Vietnam’s Coffee Future Takes Root Through Regenerative Agriculture and the Nescafé Plan 2030
In Vietnam’s Central Highlands, a new chapter in coffee farming is taking shape. The combination of generations of farmer expertise, modern agricultural science and the global reach of the Nescafé Plan 2030 is helping transform one of the world’s most important coffee-producing regions into a model for regenerative agriculture.
In Dak Lak Province, Vietnam’s coffee heartland, the difference between conventional farming and regenerative practices can often be seen before any data is collected. Some farms have exposed, compacted soil between coffee trees, while others feature living ground cover, shade trees, thriving insects and healthier ecosystems. These visible differences reflect a deeper transformation happening beneath the surface — the restoration of soil health.
For Pham Phu Ngoc, Agricultural Sustainable Development Manager at Nestlé Vietnam, healthy soil is easy to recognize. Farms practicing regenerative methods typically have soil covered with cover crops or natural mulch, abundant earthworms and greater biodiversity, including butterflies and beneficial insects.
“Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient farm,” he explains. Soil that is rich in organic matter can retain water during dry periods, improve drainage during heavy rainfall, store carbon and support biodiversity. For coffee growers facing increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, stronger soil provides an essential layer of protection against climate challenges.
Vietnam’s Coffee Industry Faces a Climate Challenge
Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading coffee producers, ranking first globally in robusta coffee production and second in total coffee exports. The Central Highlands, particularly Dak Lak Province, contribute a significant share of the country’s coffee output and have helped establish Vietnam as a major force in the international coffee market.
However, the future of coffee farming is under growing pressure. Climate change is creating new challenges for farmers, with rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, droughts and extreme weather events affecting production.
Coffee plants are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Robusta coffee performs best in temperatures between 22°C and 28°C, but increasing heat levels can reduce both yields and quality. Scientists estimate that by 2050, climate change could significantly reduce the global area suitable for coffee cultivation.
This creates a major challenge: global demand for coffee continues to rise while the conditions required to grow the crop become increasingly uncertain.
Paul Hawken, author of Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation, says climate impacts on agriculture often happen gradually but continuously. Regenerative agriculture offers farmers practical solutions to manage challenges beyond their control, including heat stress, water shortages and excessive rainfall.
Great Coffee Begins Beneath the Surface: The Power of Healthy Soil
According to Hawken, improving soil health helps strengthen plants and gives farmers greater resilience against climate-related disruptions.
Regenerative Agriculture Begins With the Soil
At the center of regenerative agriculture is a simple principle: healthy soil creates healthy crops.
Beneath every coffee tree exists a complex ecosystem filled with microorganisms that influence plant growth, nutrient availability and resistance to environmental stress. Regenerative farming focuses on restoring this living system by increasing organic matter, improving microbial activity, enhancing water retention and supporting biodiversity.
The approach moves beyond simply maintaining agricultural land. Instead, it aims to rebuild natural processes that allow farms to become more productive and sustainable over time.
Hawken describes soil as a hidden world beneath farmers’ feet — one that determines the strength and productivity of the entire farm ecosystem.
“There is no middle ground between degenerative and regenerative,” he explains. “You are either drawing down life in the soil or building it back.”
Dak Lak Provides Real-World Evidence
The impact of regenerative farming can already be seen across coffee farms in Dak Lak.
A traditional farm may have bare soil between coffee trees, where weeds are removed regularly and the ground is exposed to sunlight and erosion. Nearby regenerative farms look very different. Grass grows naturally between coffee rows, shade trees protect coffee plants from extreme temperatures, and the soil remains dark, loose and full of life.
“These farmers follow our recommendations,” says Pham Phu Ngoc, highlighting the visible differences between farming approaches.
Many regenerative practices are not new ideas but improvements based on traditional agricultural knowledge combined with scientific research. Farmers in Vietnam are learning that methods once considered unusual can actually improve productivity and reduce costs.
Nestlé works with approximately 1,600 agricultural specialists and field staff worldwide to support farmers adopting regenerative practices. These teams provide training, technical assistance and locally adapted recommendations.
Many farmers initially believe participation in the Nescafé Plan requires strict rules. However, attitudes change when they see neighboring farms achieving stronger yields, lower costs and improved incomes.
Vietnamese coffee farmer Nguyen Thi Lan says the program has helped farmers understand how to improve efficiency, reduce expenses and strengthen household finances.
One example is the use of natural grass cover. For many years, farmers removed grass completely because they believed it competed with coffee plants for nutrients. Through training, they learned that grass can actually improve soil quality.
When grass is cut and returned to the soil, it becomes organic matter that supports microorganisms, improves moisture retention and reduces erosion. Farmers also spend less time and money on weed control.
“Leaving grass creates loose, porous soil,” says farmer Mai Thi Nhung. “The amount of fertilizer needed is reduced, labor costs decrease and many benefits follow.”
Source Link:https://www.nestle.com/
