As we reflect on the BioTrade Programme, which concluded in the summer of 2024, we’re proud to highlight the lasting impact it has made. Executed by Helvetas with key contributions from ProFound, the programme focused on enhancing biodiversity conservation through sustainable trade in natural ingredients—integrating local exporters into global value chains across Southeast Asia.
One of the standout success stories from the programme is DACE, a Vietnamese company we supported closely throughout.
“ProFound helped us so much, so, so much,” says Tran Van Hieu, CEO of DACE. “Their training was very helpful.”
Through tailored market assessments and hands-on guidance, we assisted DACE in entering and thriving in the international marketplace. Today, the company exports organic spices to Japan, the USA, and Europe.
Women working at the field.
Cultivating Local Impact: From Soil to Societ
DACE’s growth goes beyond exports. Their model has had a transformative impact on both people and the planet:
Innovation in Organic Farming: DACE combines traditional farming knowledge with cutting-edge biotechnology research on its organic farm.
Income Growth: Over five years, household incomes within the DACE model have increased sixfold.
Poverty Reduction: The proportion of poor households in their project area dropped from 96% in 2016 to 65% by 2020.
Environmental Gains: In Luc Khu, Ha Quang District, 56% of households have shifted to spice cultivation—reducing damaging activities such as forest burning, foraging, or hunting.
Supporting Women in Agriculture
A significant milestone came in 2020, when DACE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Women’s Union of Ha Quang District. Together, they launched a programme to promote and deliver training on organic farming techniques to women across district villages. That same year, 458 meetings and training sessions were held, empowering women with the tools to participate in and benefit from sustainable agriculture.
Pioneering Vietnam’s First Organic Zone
In 2018, DACE established Vietnam’s first official organic cultivation zone, with a clear plan to scale this area to 500 hectares by 2025. This move positions DACE as a pioneer in promoting large-scale organic production in Vietnam.
Hieu and his team!
Insights from the Field: Hieu’s Advice to Farmers
We asked Mr Hieu what guidance he would offer to farmers in other countries aiming to follow a similar path. His reflections are practical and deeply grounded in experience:
1. Choose the Right Area
Think about your surroundings and your long-term vision.
Is the land healthy? Are neighbouring farms organic? Will you work alone or as part of a group?
2. Commit to Working with the Region
Understand the challenges and opportunities in your chosen area.
How familiar are you with the community? What can you do together to build something sustainable?
3. Plan Your Structure and Goals
Clearly define your organic model and business direction.
Do you have a business plan? What are your ambitions? Write them down.
4. Engage with Institutions and Stakeholders
Reach out to government bodies, village leaders, and local farmers.
Learn their perspectives and explore how you can support one another.
5. Study the Value Chain
Understand how your product moves from farm to consumer.
Where are the weak links? Can you offer training or improvements to benefit all involved?
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