Prepare carefully before starting an organic agriculture business

Organic agricultural production is not simply chemical-free agriculture but must be based on the use of biological cycles found in nature, combined with traditional agriculture, innovation, and application, as well as applying science and technology to optimize health and the environment.

Like many other agricultural development standards such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, organic agriculture will have difficulties during operation because the farming process requires compliance with strict, chemical-free processes.

According to Dr. Bui Hong Quan (Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City) - an expert on organic agriculture evaluation, before starting an organic agriculture business, startups need to see what they are missing to learn more.

The best way to learn is to apply to work for at least 1-2 years at businesses, establishments, and farms that are investing in effective organic agricultural production. That working period is an opportunity for people preparing to start a business to accumulate experience. Those are extremely valuable experiences that no one can give. From those experiences, young people who start an organic farming business can avoid the mistakes of their predecessors.

Entrepreneurs still need to learn everything related to the project's development when deciding to start a business. Such learning is essential because it not only helps entrepreneurs gain helpful knowledge but also helps them stay true to their commitments. Because in organic production, commitment is more important than getting certifications. That is, no matter what the product is committed to, what must be done during the production process to meet those commitments. Only then can the manufacturer create trust and credibility with customers.

Regarding organic certification, Dr. Bui Hong Quan believes that when targeting any market, you should get the certification appropriate to that market. If you only sell organic products in Vietnam, getting Vietnam's organic certification is enough; there is no need to get costly European, American, or Japanese certifications.

In addition, when starting an organic agriculture business, people will have to prepare carefully financially. In addition to own capital, you can find ways to raise funds or call for investment funds to participate in supporting your project.

Organic agricultural production not only creates safe food but also ensures a sustainable ecosystem. This trend has been increasing continuously in recent years in the Mekong Delta and is expected to continue to increase in the near future.

In particular, on June 23, 2020, the Prime Minister approved the Project to develop organic agriculture for the period 2020 - 2030, affirming Vietnam's determination to develop organic agriculture and create certified products following regional and world organic agriculture standards.

According to Mr. Thai Dung Linh, CEO of TDL Solutions, many funds are currently ready to invest in organic and sustainable agriculture. But to call for investment capital from funds, individuals and startups need to build projects methodically with a medium and long-term vision. Financial reports must be made transparently. 

According to Dr. Bui Hong Quan, in addition to accumulating experience, financial preparation, business management skills, market research, etc., those who want to start an organic agriculture business need to prepare both health and safety. Because farming, in general, and organic agriculture, in particular, will be challenging and require much effort. With good health, pursuing for a long time will not be easy.

Those who want to start an organic farming business must understand that doing organic farming is giving themselves and their families a clean food source and a healthy production environment.

When living in a clean environment thanks to organic and clean agriculture, entrepreneurs will become more and more passionate about organic agriculture and have the urge to bring organic products to consumers and the community. From there, organic agriculture entrepreneurs will go step by step, from providing clean food to the surrounding community and the locality to moving on to selling to more consumers.

The Department of Crop Production said that by 2022, the country had 220,000 hectares of organic farming with an annual export turnover of about USD 335 million, an increase of nearly 15 times compared to 2010 and ranked 8th among 10 countries with organic agricultural area in Asia.

By 2023, it reached more than 2,828.7 hectares, of which the Northern mountainous region accounts for more than 271 hectares, mainly on tea trees, fruit trees, spice trees and some vegetables and mushrooms. However, the Department of Crop Production assessed that these are very modest numbers compared to the cultivated area in our country.