The farmers shaping our sustainable cocoa-growing regions

From Ben Tre and Ba Ria – Vung Tau to Daklak, the Cacao-Trace journey has consistently been shaped by the dedication of local cocoa farmers. These individuals not only nurture each cacao pod with care and expertise, but also serve as key drivers in promoting sustainable agriculture and responsible farming practices in their regions.

Ms. Ngo Thi Thao – a cocoa farmer from Ea Kar District, Dak Lak Province, is one of the contributors to the development of a sustainable cocoa-growing region.

After spending time working abroad in Taiwan, she and her husband decided to return to their homeland and continue cultivating the 15-year-old plot of land given to them by her grandparents. Starting from scratch, the couple eagerly sought knowledge and listened to the experienced farmers. Besides, PGPV supported them with technical guidance on everything from fertilizing and pruning to pest and disease prevention. Ms. Thao also made good use of cocoa husks by turning them into organic fertilizer and grinding them into animal feed for her family.

What they gained was more than just a thriving cocoa garden – it was also a deep, simple, and enduring love.

For over 20 years, Mr. Nguyen Cong Tuan, a farmer at Ea Kar District, Dak Lak Province, has taken care of a 1.7-hectare cocoa garden with more than 600 healthy, well-growing cocoa trees. In last year’s harvest, the farm produced 9 tons of wet cocoa beans.

By diversifying crop model recommended by PGPV, he has intercropped cashew, durian, and pepper, while integrating beekeeping in his cocoa farm. This not only boosts cocoa productivity but also diversifies his sources of income.

His farm reflects his deep connection to the land, his commitment to his work, and his determination to build a better future for his family — all made possible by his openness to innovation and change.

Busy harvesting cocoa pods, Mr. Vo Dinh Muoi from Chau Duc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (Former) can hardly hide his joy. He first began his journey with cocoa in 2004 when he received 150 cacao seedlings from Dr. Pham Hong Duc Phuoc. Since then, he has dedicated himself to learning and improving his cultivation techniques year after year.

In 2015, a field trip with PGPV to Ben Tre introduced him to more efficient and climate-adapted farming methods. Applying these insights to his own land, he now thrives with a farm of 700 cacao trees, yielding 1.2 tons of dried beans annually — the reward of a tireless two-decade journey.

Thanks to a stable purchasing partner like PGPV, Mr. Muoi feels confident about expanding his plantation and continuing to nurture his dream on the land that gave him a chance to rebuild his life.

On 1 hectare with 900 cocoa trees, Mr. Nguyen Huu Nong’s farm in Chau Duc District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province (Former) consistently delivers stable yields. His success not only brings income from selling coco but has also made his farm a destination for television crews, eager to share his model as an example for others.

Recognizing the region’s strengths—favorable climate, specific soil conditions, and strong government support—Mr. Nong and a few neighboring households boldly pioneered cocoa cultivation with technical support from PGPV. Over time, cocoa has become a reliable and sustainable source of income for his family.

As Mr. Nong shares, “The most important thing for farmers is that the offtake is always guaranteed, only then can we feel secure to develop our farms.”

A proactive member of the Cacao-Trace community, Mr. Nong continues to contribute to the story of sustainable agriculture alongside PGPV—a journey marked by long-term commitment and growing resilience.

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