and dragon fruit field showing low cost, effective irrigation pond; Ms Nga introducing traceability applications
AGB/2022/114 is supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and implemented by Applied Horticultural Research and the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute.