Rikolto in Vietnam

Rikolto in Vietnam, formerly known as VECO Vietnam, is a branch of Rikolto, an international non-governmental organization with over 50 years of experience collaborating with farmer organizations and food chain stakeholders across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Established in 1994, Rikolto in Vietnam has dedicated nearly three decades to enhancing food security for farmers and promoting the sustainable development of various agricultural value chains.

Rikolto’s mission is to enable and support smallholder farmers in alleviating rural poverty and contributing to feeding a growing global population sustainably. The organization fosters trust and trade among the food industry, governments, research institutions, financial entities, and farmer organizations, centered around the pivotal question: “What will we eat tomorrow?”

In Vietnam, Rikolto has implemented several key programs:

• Sustainable Rice Production: Collaborating with partners in Phu Tho, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Kien Giang provinces, Rikolto promotes the adoption of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards. This initiative aims to increase rice productivity sustainably, enhance market inclusivity, and strengthen environmental governance through multi-stakeholder platforms.

• Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS): Since 2010, Rikolto has worked with local authorities and farmer organizations to implement PGS—a quality assurance system offering an affordable alternative to traditional certifications. This system has significantly expanded safe vegetable and fruit production areas, leading to increased farmer incomes and improved consumer access to safe produce.

• Good Food for Cities: Rikolto collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutes, agri-food SMEs, and cooperatives, to build sustainable urban food systems. Initiatives under this program focus on promoting food safety, enhancing market linkages, and fostering inclusive business models to ensure nutritious and affordable food for urban populations.