In response, Can Tho has identified its major crops and livestock for the development of organic farming. To date, a number of organic farming models have delivered positive outcomes, contributing to changes in both awareness and practice among local farmers.

To promote organic farming, the former province of Soc Trang, now part of Can Tho, has implemented an organic agriculture project for the 2022-2025 period, with a vision to 2030. Under the project, by 2030, the area under organic cultivation is expected to exceed 400 hectares, of which around 370 hectares will be certified organic.

The value of products from organic cultivation is 1.5 to 1.8 times higher than that of conventional farming. According to experts, with specific orientations and solutions for each stage, the project will help foster sustainable agricultural growth, delivering dual benefits in both economic and environmental terms.

Nguyen Cong Thanh, Director of the Asian Organic Agriculture Research and Development Institute, commented: “This project is highly significant as it creates mechanisms to encourage enterprises to invest and cooperate with cooperatives in purchasing organic products. The relevant authorities have already issued the first certification for organic rice in the shrimp–rice area, and this project will help replicate the model across various other crops. It represents an opportunity for the organic production movement to grow more strongly.”

At the Quyet Thang Agricultural Cooperative in An Lac Thon Commune, the annual output exceeds 800 tonnes of star apples. With support from the provincial organic production project, the cooperative has upgraded its farming processes towards organic practices. Members have received technical training, replaced chemical fertilisers with organic ones, reduced pesticide use, and adopted fruit-bagging techniques to prevent pests. Adhering to clean production standards has helped ensure a more stable market for their products.

Nguyen Van Thien, Director of the Quyet Thang Cooperative, shared: “We have received support from local authorities, as well as from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in terms of investment, market linkage, training, and the establishment of model gardens for the cooperative each year.”

After three years of implementation, the organic agricultural development project in the former Soc Trang Province has supported 32 organic production models in both crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Initial results show clearer effectiveness and positive changes in farmers’ awareness of sustainable production.

According to Vuong Quoc Nam, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People’s Committee: “We welcome the participation of enterprises in organic production models. The city will provide agricultural and fisheries extension support from public funds to help establish models for farmers, thereby laying the foundation for sustainable development.”

The transition from traditional to organic production not only helps farmers increase profits thanks to higher product value, but also contributes to protecting the ecological environment, developing clean agriculture in association with processing industries and regional agricultural value chains. This is an essential step towards building agricultural brands and meeting the demands of the modern market.

It can be affirmed that organic agriculture not only enhances product value but also safeguards public health. With the determination of the authorities and the unity of the people, Can Tho is steadily asserting its pioneering position in developing clean and sustainable agriculture.