Voluntary carbon project launches for coffee agroforestry in Gia Lai
On 22 May 2024, Vinh Hiep and Rainforest Alliance Vietnam held the launch of a voluntary carbon project in Gia Lai’s coffee-growing areas. The programme connected agroforestry with the prospect of longer-term environmental and livelihood benefits for participating growers.
A project based on trees and biomass
The announced approach involved planting trees and increasing above-ground biomass within participating farms. Vinh Hiep was described as a local partner in a project connected with a Dutch agricultural bank.
The project proposed directing proceeds from carbon credits to participating households annually over a 20-year period. This was the project’s announced mechanism and duration, rather than a guarantee of a fixed payment or confirmation of credits already issued.
Why farm management matters
The launch discussion addressed climate change and the relationship between agriculture, land use and greenhouse gases. Farm inputs, land management and vegetation all influence the environmental questions considered in a production system.
The project presented agroforestry as a way to link tree establishment with coffee production. Its intended benefits included greater resilience and additional longer-term income opportunities for growers.
Connecting with other grower programmes
Vinh Hiep stated that it had participated in responsible coffee production programmes since 2010. The launch also referred to related work on growing-area data, child labour prevention and digital farm management.
Growing-area information was being developed with specialist organisations to support the data needs associated with export markets. Work with Rainforest Alliance and JDE addressed awareness of child labour risks. A farm management software project was also discussed as a way to support grower declarations, certification administration and payment records.
Keeping project evidence and product evidence distinct
This report records the May 2024 launch and its proposed activities. To assess later results, readers need the relevant monitoring period, project records and information about implementation.
A buyer considering a sustainability requirement for a coffee order should also review the documents applicable to that product. A project announcement gives context but does not by itself establish the status of an individual lot.
Related reading
Sustainable sourcing records · Coffee traceability documents
