Rainforest Alliance

Committed to the sustainable production of coffee beans, exporters including Dakman and the ECOM Group have been promoting sustainable coffee production in Vietnam since 2008. Under the guidance of Peter Sprang -- who first joined the Rainforest Alliance nearly a decade ago as a volunteer for the SmartWood program -- and Pham Tuong Vinh -- who has been leading the Rainforest Alliance's agro-forestry work in Vietnam for the past half year -- Rainforest Alliance certification is changing the approach to coffee production throughout the country's Buon Ma Thout region.

What role do you play in working with farmers and auditors in Vietnam?

Tuong Vinh: To begin with, I needed to translate the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) standards into Vietnamese and adapt them to local and regional conditions. In order for farmers anywhere in the world to earn Rainforest Alliance certification, they must comply with these standards, which were first developed in Latin America. While much of the SAN criteria are universal, the standards are effective because they respond to local geographic and cultural conditions.

I also coordinate and support the many events and services related to Rainforest Alliance certification in Vietnam. And I need to maintain and build relationships in the coffee industry. As a country coordinator, I ensure that farmers and farmer groups have the information, training and tools they need to achieve certification. And during audits, I serve as an observer and translator.

Why is Vietnam a focus for the Rainforest Alliance's agriculture programs?

Sprang: Vietnam is the second largest producer of coffee in the world. Because coffee production has expanded so rapidly in the country, a sustainable approach to land-use has not always been a priority. Now that the limitations of land and water have become apparent, the concept of sustainable agriculture is receiving great attention.

In addition to coffee, is the Rainforest Alliance planning to expand to other crops in Vietnam?

Sprang: We're currently considering the feasibility of expanding to tea and cocoa. But generally, we wait for buyers to convince producers that meeting SAN standards makes good economic sense. If and when the farmers are ready, we then decide if we are ready to expand into these other crops. But the challenges of doing so are significant. For example, agrochemicals forbidden by the SAN standards are widely in use here, while personal protection for workers -- also a prerequisite for certification -- is not.

What makes working in Vietnam unique, both culturally and otherwise?

Tuong Vinh: While people here have an overriding commitment to change, they are used to a system built on control and compliance. By providing farmers with a market-based incentive to improving the management of their land, the Rainforest Alliance system is an effective path to sustainable development. Farmers are eager to become Rainforest Alliance Certified because they see that it produces results -- their farms function more efficiently and they can earn a premium for their beans.

Sprang: Vietnam has a fascinating and dynamic culture of rapid development, while maintaining the traditions of Vietnamese culture and political structure. Vietnamese people welcome foreigners who arrive with peaceful intentions and tend to look forward instead of mentioning the difficult times of the past.