A Historic Breakthrough for Vietnamese Rice
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The current shortage of rice supply in Japan has opened a golden opportunity for Vietnam’s rice industry.
The entry of Vietnamese rice into one of the world’s most demanding markets marks a major leap in global recognition and brand value for Vietnam’s agricultural exports.
On June 5, 2025, Vietnam successfully exported its first 500 tons of “Green, Low-Emission Rice” to Japan.
According to Nguyễn Thị Thu Hương, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, this milestone represents a vital breakthrough — paving the way for Vietnamese rice to penetrate deeper into premium, high-standard global markets.
Strengthening the Ecosystem Behind Vietnamese Rice
Deputy Director Hương emphasized that this is just the first step.
To sustain this success, Vietnam must mobilize the entire rice ecosystem — from state agencies to farmers, cooperatives, enterprises, and trade associations.
Government authorities must continue to:
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Improve policy frameworks and technical standards.
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Strengthen quality control systems to meet Japan’s strict food safety regulations.
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Invest in infrastructure for large-scale raw material zones.
Trade associations like the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) and the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA) play a crucial role in:
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Linking markets and disseminating information.
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Supporting enterprises and farmers in complying with international production standards.
Meanwhile, exporters must deepen their ties with farming regions, invest in advanced processing, and ensure traceability across the entire value chain.
Building Value Through Quality and Sustainability
Bùi Bá Bổng, Chairman of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association, expressed optimism, noting that enhancing rice value — thereby improving farmers’ incomes and business efficiency — is a core goal of Vietnam’s rice development strategy.
This aligns with the National Project on 1 Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice, which aims to modernize production and reduce carbon footprints while maintaining sustainability.
Farmers and cooperatives participating in this program continue to receive:
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Technical support and training in safe and sustainable production.
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Transparent partnerships with enterprises under long-term contracts.
When farmers, cooperatives, and businesses unite — supported by proactive government management and association coordination — Vietnam can establish a globally competitive rice value chain trusted in high-end markets like Japan.
Technical Standards: The Science Behind Vietnamese “Green Rice”
Under the 1-million-hectare program, Vietnam’s rice meets premium international standards through:
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Carefully selected rice varieties tailored to market demand.
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Food safety compliance with chemical residues well below the maximum limits.
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Sustainable farming techniques that enhance soil health and yield stability.
Moreover, Vietnam leads globally in applying large-scale low-emission rice cultivation techniques — producing rice that qualifies for the dual certification of “Green” and “Low-Carbon” rice.
This distinction sets Vietnamese rice apart from competitors and positions it as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture.
The Importance of Branding in High-End Markets
Despite the progress, entering a premium market like Japan requires brand recognition.
This is the most challenging yet decisive step for success.
To address this, the 1-million-hectare project has:
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Fostered partnerships among farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises to ensure quality compliance.
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Established the trademark “Vietnam Green, Low-Emission Rice”, authorized for use by seven enterprises, covering 20,000 tons of rice.
On June 5, 2025, Trung An High-Tech Agriculture Company (Cần Thơ) became the first to ship a 500-ton batch of rice under this trademark to Japan — marking a new era for Vietnamese rice exports.
Japan’s Rice Shortage: A Timely Opportunity
According to Chairman Bùi Bá Bổng, Japan imports about 700,000 tons of rice annually, primarily from the U.S. and Thailand.
The current shortage has created a window for Vietnam to step in with premium, low-emission rice that meets Japan’s highest standards.
This shipment by Trung An is not just a trade transaction — it is a symbolic ambassador for Vietnam’s sustainable rice movement.
A Strategic Forecast for Food Security
Phạm Thái Bình, CEO of Trung An High-Tech Agriculture Company, explained that Japan’s rice shortage “was the inevitable overflow of a long-brewing crisis” that Vietnamese enterprises had anticipated for over three years.
He warned that, with increasing global climate instability, food shortages will soon affect many countries — not only Japan.
While prices and yields may fluctuate, the global food supply remains fundamentally vulnerable.
Vietnam, however, holds a strong advantage thanks to:
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Its proactive government policies.
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The ongoing 1-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project.
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The commitment of farmers and enterprises to sustainable transformation.
With determined implementation and nationwide expansion, Vietnam’s rice sector can seize this opportunity to raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen enterprise competitiveness in global markets.
Looking Ahead: Expanding to More Premium Markets
For Vietnam’s rice to reach Japan and other demanding destinations like the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, local authorities must swiftly approve and implement:
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Linked production projects under the 1-million-hectare program.
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Regional collaborations among farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises.
By doing so, Vietnam can ensure that its rice products consistently meet international standards — not only feeding the world but also carrying the pride of Vietnamese agriculture to new heights.