The "Promoting Sustainable Production and Trade of Vietnamese Pepper" project is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Sustainable Trade Initiative Vietnam (IDH). The European Spice Association (ESA), the Pepper and Spice Association of Vietnam (VPSA), and IDH are the co-implementing organizations of this project, which is being carried out in three provinces of the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, including Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Gia Lai.

The project involves the participation of various import-export companies such as Nedspice, McCormick, Olam Vietnam, Griffith, Jayanti, as well as procurement entities like DK Commodity Company, Simexco, VietSpice Corporation, Haprosimex, Pearl, Vinh Hiep, Phuc Thinh, and several agricultural cooperatives including Binh Minh, Ea M’roh, and Nam Yang. Approximately 8,000 households directly benefit from this project.

The main objective of the project is to increase the income of 8,000 pepper-producing households and contribute to a better environment in Vietnam. The project aims to actively involve key stakeholders in the pepper industry, including public, private, and farming sectors. Activities under the project, such as capacity building and raising awareness of sustainable farming practices among farmers, as well as training and monitoring support provided by participating businesses, will enhance the quality and yield of pepper, meeting market standards and ensuring stable income for pepper farmers. This, in turn, contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change issues towards sustainable development.

IDH plays a key role as a co-sponsor and technical support organization for the project. IDH has entered into technical consultancy contracts with specialized entities such as TMT, CDC, 5CHO, the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science and Technology Institute (WASI), and the Pepper Research and Development Center (PRDC). 

In addition to training sessions, the project includes field visits and technical support at pepper farms, support for the construction of three landscape pepper gardens in Suoi Cat, Dakrong, and Dak Doa, focusing on intercropping interventions, irrigation management, and integrated pest management.

Furthermore, the project provides technical support for data input into a traceability system, including information about farm profiles, farming practices, and the use of agricultural chemicals. The traceability system utilizes the Trace AgTech App provided by the Pepper and Spice Association of Vietnam (VPSA).

According to Nguyễn Quang Ngọc

Pepper Research and Development Center – PRDC