With its vast area, diverse terrain, and isolated microclimates, Điện Biên province holds strong potential for organic agriculture. Its soil and water resources, especially in the highlands, remain relatively untouched by industrialization. This has created varied ecological zones well-suited for safe, clean crop and livestock production, laying the groundwork for sustainable organic farming.

Alongside efforts by local authorities to promote economic growth in ethnic minority areas, OCOP-branded products that highlight local culture and resources are being developed. At the same time, networks to bring organic farm produce to consumers are expanding.

Organic farming is an inevitable trend. However, building a well-structured, market-oriented organic agriculture sector remains challenging due to traditional farming practices, limited access to science and technology, seed quality, and the small production scale of local farmers.

Phạm Đình Lai, Head of the Điện Biên Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department, noted: “In recent years, we have launched programs and campaigns to raise awareness of clean and sustainable farming while developing rural industries. Organic production for the market is mostly carried out by cooperatives and private firms. That’s why we focus on supporting standout cooperatives with strong potential, linking them with consumption chains.”

Currently, Điện Biên has 238 cooperatives registered in agriculture. Many serve as both a support system for local farmers and a bridge to help build organic value chains for commercial-scale production.

Nguyễn Đỗ Hiệp, Director of the Tủa Chùa solanum procumbens cooperative, said: “With its unique climate and soil, Tủa Chùa and neighboring communes are highly suitable for medicinal herbs. Our solanum procumbens tea is of excellent quality and well received by consumers. To build a clean, 100% organic brand, we’ve partnered with more than 70 households cultivating over 10 hectares. We provide technical guidance on planting, care, harvesting, and the use of biological fertilizers, ensuring consistent production standards for organic farming.”

Thanks to science-based methods and uniform practices between farmers and the cooperative, Tủa Chùa solanum procumbens tea has gained popularity both inside and outside the province. Each hectare generates annual income of more than VND 300 million, offering farmers a stable and sustainable livelihood.

Similarly, in Mường Nhà commune, the Mường Nhà Pineapple Cooperative has become a reliable partner for 112 households in Pu Lau village, ensuring stable market access and building a clean agricultural brand.

Thào A Giàng, Director of the cooperative, explained: “The Pu Lau honey pineapple doesn’t tolerate chemical fertilizers. If used, the plants quickly weaken after 2-3 harvests, reducing yield and quality. So we developed Pu Lau pineapple organically, creating a clean production and supply chain. At prices ranging from VND 8,000-12,000 per kilo, it has become a key crop helping Pu Lau farmers improve incomes. Demand keeps growing, and in 2025, the village plans to expand by another 30 hectares.”

The model shows how linking and coordinating clean agriculture initiatives not only fosters stable, sustainable socio-economic development but also helps organic produce become a signature strength of local communities.