Promoting the development of regenerative agriculture model

2022 Press Dialogue on “COP 26 and Building a Regenerative Agriculture in Vietnam” has been held recently by the Business Council for Sustainable Development under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VBCSD-VCCI) and Nestlé Vietnam Co., Ltd., on July 22 in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak.

The objective of the Program is to provide the media with up-to-date information on the strategic directions, policies by the Government and regulatory agencies related to the implementation of COP26 commitments; Vietnam's agricultural sustainable development strategy to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The program updates on good practices in sustainable production and business of the agricultural sector, thereby encouraging the media to promote and accompany the business community in implementing sustainable development.

According to VBCSD, agriculture is strongly affected by climate change as well as being a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 13.9% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions.

At COP26, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made a commitment that Vietnam strives to achieve 'zero' net emissions by 2050 and two other commitments related to the agricultural sector: join the initiative on "Reducing global methane emissions”, and the "Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use".

In January 2022, the Prime Minister approved the "Strategy for sustainable agricultural and rural development for the period of 2021-2030, with vision towards 2050".

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and rural development in the period of 2021-2030, with vision towards 2050.

To successfully implement the Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development as well as the aforementioned international commitments, Vietnam needs great efforts, not only from the Government, but also from the private sector including businesses and producers who will directly participate in the implementation at different scales to encourage investment resources.

Mr. Khuat Quang Hung, Director of External Relations and Communications of Nestlé Vietnam Co., Ltd., reported that at the end of 2019, Nestlé Group announced the "Net Zero Emission Commitment" by 2050 along with a specific roadmap to achieve this goal.

Nestlé's Net Zero roadmap shows that nearly two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions originate from agriculture. Consequently, addressing these emissions is one of Nestlé's main areas of focus.

Most importantly, Nestlé is introducing the concept of regenerative agriculture - an initiative with great potential to help tackle climate change, support communities and protect natural resources.

Regenerative agriculture aims to conserve and restore farmland, ecosystems and its vital resources including soil, biodiversity and water. This serves to benefit farmers, the environment and society association in general.

These benefits include soil carbon capture and plant biomass; soil health and fertility improvement; reduction in the use of agrochemicals as well as net greenhouse gas emissions.

In Vietnam, regenerative agriculture is integrated and implemented by Nestlé within the framework of the NESCAFÉ Plan.

The program embarks on regenerative agriculture through the promotion of rational intercropping models, integrated weed management, 40% reduction in irrigation water consumption, 20% optimization of fertilizer use by introducing compost made from coffee husks and grounds.