Ea H’Leo, Vietnam, April 26, 2024 - The Steering Committee of the Sustainable Coffee Landscape Program in Ea H’Leo District convened a conference on April 26th to evaluate the program's progress through 2023. The conference was chaired by Mr. Y Thang Eban, Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee and Head of the Steering Committee.

According to the report presented at the conference, after more than 2 years of project implementation with strong support from local authorities and community participation, the project has achieved and exceeded its targets and objectives, despite being implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of October 2022, the project has supported the establishment of 2 sustainable agricultural cooperatives and 2 agricultural service teams under the cooperatives, which have provided services such as input procurement, goods and agricultural product transportation, grass cutting, and branch shredding for stakeholders. 653 stakeholders have received partial funding support for rejuvenation seedlings and intercropping. 100% of farmers in the project area (3,330 stakeholders) have had their sustainable production capacity and responsible production practices enhanced through training courses covering topics such as soil nutrition management, water management, good agricultural practices (GAP)/integrated pest management (IPM), and occupational safety - with 27% female participation.

Notably, the program has demonstrably improved coffee quality in the project area, as confirmed by independent assessments and quality checks conducted by coffee roasters, including Intimex Buon Ma Thuot. In the 2021-2022 crop year, with Intimex's support, the two agricultural cooperatives produced 16 tons of high-quality coffee, which they sold at 10,000-12,000 VND per kilogram, higher than the market price. The cooperatives also purchased over 200 tons of coffee from their members and other local farmers, selling it to Intimex at 500 VND higher per kilogram than the market price. Intimex also purchased coffee from individual farmers outside the cooperatives at 300 VND higher per kilogram than the market price.

By the end of 2023, the project had trained 30 junior lecturers who were farmer group leaders, farmer's union officials, and village/hamlet agricultural extension workers. These individuals serve as key facilitators, extending the program’s reach and ensuring effective implementation across the district. The project also trained 14,563 farmers, of which 73% were male and 27% were female, on topics including sustainable/responsible production; soil and water conservation; replanting and intercropping techniques; weed/ground cover management; responsible agrochemical use and management; post-harvest processing, and specialty coffee production. 

In addition, the project organized study tours for 5,450 farmers to learn from successful models. It aided in establishing and enhancing the management skills of 5 sustainable agricultural cooperatives and 5 agricultural service teams under the cooperatives, which provide basic services to members such as crop transportation, fertilizer supply, plant protection, and product procurement. It also supported farmers’ self-replanting of around 550 hectares and 71,000 intercropped trees. Soil health assessments were conducted for 650 soil samples, providing a basis for balanced fertilizer recommendations. Additionally, 15 coffee bean samples were analyzed for glyphosate residues, and 5 water-saving irrigation models with 150 water meters were installed to help monitor and control irrigation water usage.

During the 2022-2023 crop year, Intimex Buôn Ma Thuật purchased 3,167 tons of human coffee beans through cooperatives and agents, including 4C-certified coffee at an additional price of 200-300 VND per kilogram and specialty coffee at a higher price of 12,000-15,000 VND per kilogram. In 2023, it is estimated that the budget will be 100% disbursed (as of November 2023, the project has achieved 98% disbursement). Most sources have a high disbursement rate: IDH reached 100%, JDE 98%, Intimex 85%, cooperatives 91%, and farmers 100%.

The conference focused on assessing the achievements of the 'Coffee Scenic Sustainability Program' in Ea H'Leo County until 2023. It also identified limitations and presented solutions to fulfill the program's objectives in the future.

 In Conclusion Remarks at the Conference, Mr. Y Thang Eban - Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee - Head of the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Coffee Landscape Program of Ea H'Leo District until 2023 - requested that the specialized departments of the district, the People's Committees of communes, and the members of the Steering Committee enhance communication and outreach efforts to management officials at all levels, enterprises, and local residents. The aim is for everyone to be aware of the Program, understand it, and comprehend the need for systematic and continuous implementation of sustainable production activities.

Mr. Eban highlighted the crucial role of data collection in ensuring compliance with EU regulations. He stressed the need to gather comprehensive data on farming households in coffee-producing areas to establish a database that meets the EUDR. This aligns with the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee's Decision No. 2220/QĐ-UBND dated November 1, 2023.

The IDH organization and the JDE company will continue to support the District People's Committee in successfully achieving the Program's objectives for the 2023-2026 period and assist the district in implementing solutions to adapt to EU regulations.

The participating companies are expected to continue accompanying, supporting, and collaborating with the local authorities to effectively implement the Program's objectives, projects, and solutions to adapt to EU regulations.

The departments and People's Committees of the communes are required to closely coordinate with the IDH organization and the companies/units throughout the process of implementing solutions to adapt to EU regulations, particularly in the collection of forestry data, forest data, and household data to meet EU requirements.