Environmental Pollution Programme in Vietnam: Rainforest Alliance’s Project Final Outcomes and Next Steps

Across Vietnam’s agricultural heartlands, pesticides have long been a double-edged sword. While they protect crops, their overuse has come at a significant cost. Studies indicate that many farmers apply chemicals above recommended levels. Findings from the Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP) in Vietnam, based on data collected from 306 adult tea farmers, including both IPM and non-IPM farmers, in Tuyen Quang province, indicate that 17% of participating farmers reported experiencing pesticide poisoning (Willis et al., 2026)¹. Beyond the impact on human health, excessive pesticide use degrades soil quality, disrupts biodiversity, and weakens the ecosystems on which farming ultimately depends on.

In response, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is gaining traction as a practical and sustainable alternative. It enables farmers to reduce their reliance on harmful chemicals while safeguarding both their health and the surrounding environment.

Under the Environmental Pollution Programme in Vietnam (2022–2026), funded by UK International Development through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance, has supported farming communities in adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practice. Across Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Son La, and Lam Dong, the programme has reached more than 11,000 farmers and engaged 12 companies across the coffee, tea, and pepper value chains.

This progress was highlighted at the IPM Project Closing Workshop held on 9 March 2026 in Buon Ma Thuot. Bringing together government representatives, scientists, private sector actors, and farmers, the workshop served not only to reflect on the programme’s results, but also to explore how these approaches can be scaled up, aligned with market demands, and integrated into future agricultural systems.

Participants attending the IPM Project Closing Workshop in Buon Ma Thuot, including representatives from government, research institutions, private sector, and farming communities.

On the ground, change has been driven as much by mindset as by practice:

• Farmers are increasingly moving away from excessive pesticide use toward more informed practices, including pest monitoring, biological controls, and targeted chemical application. Alongside reduced pesticide use, the adoption of composting, mulching and agroforestry is improving soil health while lowering costs. To date around 6,000 tonnes of compost have been produced generating savings of approximately 5 million VND per tonne, equivalent to an estimated total of 30 billion VND (around $1.1 million).

• Women make up nearly half of participants (47%), while ethnic minority farmers account for around one-third (34%). Women have taken on active roles through community-based groups, including women’s clubs that support peer learning, leadership, and knowledge sharing.

• The programme has also reached vulnerable groups, including 130 farmers with disabilities or caring for children with disabilities, 22 victims of Agent Orange, and 387 low income households, helping to ensure that safer agricultural practices are accessible to those most at risk.

P​​​​hoto collage showcasing project activities under the IPM initiative in Vietnam, including farmer engagement in coffee fields, hands-on training sessions, tea farming practices, and community participation (GAHP 2026)

Together, these results demonstrate that reducing pesticide use in agriculture is not only possible, but practical at scale. By combining technical support, inclusive approaches, and strong partnerships, the programme shows how safer farming practices can protect health, restore ecosystems, and build more resilient rural communities for the future.

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The design and implementation of this project have been accomplished through a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and funded by UK International Development from the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).  

Reference: 

1. Willis, S., Stuart, A., Salmon, J., & Nguyen Tran Quyen. (2026). Acute pesticide poisoning among smallholder tea farmers in Vietnam. Presentation delivered at the IPM Project Closing Workshop, Rainforest Alliance, 9 March 2026, Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam. Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK).