PepsiCo Vietnam strengthens its 'Positive Agriculture' strategy in Vietnam

Our commitment aims to progressively improve agroecosystems through holistic practices and create a regenerative value creation.

Specific to our pep+ (PepsiCo positive) agenda, PepsiCo Vietnam co-organized an onsite training workshop on "Sustainable potato farming solutions" with its partners ADAMA and Lion Agrevo on March 25, 2022. The training attracted more than 200 farmers, and was also attended by Lam Dong Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Center, Western Highland Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute. Through such activities and more, we aim to drive actions that will be able to create a systemic shift to build long-term resilience, generate business and economic opportunities and provide environmental and societal benefits to the communities in the highlands of Vietnam.

Potato yield has tripled in the last 10 years, improving farmers' lives considerably

Mr. Nguyen Kim Hanh, Agro Head of PepsiCo, Vietnam said, “ for many years now, the company has continued to accompany farmers in Lam Dong province to conduct research on soil and climate and support them with innovation to increase the supply of high quality potatoes in the country”.

Investment in innovative agricultural solutions is already showing great results. PepsiCo Vietnam is focusing on improving quality in sustainable potato production by using regenerative agricultural practices by using new varieties, irrigation methodologies such as drip and sprinkler systems to reduced 30% total water using, integrated pest management, fixed fertilizer solution, mechanization from land preparation until harvesting. As a result, potato yield has increased by 300%, from 8 tons/ha to 25 tons/ha and is expected to reach 30 tons/ha in the coming years.

PepsiCo Vietnam and its partners have deployed technology to assist farmers in the famous potato growing regions across the country to help them manage pests and diseases through high-tech scientific and technical solutions. This mechanization of the potato production process also means bettering the lives of people in the agricultural supply chain.

Practical efficiency from the potato farming field in Gia Lai

The workshop demonstrated and elaborated on sustainable farming practices through Mr. Mai Ngoc Dung’s potato field (with an area of ​​nearly 15 hectares) located in La Bang commune, Chu Prong district in Gia Lai province. He had planted potatoes on December 6th 2021 and by the end of the season, the yield was about 29 tons/ha, much higher than his previous yields.

 In fact, the climate and soil in Gia Lai most suitable for growing potato plants. With a daytime temperature of about 22-25 degrees Celsius and 16-18 degrees Celsius at night along with the loose basalt red soil, Gia lai is the ideal location for growing the potato variety FL2215. With the initial success of this model, Gia Lai promises to become the main source of supplying potatoes for the whole country.

“Besides the natural factors, scientific solutions such as irrigation management, soil selection, cultivating single bed farming have contributed significantly to increase economic efficiency and reduce production costs for farmers”, shared Mr. Nguyen Hong Hang – Agro Project Manager of PepsiCo Vietnam

Sustainability in agriculture is the top priority

The cooperation and understanding between PepsiCo Vietnam and its partners is an important step in promoting sustainable potato production and increasing the domestic potatoes usage in food processing activities. The potato products from the country not only meet the domestic standards but also international.

Adama, one of PepsiCo’s partner in the country is responsible for researching and supplying bio-protective products to control nematodes, wilt and mildew to the farmers. In fact, the farmers actually noticed a decrease in the rate of pests and diseases compared to the control field.

In addition, another PepsiCo Vietnam partner, Lion Agrevo, reiterated its commitment to provide the best solutions and products for Vietnamese growers.

Driving local sourcing efforts

In order to get high-quality international products to consumers, PepsiCo is constantly researching and experimenting to create a more sustainable food ecosystem.

We currently hold the leadership position with Lay’s as the world’s largest food brand. We want to continue selling the best tasting potato chips in the market, in a way that keeps our promise to the consumer. We believe that the key to Lay’s success is the quality of the potatoes, grown sustainabily on a regenerative field in the country. By delivering superior products, PepsiCo Vietnam aims to educate, appeal and inspire diverse cohorts of consumers to take positive actions and make better choices for themselves and the planet.