Workshop on Sharing Research Results on Digital Transformation in the Vegetable Value Chain in Northern Vietnam

On the morning of April 2, 2025, in Hanoi, the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam (PSAV), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Extension Center, organized a workshop to share research results on the value chain of agricultural products for export. The theme of the workshop was "Rapid Assessment of the Current Status of Digital Transformation in the Vegetable Value Chain in the Northern Region of Vietnam." The event attracted more than 50 delegates from agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, enterprises, institutes/schools/research centers, international and non-governmental organizations, and cooperatives involved in vegetable and fruit production.

Workshop Objectives

The workshop aimed to: Provide an overview of research and policies related to digital transformation and high-tech applications in vegetable production, processing, and consumption in Northern Vietnam; Quickly assess the current status of digital transformation in the vegetable value chain in Vietnam; Propose policies to enhance efficiency and promote digital transformation within the industry.

Digital Transformation: An Inevitable Trend in the Vietnamese Vegetable Industry

In his opening speech, Mr. To Viet Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation – Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the development potential of the Vietnamese vegetable industry, driven by favorable natural conditions and the application of science and technology. Between 2016 and 2024, the vegetable cultivation area increased by an average of 1.4% per year, while output grew by 2.6% per year, reaching over 1 million hectares with a production volume of over 19 million tons in 2024.

In the trade sector, fruits and vegetables remain among Vietnam’s top three agricultural export product groups. In 2024, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export value reached $7.12 billion, marking a 27.1% increase compared to 2023 and maintaining an average annual growth rate of 20.1% since 2011. However, the proportion of processed fruits and vegetables remains low, with 79.5% exported in fresh or semi-processed form, resulting in post-harvest losses of up to 20%.

In response to stringent international market requirements regarding quality, food safety, and traceability, digital transformation has emerged as a key solution to enhance the value and competitiveness of the industry. Various modern technologies have been implemented, including: Soil and water quality monitoring systems; Weather forecasting software; Pest monitoring system; Traceability technologies utilizing QR codes and blockchain; However, the application of digital technology remains limited, primarily restricted to pilot models.

Orientation Towards Sustainable Development

According to Mr. Chau, the study on the current status of digital transformation in the Northern vegetable value chain not only evaluates the extent of technology adoption among stakeholders but also identifies challenges, limitations, and proposes appropriate policy solutions

The study’s findings contribute significantly to the implementation of the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. Additionally, it supports digital transformation initiatives by the PPP Working Group on Vegetables. The study also provides crucial data for the Food Innovation Hub of Vietnam (FIH-V) and contributes to Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged at COP26.

On this occasion, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Mr. Chau expressed gratitude to PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Co., Ltd., CARE International in Vietnam, local authorities, and the international donor community for their continued support of the Vietnamese agricultural sector. The Ministry hopes to receive further collaboration to drive innovation and digital transformation in the fruit and vegetable industry, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products on the global market.

The workshop represents a crucial step in advancing the application of digital technology in the vegetable value chain, paving the way for a modern, sustainable agriculture sector with strong market adaptability.