(VNFU Portal) – The FFF Program has helped participating farmers gain more knowledge and experience in production, while raising awareness of forest protection, development, and sustainable livelihoods from forestry. It is hoped that more localities will join the program, contributing to increased incomes for rural communities.
Potentials of Shan Tuyet ancient tea in To Mua commune and forest landscape in Son La province
The program has also continued to support the establishment and maintenance of models for planting large timber trees, indigenous species, and non-timber forest products such as dong leaves, medicinal plants, and forest nurseries with a capacity of 150,000 seedlings, as well as maintaining and developing 10 hectares of large timber forests.
In addition, organic products from cooperative groups and cooperatives have been connected to distribution channels through specialty stores, clean food chains, organic outlets, and OCOP systems in various localities.
Beyond strengthening the capacity of cooperative groups, cooperatives, and forest-based farms in organizational development, management, production, and business operations along effective value chains, the FFF Program also helps them tap into local cultural and social service potential to better serve members and communities.
The FFF Program has achieved its objective of raising farmers’ awareness of developing concentrated production areas, scaling up farm operations, and enhancing forest protection awareness.
At the same time, the program has gradually created a spillover effect, contributing positively to local socio-economic development.
Muong Dong commune Farmer’s Union, Tan Lac (previously in Hoa Binh province, currently in Phu Tho province) held kick-off workshop for a small grant
FFF is a program that has delivered positive outcomes, fostering various mechanisms and policies aimed at strengthening cooperative groups and cooperatives (co-ops), particularly in business capacity, market access, and finance through value chains integrated with gender equality and service provision for members.
Innovative and effective approaches from the FFF Program have also spread widely, helping farmers recognize not only economic benefits but also health benefits, thereby attracting increasing participation.
Son La provincial Farmers’ Union held a training for FFF-participating pre-cooperatives and cooperatives
FFF activities have contributed to transforming farmers’ production mindset from small-scale farming to linked production through cooperative groups and cooperatives, as well as value chain integration. This enables local people to create jobs, increase income on their own land, and contribute to local poverty reduction and sustainable prosperity.
The program has supported Yen Duong Commune (Thai Nguyen province) in establishing three photo spots in organic Nep Tai rice fields, initially meeting the demand for experiential tourism.
It has also organized two training courses on community-based tourism, including skills for introducing cultural values to visitors and preparing local cuisine, with 120 participants attending.
The program has supported Tien Thanh Agricultural Cooperative (Chieng Xuan Commune, Son La province) in managing 30 hectares of fruit trees according to VietGAP standards, along with product labeling, traceability stamps, and brand development to enhance market competitiveness.
Established in 2015, the cooperative initially lacked knowledge, experience, and production skills.
Shan Tuyet ancient tea product in To Mua commune, Son La province
With support from the program, members have participated in technical training. Households with stronger skills have been guided to adopt VietGAP-oriented production processes, enabling them to sell products at prices two to three times higher than before.
The average income of households has reached nearly VND 10 million per person per month. Thanks to the program’s support, the cooperative has developed plans to expand production into larger-scale farm models to further increase members’ income.
The FFF Program has also guided members on water-saving measures, proactive irrigation during dry seasons, and drainage systems when soil moisture becomes saturated. At the same time, it has supported the establishment of organic vegetable production groups and the training of human resources for experiential tourism.
This has enabled the expansion of organic production models combined with experiential tourism, while strengthening market linkages with partners in Hoa Binh province and Hanoi city.
In addition to supporting agricultural production, the FFF Program has also promoted forest-based economy. Surveys show that the two participating localities have relatively large forest areas (Chieng Xuan has nearly 1,500 hectares of production forest, while Dong Sang has over 1,000 hectares).
To develop forest-based livelihoods, in 2020 the program provided seedlings such as amomum and codonopsis to more than 500 households for under-canopy planting.
Each household received 50–100 plants along with fertilizers and agricultural inputs, with a total support value exceeding VND 300 million. This has helped generate income from forests while raising awareness of forest protection.
It is expected that with this support, local communities will continue to unite, develop production, and improve their livelihoods.