Turning Waste into Wealth
Vietnam Farmers’ Union (VNFU)
Vietnam
In Quang Tri province, Vietnam, Nguyen Dang Vuong, Director of Tay Son Safe Agriculture Cooperative (member of the Vietnam Farmers Union), has found a smart way to turn everyday waste into something valuable. After studying biotechnology in Japan, he brought home new ideas that help farmers reuse food scraps and agricultural byproducts to create organic fertilizer and animal feed. Instead of throwing away leftovers from markets and farms, the cooperative collects them and uses a special fermentation process:
Animal feed: Waste is ground, fermented, and turned into nutritious feed for livestock. It can be used fresh or made into pellets that last up to two months.
Organic compost: Plant residues are layered, moistened, and carefully monitored to become rich fertilizer for rice, fruit trees, and vegetables.
The results:
- Produces 300 tons of microbial feed and 50 tons of organic fertilizer every year.
- Supports 5 hectares of organic rice and 4 hectares of fruit and vegetable farms.
- Cuts farming costs by 30% compared to traditional methods.
- Ensures healthy growth of crabs, livestock, and crops.
- Earned VietGAP certification and distributes products nationwide through clean food stores.
- Generates nearly VND 3.8 billion in annual revenue, with profits of about VND 300 million.
- Recognized in 2024 as a Representative Rural Industrial Product of Quang Tri Province.
This model saves money and helps protect the environment. By reducing chemical use and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, the cooperative is showing how farming can be both profitable and sustainable.
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The Capturing Agroecology in Action Video Contest seeks to spotlight the transformative power of agroecology, focusing specifically on its benefits for farmers’ organizations and agricultural cooperatives. Farmers’ organizations and agricultural cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, empowering smallholder farmers, and strengthening rural communities. By showcasing real-life examples and success stories, we aim to inspire and educate audiences about the potential of agroecology to address pressing challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and rural poverty. Click here for more information.