Biochar and carbon credits: Sustainable business opportunities being missed in Vietnam

Each year, Vietnam generates about 80 million tons of agricultural residues - from straw, husks, and rice straw to sugarcane bagasse and coffee pulp. This figure is shocking not only for its scale but also for how we are "disposing" of them: burning them directly in the fields, causing air pollution and wasting a huge potential resource. Meanwhile, the global carbon credit market was valued at over $850 billion in 2023 and is expected to double by 2030.

Yet in Vietnam, we are missing a billion-dollar business opportunity right in front of us: combining biochar (biochar) with carbon credits. This is not only a waste-management solution but also a sustainable business model with three revenue streams: selling biochar, selling carbon credits, and improving agricultural productivity. This article will help you understand how large this opportunity is, why it remains largely untapped, and most importantly — how to get started today.

I. When Vietnam faces a billion-dollar opportunity from agricultural waste

Shocking number: 80 million tons of opportunity being burned away

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam produces about 80-85 million tons of agricultural residues each year. Of that, rice contributes about 40 million tons of straw and husks, coffee contributes 1.5 million tons of skins and pulp, and sugarcane contributes about 15 million tons of bagasse. Sadly, more than 60% of these residues are burned in the fields, causing severe air pollution and emitting millions of tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

But if they are converted into biochar and entered into the carbon credit market, the potential value could reach USD 2–3 billion per year. This figure is calculated based on biochar value (USD 200–500/ton) plus carbon credit value (USD 50–200/ton CO₂).

Overview of the carbon credit market and Vietnam's position

The global carbon credit market is booming. In 2023, prices for voluntary carbon credits (VCM - Voluntary Carbon Market) increased by an average of 30% compared to the previous year, especially for projects carbon removal (carbon removal) such as biochar are priced much higher than conventional emission avoidance projects.

Tech corporations like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are actively seeking and purchasing high-quality carbon credits to meet Net Zero goals. Biochar is considered one of the carbon removal most effective carbon removal solutions with the ability to store carbon in soils for hundreds to thousands of years.

However, Vietnam currently accounts for only under 0.5% of the Southeast Asian carbon credit market share, while Thailand and Indonesia already have hundreds of internationally certified projects. This is an opportunity for early movers.

Why is biochar the missing link in the Net Zero 2050 strategy?

Vietnam pledged to reach Net Zero by 2050 at COP26. To achieve this goal, beyond emissions reductions, we need carbon removal that already exist in the atmosphere. Biochar is one of the most important tools, because it:

• Permanently remove carbon: Each ton of biochar can store 2-3 tons of CO₂ in soil for hundreds of years
• Improve agricultural productivity: Increase the soil's water and nutrient retention by 20-40%
• Generate income for farmers: Turn waste into economically valuable products
• Reduce pollution: Replace stubble burning that causes air pollution

However, biochar has not yet been incorporated into official policies on sustainable agriculture and the carbon market in Vietnam. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for pioneering businesses.

II. What is biochar and why is it worth more than you think?

Definition of biochar and production process

Biochar (biological charcoal) is a carbon-rich product produced by the pyrolysis (pyrolysis) of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions at temperatures of 300-700°C. Unlike regular charcoal used for burning, biochar is specifically designed to be added to soil with a porous structure and a large surface area (300-500 m²/g).

The basic production process consists of 4 steps:

1. Collection and preparation of feedstock: Agricultural residues should be dried (moisture below 20%) and shredded if necessary
2. Pyrolysis: Put the feedstock into the pyrolysis reactor at 400-600°C for 2-6 hours
3. Cooling and processing: Cool the biochar in a closed environment, then grind and sieve to the desired particle size
4. Quality testing: Analyze carbon content, pH, and surface area to ensure standards are met

Three outstanding benefits: Soil restoration + Emissions reduction + Income generation

Benefit 1: Soil improvement and increased yields

Biochar acts like a "hotel" for beneficial soil microorganisms. Its porous structure helps:

• Increase water retention by 15-30%, especially important for sandy soils
• Improve nutrient retention (CEC - Cation Exchange Capacity) by 20-50%
• Raise the pH of acidic soils, reducing lime requirements
• Increase crop yields by 10-25% in the first 3-5 years

Benefit 2: Emissions reduction and carbon removal

Each ton of biochar produced from agricultural residues can:

• Avoid 1-1.5 tons of CO₂ emissions from burning or natural decomposition
• Store an additional 2-2.5 tons of CO₂ in the soil for hundreds of years
• Total: 3-4 tons of CO₂ removed/avoided per ton of biochar

Benefit 3: Diversified income generation

A biochar business model has three revenue streams:

1. Selling biochar to farmers (USD 200-500/ton)
2. Selling carbon credits (USD 50-200/ton CO₂, equivalent to USD 200-800/ton biochar)
3. Saving on fertilizer costs and improving yields on one’s own farm

Comparing biochar with traditional treatment methods

Clearly, biochar outperforms in both environmental effectiveness and economic value, although it requires a higher initial investment.

Suitable feedstocks in Vietnam

Vietnam has abundant feedstock sources for biochar production:

Northern Vietnam:

• Rice straw, rice husks (Red River Delta): 8-10 million tons/year
• Corn cobs (mountain provinces): 1-2 million tons/year

Central Vietnam:

• Coffee husks and pulp (Central Highlands): 1.5 million tons/year
• Cashew tree trunks (Binh Phuoc, Dak Lak): 500 thousand tons/year

Southern Vietnam:

• Rice straw, rice husks (Mekong Delta): 15-20 million tons/year
• Bagasse (provinces in Southeast Vietnam): 10-12 million tons/year
• Coconut trunks and fronds (Ben Tre, Tra Vinh): 2-3 million tons/year

Each type of feedstock yields biochar of different quality. Rice husks and coffee husks usually produce the highest-quality biochar with carbon content of 70-85%.

III. Carbon credits from biochar: How they work and revenue potential

What are carbon credits? Internationally recognized standards

Carbon credits (carbon credit) is an electronic certificate representing the reduction or removal of 1 ton of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Organizations and businesses buy carbon credits to offset their emissions and achieve Net Zero targets.

For biochar, there are three international standards that are currently accepting and certifying projects:

1. Verra (VCS - Verified Carbon Standard)

• The most common standard, accounting for 70% of the voluntary carbon credit market
• Has a specific methodology for biochar (VM0044)
• Average price: 50-150 USD/credit

2. Gold Standard

• A premium standard that requires additional sustainable development benefits
• Higher price: 80-200 USD/credit
• Suitable for projects that include community co-benefits

3. Puro.earth

• Specializes in carbon removal
• Simpler procedures, suitable for small projects
• Price: 100-250 USD/credit

How carbon credits from biochar are calculated

Basic formula:

Carbon credits = (Carbon stored in biochar × Permanence factor) + (Emissions avoided)

Practical example:

Suppose you produce 10 tons of biochar from 30 tons of rice husks:

1. Carbon storage: 10 tonnes of biochar × 70% carbon content × 3.67 (C-to-CO₂ conversion factor) = 25.7 tonnes CO₂
2. Permanence factor: 90% (assuming 10% of biochar decomposes after 100 years) = 23.1 tonnes CO₂
3. Avoided emissions: 30 tonnes of rice husks × 0.8 tonnes CO₂/tonne (if burned) = 24 tonnes CO₂
4. Less production emissions: -3 tonnes CO₂ (energy, transport)
5. Total credits: 23.1 + 24 - 3 = 44.1 carbon credits

At a price of 100 USD/credit, you could earn 4,410 USD (about 110 million VND) from 10 tonnes of biochar.

Biochar carbon credit prices on the market 2023-2024

Biochar carbon credit prices are trending sharply upward:

• Q1/2023: 80-120 USD/credit
• Q4/2023: 120-180 USD/credit
• Q1/2024: 150-250 USD/credit (high-quality projects)

Biochar falls under carbon removal Should be priced 2-3 times higher than conventional emissions avoidance projects (renewable energy, forest protection).

Dual business model: Sell biochar + Sell carbon credits

This is the unique point of biochar: you can sell both the physical product and the environmental value.

Model 1: Sell biochar, keep the carbon credits

• Sell biochar to farmers at a lower price (200-300 USD/ton)
• Require buyers to commit to proper use to retain the carbon credit rights
• Suitable when the carbon credit market is favorable

Model 2: Sell both biochar and carbon credits

• Sell biochar at market price (400-500 USD/ton)
• Buyers own both the product and the carbon credits
• Suitable for corporate customers looking to reduce emissions

Model 3: Use biochar on-site, sell only carbon credits

• Amend your own soil with biochar
• Sell carbon credits to recoup investment costs
• Suitable for farmers who want long-term soil improvement

Estimated profits by scale

Small scale (5 ha of rice - 50 tons of rice husks/year):

• Production: 15 tons of biochar/year
• Biochar sales revenue: 15 × 7 million VND = 105 million VND
• Carbon credits revenue: 60 credits × 100 USD = 150 million VND
• Total revenue: 255 million VND/year
• Operating costs: 80 million VND/year
• Profit: 175 million VND/year
• Initial investment: 150–200 million VND (small kiln)
• Payback period: 12–14 months

Large scale (50 ha - 500 tons of rice husks/year):

• Production: 150 tons of biochar/year
• Biochar sales revenue: 150 × 7 million VND = 1.05 billion VND
• Carbon credits revenue: 600 credits × 100 USD = 1.5 billion VND
• Total revenue: 2.55 billion VND/year
• Operating costs: 700 million VND/year
• Profit: 1.85 billion VND/year
• Initial investment capital: 1.5–2 billion VND (industrial system)
• Payback period: 10–13 months

IV. Current situation and barriers in Vietnam: Why is the opportunity still intact?

Market analysis: Only a small number of projects have been officially implemented

Currently, Vietnam has only under 10 small-scale biochar projects in operation, mainly as pilots or research projects. No project has been officially certified for international carbon credits yet.

Compared to other ASEAN countries:

• Thailand: More than 50 biochar projects, 15 projects have sold carbon credits
• Indonesia: 30+ projects, focused on rice husks and sugarcane bagasse
• Vietnam: <10 projects, no projects have officially sold carbon credits

This is the first-mover advantage (first-mover advantage): the market is still open, feedstock is abundant, and demand for carbon credits is rapidly increasing.

Four main barriers to overcome

Barrier 1: Lack of awareness

Most farmers and agricultural businesses are not aware of biochar or carbon credits. Many still think biochar is just ordinary "charcoal". There is a lack of training programs and public communication about the benefits of biochar.

Barrier 2: Lack of technology and equipment

High-quality biochar kilns mostly have to be imported at a price of 50-200 million VND. Domestic production technology is still simple and low-efficiency, and does not meet international standards for carbon content and stability.

Barrier 3: Policy and legal gaps

Vietnam does not yet have:

• National technical standards for biochar
• A clear legal framework for carbon credit transactions
• Incentive policies (subsidies, preferential loans) for biochar projects
• MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) mechanisms for carbon projects

Barrier 4: Limited market access

Farmers don't know who to sell biochar to and don't know how to access the international carbon credit market. There is a lack of intermediary organizations (aggregators) to consolidate small projects into larger projects eligible for certification.

Comparison with leading ASEAN countries

Thailand - Successful model:

• The government subsidizes 50% of biochar equipment investment costs
• There are 3 intermediary organizations connecting farmers with the carbon market
• Biochar has been included in the official list of organic fertilizers
• Result: Biochar exports to Japan and Korea worth 5 million USD/year

Indonesia - Focus on large scale:

• Sugar and palm oil corporations invest in industrial biochar systems
• In cooperation with international climate funds (Green Climate Fund)
• Sold 50,000 biochar carbon credits in 2023

Vietnam can definitely learn from and surpass them thanks to abundant feedstock and a favorable geographic location.

