In line with the work plan of the IFAD-AVRDC-ARC Project on “Integrating Safe and Off-season Vegetable Production with Marketing through Information, Education and Training in Ha Tinh and Tra Vinh Provinces, Vietnam” a new Farmer Field School (FFS) was officially opened on 18 March, 2008 in Xom Dua Village, Thach My Commune, Loc Ha District of Ha Tinh Province.  This FFS follows from the successful implementation of a similar FFS in the first part of project year 1.  A total of 25 farmers will participate in the FFS.  The village head, Mr. Dao My welcomed the farmers and guests to the village community hall.  The Vice-Chairperson of Thach My Commune expressed his thanks to IFAD and AVRDC-ARC for supporting this activity in the commune as it will help the farmers in the village to be aware and practice safe and off-season vegetable production.  The Chairperson of the Loc Ha District Farmers’ Union, Ms. Tran Thi Thanh congratulated the farmers for participating in this FFS as it will enhance their skills to produce safe vegetables.  Moreover, it will also link them to the market system being developed by the IFAD supported project on “Improving Market Participation of the Poor” (IMPP).  The Regional Director, Mr. Peter Ooi, explained the purpose of the Farmer Field School and assured the farmers that the continuum from Research to Development will be facilitated in this FFS, especially with the leadership provided by Facilitators from PPsD and Dr. Huong LTT.

Picture 1: The Village Head, Mr. Dao My, welcoming farmers and guests to the opening of the FFS.

 

Picture 2: Support for the FFS activity by Mr. Tran Dinh Nhu, the Vice-Chairperson of the Thach My Commune.

 

Picture 3: Ms. Tran Thi Thanh, the Chairperson of the Loc Ha District Farmers’ Union calling on farmers to take the opportunity to upgrade their skills to produce safe and off-season vegetables.

- Source: AVRDC - ARC