Delegates visit Binh Dien Fertilizer’s exhibition booth at the 9th National Congress of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, 2026 - 2031 term. Photo: B.Đ

The 9th National Congress of the VNFU was held under the theme Solidarity - Democracy - Breakthrough - Cooperation - Development. One of the most notable highlights reflecting the Congress’s spirit of cooperation and development was the inclusion of leaders from major enterprises in the Union’s leadership structure.

A prominent example is Mr. Phan Van Tam, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, Member of the Board of Directors, and Deputy General Director of Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, who was successfully elected to the 9th Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union for the 2026 - 2031 term.

Serving as a bridge and bringing the commitment of an agribusiness leader

Speaking after assuming his new role, Mr. Phan Van Tam expressed his gratitude and responsibility: “First and foremost, I am deeply honored to have been elected by the Congress to the Central Committee of the VNFU for the 2026 - 2031 term. This is not only a personal honor but also a great responsibility toward Vietnam’s farming community and agricultural sector.”

Having spent many years working closely with farmers across the country, Mr. Tam has gained a profound understanding of the challenges and bottlenecks facing Vietnamese agriculture.

He expressed his hope that the 9th Congress would create a strong momentum for change, placing farmers at the center of the development of ecological agriculture, modern rural areas, and a civilized farming community.

Mr. Tam outlined three major expectations for the VNFU’s work in the coming years. First, he emphasized strengthening the Union’s role as a multi-stakeholder connector, continuing to build sustainable linkages among the Party, the State, scientists, businesses, and farmers.

Reflecting on current development trends, he stated: “In the context of digital transformation, green transformation, and deeper international integration, farmers need faster access to scientific and technological advances, new technologies, market information, and effective production models.”

His second expectation focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains. Drawing from practical observations, he pointed out: “Many farmers are highly skilled producers, yet they continue to face challenges related to market access, business linkages, and brand development.”

To address these issues, he proposed: “I hope the VNFU will serve as a core connector linking farmers with enterprises, cooperatives, distribution systems, and financial institutions in order to enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products.”

His third expectation is the development of a new generation of farmers. According to Mr. Tam, the VNFU should place greater emphasis on cultivating a new generation of farmers equipped with knowledge, digital skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the capacity to adapt to climate change. He stressed that this generation will play a decisive role in shaping the future of Vietnamese agriculture.

Mr. Tam also recommended that, in the upcoming term, the VNFU continue expanding cooperation programs with enterprises, research institutes, and universities to facilitate the transfer of science and technology directly to farming communities. At the same time, he called for stronger promotion of green production models, emission reduction initiatives, circular economy practices, and soil health improvement.

Representing businesses that have long stood alongside Vietnamese farmers, Mr. Tam reaffirmed his strong commitment: “In the coming years, we look forward to working more closely with the VNFU to expand initiatives such as low-emission rice cultivation, the Healthy Soil - Healthy Crops Green Journey initiative, circular agriculture, digital agriculture, and climate-resilient farming models. These initiatives will not only help improve farmers' incomes but also contribute to environmental protection while enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets.”

The 9th National Congress of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union: A significant milestone

The active participation and valuable contributions of business-sector delegates such as Mr. Phan Van Tam played an important role in the success of the 9th National Congress of the VNFU for the 2026 - 2031 term.

The Congress marks a significant milestone, opening a new era of development, prosperity, and national strength for Vietnam’s farmers.

At the Congress, delegates elected the 9th Central Committee consisting of 81 outstanding members who possess the qualifications, capabilities, and credibility required to undertake the VNFU’s mission. Mr. Luong Quoc Doan was re-elected with strong support as Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union for the 2026 - 2031 term.

The Congress also engaged in democratic discussions and reached broad consensus on key policies and strategic directions for the new term. It adopted five overarching objectives, eleven key targets, six groups of tasks and solutions, and four breakthrough priorities.

Building on these foundations, the Congress reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the VNFU in terms of political leadership, ideology, organization, and action; comprehensively renewing its content and methods of operation; improving the quality and effectiveness of its activities; and better representing, caring for, and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of members and farmers.

The Congress also emphasized the VNFU’s role as a strong bridge between farmers and the Party and the State; its active participation in Party building, strengthening the political system, and consolidating national unity based on the worker – farmer - intellectual alliance; as well as its proactive engagement in international integration, people-to-people diplomacy, and international cooperation.