For generations, farming in Lùng Phình commune, Bắc Hà (Lào Cai province) followed traditional methods reliant on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Like many others, Vũ Đình Gió faced low crop prices and unstable markets. Seeking a better future, he traveled across Vietnam—from Mộc Châu to Đà Lạt and Hanoi’s outskirts—to learn about organic farming.
Inspired, he returned home and transitioned to an organic vegetable model, investing in drip irrigation systems, seed trays, biopesticides, and greenhouse infrastructure. Initial setbacks were frequent: soil incompatibility, pest outbreaks, and crop failures. Yet, through trial, error, and dedication, his farm—now spanning 3 hectares—has become a model of certified organic success.
The Numbers Behind the Greens
Gió’s farm now grows kale, tomatoes, kohlrabi, cucumbers, chili, cabbage, and more, all without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, he uses fermented organic compost and biological agents for pest control.
- Organic kale sells for 25,000–30,000 VND/kg, compared to 15,000–20,000 VND/kg for conventionally grown.
- Estimated yield: 150 million VND/ha/year from organic vegetables.
- Total income: Nearly 500 million VND/year across 3 hectares.
- Employment: 6 regular workers, with steady income above local rural averages.
Tourism in the Turnip Patch: Adding Value Through Experience
Recognizing that food quality alone isn’t enough in today’s market, Gió added another layer to his business: eco-tourism. Visitors are invited to tour his greenhouses, harvest vegetables, cook on-site, and connect with sustainable agriculture firsthand. These experiences—especially engaging for city-dwelling children—have turned his farm into a local attraction.
The result? Visitors often become loyal customers, ordering vegetables regularly after returning home. Some even become unofficial ambassadors, spreading the word about his farm.
Scaling Up and Sharing Success
With plans to expand by another 2–3 hectares, Gió also provides seeds and training to other farmers. He hopes to create a network of organic producers across Bắc Hà, further strengthening the district’s reputation for clean, high-value agriculture.
His farm has become a local success story not just for yield, but for resilience, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Vũ Đình Gió’s story is a shining example of modern agriculture that respects the land, enriches people’s lives, and aligns with market trends. Through innovation and determination, he has proven that organic farming, when combined with tourism and education, can provide stable income, environmental benefits, and a powerful narrative that sells.
As demand for traceable, healthy food continues to grow globally, this integrated approach offers a valuable blueprint for smallholder farmers across the world.
