Herbs and biologicals: Vietnam’s coconut industry aims to boost global competitiveness with sustainable cultivation – AgTechNavigator.com

Vietnam’s Coconut Industry Advances Sustainable Development Goals through Organic Farming and Strategic Partnerships

Introduction

Vietnam’s coconut industry is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at promoting organic farming and sustainable practices. This shift is designed to enhance product quality, stabilize production, and strengthen Vietnam’s national brand on the global stage. These efforts align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15).

Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Competitiveness and Sustainability

On December 1, the Vietnam Coconut Association (VCA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) convened a working session focused on boosting the competitiveness and sustainability of Vietnam’s coconut sector. Key objectives include:

1. Building intangible value and a national brand for Vietnamese coconuts.
2. Advancing environmental goals and Vietnam’s Net Zero commitments.
3. Researching innovative agricultural methods such as the integration of medicinal herbs in coconut groves to reduce pests and diseases, enhance biodiversity, and promote circular value chains.

These initiatives support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering sustainable agricultural innovation and biodiversity conservation.

Transition to Organic and Biological Inputs

• The sector is shifting from inorganic inputs to organic and biological fertilizers, improving fruit quality and stabilizing production.
• The VCA seeks IFC’s support in livelihood development, policy formulation, and community stabilization programs in coconut-growing regions.
• With IFC’s assistance, Vietnam aims to expand sustainable supply chains, enhance export competitiveness, and establish a strong foundation for the coconut industry during 2026–2030.

This transition directly contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable agriculture and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through improved livelihoods.

A Strategic Crop for Vietnam’s Economy

Vietnam’s coconut industry is a vital agricultural sector characterized by:

• 18 coconut-growing provinces with over 200,000 hectares under cultivation.
• Annual production exceeding 2.26 million tonnes of coconuts.
• 145 processing factories and approximately 600 businesses operating within the sector.
• Export turnover projected to reach USD 1.089 billion in 2024.
• 32 businesses developing raw material areas through specialized cultivation models and household linkages.
• 68 hectares of coconut plantations certified to international organic standards.

Fresh coconuts have become one of Vietnam’s top fruit exports, ranking just behind durian and dragonfruit in export value. In 2024, fresh coconut exports reached USD 390 million, accounting for 31% of total coconut exports. These achievements support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Challenges Facing the Coconut Sector

Despite progress, the coconut sector faces several challenges that impact sustainability and economic stability:

• Price instability of raw coconuts in Vietnam and across Asia over the past two years, affecting growers and processors.
• Limited cultivation planning and insufficient data in the fresh coconut segment, hindering the development of reliable long-term supply chains.
• Vietnam’s proposal to establish a regional price information exchange under the International Coconut Community (ICC) aims to improve market transparency, reduce price volatility, and protect producers.
• Ongoing efforts by VCA to deepen cooperation with other coconut-producing countries and strengthen raw material supply chains.

Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Conclusion

Vietnam’s coconut industry is making significant strides toward sustainability and global competitiveness through organic farming, strategic partnerships, and innovation. These efforts are closely aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, sustainable economic growth, and responsible production. Continued collaboration between the VCA, IFC, and other stakeholders will be critical to overcoming challenges and securing a sustainable future for Vietnam’s coconut sector.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses enhancing agricultural practices in Vietnam’s coconut sector, focusing on sustainable farming and improving production quality.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The development of the coconut industry, export growth, and livelihood support for communities are linked to economic growth and decent work.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The shift to organic farming, use of biological fertilizers, and circular value chains relate to sustainable production patterns.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights Vietnam’s Net Zero commitments and efforts to reduce crop emissions by adopting low-emission farming practices.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land – Enhancing biodiversity through medicinal herbs in coconut groves and sustainable cultivation supports terrestrial ecosystem health.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and technological upgrading.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
3. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
4. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Organic Certification Area: The article mentions 68 hectares of coconut certified to international organic standards, which can be an indicator of sustainable agricultural practices (related to Target 2.4 and 12.2).
2. Export Turnover and Volume: Export turnover reaching USD 1.089 billion and fresh coconut exports at USD 390 million indicate economic growth and market competitiveness (related to Targets 8.2 and 8.3).
3. Crop Emission Reduction: Vietnam’s commitment to a 15% crop emission cut by 2035 and 100% sustainable cultivation by 2050 implies indicators measuring greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (related to Target 13.2).
4. Use of Organic and Biological Fertilizers: The shift from inorganic to organic inputs can be tracked as an indicator of sustainable production methods (related to Target 12.2 and 12.4).
5. Biodiversity Enhancement Measures: Research on medicinal herbs to reduce pests and enhance biodiversity suggests indicators related to ecosystem health and biodiversity status (related to Targets 15.1 and 15.5).
6. Price Stability and Market Transparency: The proposal for a regional price information exchange to reduce volatility implies indicators on market stability and producer income security (related to Target 8.3).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: agtechnavigator.com