V. Specific roadmap to enter the biochar and carbon credit market

Step 1: Assess feedstock and production capacity

Assessment checklist:

• Identify the types and quantities of available residues (tons/year)
• Assess the stability of the supply (seasonal variations)
• Calculate average transport distance (logistics costs)
• Check moisture content and feedstock quality
• Estimate potential biochar output (1 ton of dry feedstock → 0.25–0.35 tons of biochar)

Support tools:

• Contact Viện Đất (Soil Institute) to analyze feedstock samples
• Use Biochar International's online calculation tool

Step 2: Choose an appropriate production technology

Small scale (5-20 ha):

• Simple drum kiln (Kon-Tiki): VND 10–30 million, capacity 50–100 kg/batch
• Advantages: Simple, portable, low cost
• Disadvantages: Manual, difficult to control quality

Medium scale (20-100 ha):

• Small continuous kiln: VND 100–300 million, capacity 200–500 kg/hour
• Advantages: Partially automated, more stable quality
• Disadvantages: Requires operator training

Large scale (>100 ha or regional aggregation):

• Industrial system: VND 1–3 billion, capacity 1–2 tons/hour
• Advantages: Fully automated, heat recovery, meets international standards
• Disadvantages: Large investment, requires professional management

Reliable equipment suppliers:

• Domestic: Công ty TNHH Công nghệ Xanh Việt, Viện Năng lượng (VAST)
• International: Biochar Solutions (Australia), Swiss Biochar (Switzerland), Air Burners (USA)

Step 3: Register a carbon credit project - Detailed guidance

Registration process according to Verra (VCS):

3.1. Prepare project documentation (2–3 months):

• Write the PDD (Project Design Document) describing the project in detail
• Calculate the baseline (no‑project scenario)
• Estimate carbon removal over 10 years
• Cost: USD 5,000–15,000 (may hire consultants)

3.2. Independent assessment (3–6 months):

• Hire a Verra-accredited validation and verification body (VVB - Validation & Verification Body)
• The VVB reviews documentation and conducts field inspections
• Cost: $10,000–$30,000 depending on scale

3.3. Official registration (1-2 months):

• Submit the application to the Verra Registry
• Wait for approval and issuance of a Project ID
• Cost: $500–$2,000

3.4. Operation and monitoring (ongoing):

• Record biochar production, carbon content, and where it is used
• Periodic reporting as required
• Cost: $2,000–$5,000/year

3.5. Verification and issuance of credits (annually):

• The VVB verifies actual data
• Verra issues carbon credits into the account
• Cost: $0.10–$0.20 per credit

Important note:

• Small projects (<5,000 credits/year) should join a grouped project to reduce costs
• Total initial costs: $20,000–$50,000, suitable for projects with potential >10,000 credits over 5 years

Step 4: Find partners and distribution channels

Domestic biochar sales channels:

• Cooperatives, farmer groups
• Organic fertilizer companies (e.g., Organik Đà Lạt)
• Organic vegetable farms
• Golf courses, urban parks and green spaces

Biochar export channels:

• Japan, South Korea (high demand for agriculture)
• Australia, New Zealand (soil rehabilitation for arid areas)
• EU (organic certification required)

Carbon credit sales channels:

• Exchanges: Puro.earth, Carbon Trade Exchange, AirCarbon Exchange
• Intermediaries (brokers): South Pole, ClimateTrade, Patch
• Sell directly to companies: Contact the ESG/Sustainability departments of large corporations

Networking tips:

• Attend carbon credit conferences in Singapore and Bangkok
• Register on carbon project connection platforms such as Climate Vault Marketplace
• Contact climate funds: Green Climate Fund, Climate Investment Funds

Startup costs and payback period

Scenario 1: Small scale (farm 5-10 ha)

• Equipment: 50-100 million VND
• Carbon registration (grouped project): 10-20 million VND
• Working capital: 20-30 million VND
• Total: 80-150 million VND
• Payback period: 12-18 months

Scenario 2: Medium scale (linked 50-100 ha)

• Equipment: 300-500 million VND
• Carbon registration (individual project): 500-800 million VND
• Working capital: 100-200 million VND
• Total: 900 million - 1.5 billion VND
• Payback period: 18-24 months

Scenario 3: Large scale (>100 ha or corporate)

• Equipment: 2-3 billion VND
• Carbon registration: 800 million - 1.2 billion VND
• Working capital: 500 million - 1 billion VND
• Total: VND 3.3–5.2 billion
• Payback: 24–36 months

VI. Case studies and lessons learned from pioneering projects

Biochar project in the Mekong Delta - Model analysis

Lúa Xanh Farm (Cần Thơ) - 2021–2023

This is one of the first pilot projects in Vietnam implemented by a cooperative of 50 farming households with technical support from Can Tho University.

