Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association

The Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association, VOAA, is a non-governmental umbrella organization and was established in October 2011. VOAA emerged from a DANIDA project by ADDA and Vietnam Farmers Union, VNF, that initiated work on organic farming with small-scale farmers.The mission of VOAA is to advocate for rural small-scale organic farmers and to promote the development of organic cultivation and consumption in Vietnam. VOAA organizes training activities for organic farmers, capacity building of local organic farmer communities, and by creating linkages between farmers/farmer groups, new existing local PGSs and retailers. Furthermore, VOAA creates awareness of organic products among consumers, while also maintaining strong relations with strategic official agricultural departments, whom VOAA also consults on organic farming matters. Since its establishment, VOAA has been a key player in doing advocacy on the political level promoting organic agriculture as well as promoting the adoption and development of the PGS model. It has done so by providing technical support to local authorities on local organic policies including land and organizational issues such as establishments of new organic production areas with a PGS approach. In conclusion, VOAA’s wide network and expertise help strengthen, mobilize and support organic rural farmers in Vietnam.