GIC Project Closing Event: A Milestone in Sustainable Agriculture

The successful conclusion of the GIC Project marks a defining moment in the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam, particularly in the rice and mango value chains. The closing event, held on March 10, 2025, in Can Tho City, gathered key stakeholders, industry experts, and government representatives to reflect on the project’s achievements and discuss its enduring impact on the sector.

A Look Back: The GIC Project’s Journey

Launched in 2022, the Green Innovation Centre Viet Nam is a country package of the Green Innovation Centres in the Agriculture and Food Sector (GIC) Program. This global initiative, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the special initiative ‘One World – No Hunger’, has been jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and GIZ. The mango component of the GIC Project was executed by Fresh Studio, focusing on improving sustainability, productivity, and resilience within the mango value chain.

Over the past two years, the project has driven impactful change in the six Mekong Delta provinces by introducing green innovations, strengthening capacity-building programs, and fostering deep collaboration among farmers, enterprises, researchers, and policymakers.

Through its various interventions, the mango component of the GIC Project has successfully trained 1,015 farmers, helping them increase their income by 20%. In collaboration with SOFRI (Southern Horticultural Research Institute), the project has also achieved a remarkable 50% to 80% reduction in post-harvest losses and extended the post-harvest preservation duration to 35–40 days when exporting by sea freight. These advancements pave the way for enhanced global competitiveness and market expansion for Vietnam’s mango industry.

Lasting Impact & Future Prospects

Two years may seem short, but the collective efforts of each actor in the value chain have yielded remarkable achievements. By placing capacity-building at the core and demonstrating the power of innovation, the project’s impact is expected to extend far beyond its official timeline.

Seeing is believing. Many of the implemented practices have set a precedent for broader adoption, encouraging a ripple effect throughout the industry. While the formal project has concluded, the momentum for a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable agricultural system continues. Stakeholders are urged to build on these successes and explore new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that innovation and sustainability remain at the heart of Vietnam’s agricultural transformation.

The GIC Project Closing Event was not just an endpoint—it was a celebration of progress, a testament to collaboration, and a catalyst for the future of sustainable agriculture. The lessons learned, the innovations introduced, and the partnerships forged will serve as a strong foundation for continued growth and long-term success in the sector.

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