Model:

• Scale: 120 ha of rice, producing 600 tons of rice husk per year
• Technology: Continuous kiln with a capacity of 300 kg/hour (imported from Thailand)
• Product: 180 tons of biochar per year
• Application: 60% used internally for soil improvement, 40% sold to organic vegetable farms

Results after 2 years:

• Rice yields increased by 12% on areas using biochar
• Reduced required NPK fertilizer by 30%
• Revenue from biochar sales: 250 million VND/year
• Not registered for carbon credits (due to high costs and lack of guidance)

Lessons learned:

• The cooperative model helps share investment costs effectively
• Start with internal use to observe benefits before expanding sales
• Technical support for carbon credit registration is needed from the outset

Experience from international projects

Kenya - Community biochar project (2018-present)

The organization Biochar Africa has implemented a biochar production model from coffee and maize residues for 5,000 smallholder farms.

Highlights:

• Uses simple kilns, costing only USD 50 per kiln
• Focuses on training and creating jobs for women
• Sold 30,000 carbon credits via Puro.earth at USD 120 per credit
• Average income increased by 40% for participating households

Lessons: It's not necessary to have high-end technology; what's important is good organization and access to the carbon market.

Australia - Industrial biochar project (2020–present)

Pacific Pyrolysis built a biochar plant with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year from wood industry residues.

Highlights:

• Invested 5 million AUD; recovers heat to generate electricity
• Sold 40,000 carbon credits to Microsoft at $200 per credit
• Biochar is sold to the agriculture and wastewater treatment industries

Lessons learned: At large scale, diversify product offerings and seek large corporate customers willing to pay premium prices for high-quality carbon removal.

Five common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: Investing in technology that is oversized relative to feedstock availability

• Many projects purchase high-capacity equipment but lack a stable supply of feedstock
• How to avoid: Start small; scale up gradually once a stable supply is secured

Mistake 2: Producing low-quality biochar

• Insufficient temperature and short pyrolysis time lead to low carbon content
• How to avoid: Invest in accurate temperature measurement and perform regular quality testing

Mistake 3: Ignoring the carbon credits market

• Focusing only on selling biochar, missing out on major revenue from carbon credits
• How to avoid: Plan to register carbon credits from the start and keep complete records of data

Mistake 4: Miscalculating logistics costs

• Collecting and transporting feedstock can account for 30–40% of total costs
• How to avoid: Locate production facilities close to feedstock sources and partner with local farmers

Mistake 5: Lack of knowledge on proper use of biochar

• Applying biochar incorrectly (not mixing with organic fertilizer, applying too much) leads to low effectiveness
• How to avoid: Provide technical training for farmers, offer detailed guidance

Expert advice

Dr. Nguyễn Văn A (Soil Institute, Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences):

"Biochar is a simple technology but requires scientific understanding to optimize. Vietnamese farmers can absolutely master this technology. What matters is the accompaniment of research institutions and clear supporting policies."

Mr. Trần Văn B (Director of Biochar Việt):

"We have tested for 3 years and found that combining biochar with carbon credits is the most profitable model. However, the biggest challenge is that international carbon registration costs are too high for small projects. There needs to be an intermediary organization to aggregate small projects."

VII. Outlook and trends 2024-2030: Invest now or wait?

Global biochar market growth forecast

According to a report by Grand View Research (2024):

• The global biochar market reached USD 2.1 billion in 2023
• Projected to grow at a 14.5% CAGR through 2030
• The biochar market will reach USD 5.8 billion by 2030
• The Asia-Pacific region will grow the fastest (18% CAGR)

Carbon removal credit market:

• Current: USD 2 billion (2023)
• Projected: USD 30-50 billion by 2030
• Biochar accounts for 15-20% of the carbon removal market share

Implications for Vietnam: With a potential of 80 million tons of feedstock, Vietnam could capture 2-3% of the global market share, equivalent to USD 100-150 million per year.

