Page 47 - Agricultural innovation

Large-scale material areas are approached in a landscape direction with following targets:
• Coffee is the main crop, planted, grown and developed well, with high yield and safe quality;

• High-rise woody plants such as shade trees, windbreaks, forest trees, fruit trees, etc. biodiversity,
protection and creation of sustainable habitats;
• Plants cover the soil such as grass, shrubs, herbaceous plants, etc. to retain moisture, cover heat,
limit leaching, erosion, protect and improve soil and water;
• Conserve soil and water in ditches, ledges, contour green fences, etc. to limit leaching and limit
the spread of pest sources;
• Irrigation economically according to coffee demand, soil and weather conditions, optimal use
and conservation of water resources;
• Apply fertilizers appropriately according to soil fertility, current status, productivity, limiting
fertilizer loss, evaporation, erosion, leaching and eutrophication;
• Chemical safety IPM, ICM, GAP, ... use pesticides effectively, with control, protect health, protect
soil and water.

Over a period of time, the implementation of landscape coffee models has contributed to a 14%
reduction in the amount of chemical fertilizers used; 17% reduction of irrigation water in coffee
production; reduce production costs by 11% and reduce CO emissions by 10% into the environment.
2
100% of the coffee produced in the pilot area is being purchased at a price higher than the market price.
In addition, coffee growers also diversify their income, besides coffee trees, they can also have income
from fruit trees, pepper trees or macadamia trees.

4.6.3. Opportunities and challenges
The VSA landscape coffee model has created favorable conditions for the implementation of the coffee
replanting program in the Central Highlands. This model creates an opportunity for a strong shift
from monoculture to polyculture to reduce risks of disease and diversify the income of coffee growers.
Through the application of this environment has reduced the risk of deforestation, soil erosion and
drought creating diverse vegetation in the coffee garden creating a rich natural landscape. This model
can be applied to other coffee commodities and regions in the transition in line with the Government’s
policy of promoting ecological agriculture in recent years.
However, the application of the VSA model may face certain challenges. First of all, there are very
different interpretations of VSA. Most of the surveyed households do not know or understand this
concept (usually households are only familiar with the concept of sustainable landscape). This will
affect the implementation of the model. Second, some regions that are implementing pilot models are
often areas with many projects and programs of the government as well as other donors with large
support resources, which easily bring about success. Therefore, expanding to other areas with more
restrictive conditions will certainly face many difficulties and limitations. The issue of traceability
has not been solved by this model while exporters and consumers are always interested in this issue.
Connecting the output market is the most important factor in model development and expansion.
There should be a clearer and more specific commitment from businesses. In addition, besides coffee
products, it is necessary to consider promoting the market for intercropping products to ensure stable
and sustainable income for households in the region.

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