Vietnam’s Agricultural Future: Embracing Sustainable Growth and Organic Fertilizers

Vietnam’s agriculture changes fast. The sector shifts, reducing chemical inputs and choosing organic options. The government guides this shift, and global buyers back green produce. Vietnam leads sustainably in Southeast Asia.

Dynamic Agricultural Sector with Export Strength

Vietnam farms on many hectares. Eight-point-five-eight million households work 28 million hectares. Over 11 million hectares serve crops. Vietnam exports rice, coffee, cashew, and black pepper. In 2024, exports earned $62.4 billion USD. Smart irrigation and precision farming aid this growth.

Growing Momentum of Organic Farming

Organic farming expands fast. In 2023, 74,540 hectares supported organic farms. About 17,000 producers and 555 processors work the land. They serve mainly the U.S. and EU markets. Vietnam aims to cover 2.5–3.0% of farmland organically by 2030. This target supports eco-friendly and high-value crops.

Fertilizer Use and Challenges

Farmers use fertilizers heavily. They apply amounts three times the global average on key crops like rice and coffee. The market splits: 75% chemical and 25% organic fertilizers. Often, “organic fertilizer” means raw natural products. In 2023, Vietnam used 11 million tons. China supplies chemical options while the Netherlands, the U.S., and Belgium send organics. Problems, such as soil degradation, nutrient gaps, acidification, and water harm, still grow. Ninety-six percent of fertilizers go directly into the soil.

Market Transformation and Innovation

The fertilizer market evolves now. Local firms invest in factories, digital tools, and farmer training. The overall market may grow from $3.55 billion USD in 2025 to $4.2 billion USD by 2030. Organic fertilizers should grow at a 6.7% rate; the total grows at 3.47% yearly. Farmers choose precision agriculture and specialty fertilizers with controlled-release traits. These sustainable steps modernize Vietnam’s agriculture.

Policy Support for Sustainable Fertilizers

The government backs changes with strong policies. It sets goals: produce 25% more organic fertilizers by 2025, have 30% of all registered fertilizers be organic by 2030, and use organic fertilizers on 50% of crop areas. Key policies include the National Environmental Protection Strategy, the National Organic Agriculture Project 2020–2030, and Decree 109 on Organic Agriculture. These efforts follow global green standards and help boost exports to the U.S., EU, and Japan.

Opportunities for Dutch Businesses

Vietnam’s green transformation brings new work for Dutch firms. Expertise in organic fertilizers and manure granulates has high demand. Dutch companies use advanced tech and waste recycling know-how. They can offer quality fertilizers made to suit Vietnamese soils. Alongside product supply, Dutch experts can share their skills and train local farmers. This approach builds a strong, price-competitive market and helps recover soil while raising productivity.

Conclusion

Vietnam now shifts toward sustainable agriculture. Policies and market trends drive innovation in eco-friendly fertilizers and farming practices. International partners, including the Netherlands, can accelerate this change. Together, they ensure that agriculture grows responsibly while protecting soil and nature.

Sources:

Agroberichten Buitenland – "Shaping Vietnam’s agricultural future with sustainable growth and organic fertilizers," April 2025
Vietnam Embassy in the Netherlands – Policy and market insights
Pixabay – Image resources

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