Vietnam's new policies on the circular economy and Net Zero

Policies under consideration (2024-2025):

1. Decree on the development of Vietnam's carbon market (expected Q3/2024)

   • Create a legal framework for carbon credit trading
   • Allow companies and farms to sell credits overseas

2. Circular economy program in agriculture (2024-2030)

   • Support 30-50% of investment costs for agricultural waste processing equipment
   • Biochar is listed in the priority list

3. Low-carbon agriculture development strategy

   • Target to reduce agricultural emissions by 20% by 2030
   • Biochar is one of five technical solutions encouraged

Positive signals:

• The Prime Minister signed Decision 450/QĐ-TTg on the development of the carbon market (2022)
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is developing a national standard for biochar
• The State Bank of Vietnam has included carbon projects in the green preferential loan list

Opportunities from ESG investment funds and green finance

Funds looking for projects in Vietnam:

1. Green Climate Fund (GCF)

   • Size: USD 10 billion globally
   • Support: concessional capital, technical assistance
   • Conditions: Projects > USD 5 million with clear emission reduction impact

2. Climate Investment Funds

   • Currently implementing a USD 100 million program for sustainable agriculture in Vietnam
   • Priority given to projects that also improve farmers' livelihoods

3. Private ESG funds

   • Mekong Capital, VinaCapital are seeking green projects
   • Ticket size: USD 1–10 million
   • Particularly interested in projects with carbon credits

Approach:

• Prepare a detailed business plan with specific carbon removal figures
• Participate in green investment networking events (Vietnam Green Finance Forum)
• Contact the funds' Impact Investment departments directly

Signals from corporations committed to buying carbon credits

Companies that have announced commitments:

• Microsoft: Committed to purchasing 1 million tonnes of CO₂ carbon removal per year through 2030
• Amazon: USD 100 million fund for nature-based carbon removal projects
• Nestlé: Seeking 20 million tonnes of carbon removal from agriculture by 2030
• Unilever: Prioritize biochar projects from agricultural supply chains

Vietnamese corporations:

• Vingroup: Committed to Net Zero 2040, seeking domestic carbon removal projects
• Masan: Interested in biochar from coffee by-products within the value chain
• TH True Milk: Piloting biochar in dairy cattle farming

Trend: Large corporations are increasingly prioritizing carbon removal over carbon avoidance, and are willing to pay high prices (150-300 USD/credit) for quality projects that can be clearly verified.

VIII. Conclusion: Take action today to avoid missing the green wave

Three main reasons to start with biochar and carbon credits now

Reason 1: The market is in an early stage - First-mover advantage

Vietnam has fewer than 10 biochar projects, while feedstock reaches 80 million tons per year. Early entrants will have advantages in:

• Market experience and reputation
• Connections with international carbon credit organizations
• Access to early government support policies
• Build a brand in the emerging industry

Reason 2: A sustainable business model with three revenue streams

Not many business models allow you to:

• Sell a physical product (biochar) with 30-50% profit margins
• Sell environmental value (carbon credits) with 70-80% profit margins
• Improve your own agricultural productivity by 10-25%

Total ROI (Return on Investment) can reach 50-100% per year after payback.

Reason 3: An irreversible global trend

Net Zero commitments from over 130 countries create huge demand for carbon removal. Biochar is one of the few proven, scalable solutions that delivers both environmental and economic benefits.

30-day action checklist

Week 1: Research and assessment

• Carefully read materials about biochar and carbon credits (IBI, Biochar International)
• Assess available raw materials at the farm/local area
• Make a preliminary estimate of production potential and revenue
• Join Facebook/Zalo groups about biochar in Vietnam

Week 2: Connect and learn

• Contact the Soil Institute or the University of Agriculture for consultation
• Visit operating biochar projects (if any)
• Participate in webinars/workshops on carbon credits
• Connect with farmers and businesses interested in collaborating

Week 3: Develop a detailed plan

• Decide the initial scale (small/medium/large)
• Choose technology and equipment suppliers
• Prepare a detailed financial plan (capital, costs, projected revenue)
• Identify distribution channels for biochar and carbon credits

Week 4: Start taking action

• Order or build a small-scale biochar kiln for testing
• Produce the first batch of biochar and test its quality
• Test biochar on a small trial plot
• Start recording data to prepare for carbon credit registration

Resources and supporting organizations in Vietnam

Research institutions:

• Soil Institute (Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences): Research and technical consulting on biochar
  • Website: www.soilvietnam.org.vn | Hotline: 024.3827.4707
• Institute of Energy (VAST): Pyrolysis technology and equipment
• