The Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association has successfully organized trips for farmers to study abroad since 2023. This initiative is part of the implementation of Decision 3411/QĐ-UBND, dated August 15, 2023, approved by the City People’s Committee, regarding the project “Organizing study tours for farmers to exchange production experiences and promote agricultural products abroad from 2023 to 2025.”
Bringing Farmers Abroad for Learning Opportunities
In 2024 alone, the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association organized two delegations to Japan and Taiwan (China) for visits and educational experiences.
The Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association delegation takes a commemorative photo at the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei during their business trip. Photo: HND
From September 29 to October 5, 2024, a delegation of 17 members led by Ms. Huỳnh Thị Kim Xuyến – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association visited and worked in Taipei.
The delegation visited the ornamental fish farming model at Song Khê Fish Farm, which features an effective water treatment system from input to output. They learned about fish breeding, feeding regimes, and care during both cold and warm seasons.
Additionally, they explored the unique mushroom farming model at the Joben Biological Medical Company, which specializes in growing mushrooms on a type of tree classified as a national treasure in Taiwan.
They also visited the TAIPU Tea Farm in Nantou, known for its unique and friendly business model, where cheerful farmers embody the brand of specialty teas and traditional tea culture experiences from Taiwan.
The delegation learns about the cultivation and production process of mushrooms at Joben Corporation in Taiwan. Photo: HND
From October 20 to 26, 2024, another delegation of 18 members, led by Ms. Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hạnh – Member of the Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association, visited and exchanged experiences in Japan.
This group visited the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, featuring over 120 bonsai masterpieces and historical woodblock prints, attracting bonsai enthusiasts from around the world.
They also toured the Hoplus Agriex agricultural production and trading company, visited the Tomato Park, and learned about high-tech herb cultivation at Daio Wasabi Farm.
The delegation visits and takes a commemorative photo with the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: HND
The group also explored clean vegetable farming at Kawakami Village, one of Japan’s leading centers for high-quality agricultural production, supplying 70% of the country’s clean vegetable market during the summer months.
Furthermore, they visited Dainichi Farm, exchanging experiences and learning about large koi fish farming practices.
These Trips Open Up Cooperation Opportunities
Following the learning trip to Japan, a delegation from Agriex Co., Ltd., led by Mr. Abe Hideaki, visited the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association for discussions and collaboration, which included a tour of high-tech agriculture models in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association delegation visits the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. Photo: HND
Agriex Co., Ltd. employs advanced Japanese farming techniques to boost productivity and quality while reducing investment costs. The company aims to expand knowledge sharing on agricultural practices with farmers in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association believes these trips allow management officials to learn about trade promotion programs, linking agricultural production with product consumption, from production to processing, preservation, packaging design, branding, and label development.
During these learning trips, participants will exchange experiences on policy development, support for farmers investing in high-tech agriculture, and product consumption, contributing to the development of agriculture and rural areas. Participants will also learn about mechanization, automation, and modern agricultural models linked to rural ecological tourism.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hạnh – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association (second from left) and the delegation visit the ornamental fish farming model at Dainichi Farm. Photo: HND
Participants in these learning trips are accomplished farmers and agricultural cooperatives from Ho Chi Minh City, with a focus on those producing key products and OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods. Those who operate on a large scale and possess the financial capacity to implement modern technology in their production are prioritized.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association, in 2025, they will continue to organize two delegations for learning and experience exchanges in agricultural production and product promotion abroad. This will also be the final year of the project before a comprehensive report is made to the city.