PAN : members to collaborate in developing the culturation model under the rice value chain

Two PAN member companies, Vietnam Seed Group Joint Stock Company (Vinaseed) and Vietnam Fumigation Joint Stock Company (VFC), along with Binh Dien II Fertilizer Production and Trading Joint Stock Company, signed a memorandum of cooperation in the afternoon of December 12, 2023, in Vi Thanh city, Hau Giang, with the goal of developing a farming model and rice value chain in the Mekong Delta region. The signing event was held in conjunction with the International Festival of Vietnam Rice Industry - Hau Giang 2023.

More than 200 international delegates attended the festival, including prominent figures from the business and industry sectors from over 39 countries that support Vietnamese rice. More significantly, though, the event provided a platform to showcase the quality, production capabilities, and potential of rice grains, thereby generating a boost for the development of the country's rice trade. Through that, conveying a message to the world about the nation's responsibility to the international food industry of Vietnam.

The project "Sustainable development of 1 million hectares specializing in high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta until 2030" was also launched during the Festival, disseminating information about Vietnam's commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, which was made public by the Prime Minister during the COP26 Conference.

In supporting the national project, The PAN Group collaborates with the province of Dong Thap to develop and implement the project "Improving income of rice growers" (1) to create a closed value chain model and offering sustainable agricultural solutions which are Group's strength. The project helps farmers with inputs such as reliable seed suppliers, standardized farming techniques, insect prevention and control methods, and branding and off-take for the finished agricultural product. The plan to 2025 and the vision to 2030 all have as their objectives the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector and the enhancement of local farmer income.

The project is a significant contributor of the national project "Sustainable development of 1 million hectares specializing in high-quality rice cultivation and low emissions associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta until 2030" and shares many characteristics with it.

"Improving rice growers' income" is a project that has a specific implementation phase that includes the tripartite cooperation of Vinaseed, VFC, and Binh Dien II. In light of this, the three businesses decided to collaborate in order to develop a set of technology solutions that would assist farmers in lowering investment costs, raising production, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and guaranteeing food safety. Vinaseed seeds, Binh Dien II fertilizer, and VFC insect control are all parts of the solution.

In particular, those companies will:

• Work together to establish "core farmer" sites of VFC, Vinaseed, and Binh Dien II in Dong Thap and some other important province in the Mekong Delta as "demonstration sites" for rice varieties and fertilizers with innovative technical solutions.
• Work together to monitor, supervise, and guide farmers to properly follow technical procedures and evaluate field efficiency according to growth stages.
• Cooperate to plan efficient efforts for technological dissemination, promotion, and transfer.

Since beginning of December, the three parties have been providing seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals to numerous farming households in the areas that each company is linked with.

Two PAN Group members and Binh Dien II took part in the exhibition at the event as well, showcasing the rice value chain solution package at two of the Group's booths.

Via its agricultural member firms, Vinaseed, VFC, Vinarice, and VinaAgrifood, The PAN Group presently plays a significant role in the rice value chain across the country, particularly in the Mekong Delta. The Group is pushing for the implementation of initiatives meant to lower emissions while raising farmer incomes, with the goal of fostering sustainable agriculture linked to green growth.

In particular, the Group's member companies have been actively involved in World Bank and Netherlands development Organization (SNV) programs for many years in order to address climate change and promote sustainable agricultural growth in the Central Highlands and Mekong Delta. Along with this, PAN and the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee signed a collaboration agreement in November 2023 to develop and carry out the project "Improving rice growers' income". Most recently, The PAN Group and Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam signed a memorandum of cooperation to find financial solutions and services based on ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) factors to invest in the Group's green projects on December 1, 2023, during COP28, which was witnessed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

With drastic participation and close collaboration with the Government, localities, and reputable partners, The PAN Group's projects aim to fundamentally transform thinking and production practices in the rice industry, thereby moving from traditional rice production to a higher level where the value of rice is increased in a sustainable chain, while ensuring increased income for farmers and improving environmental quality.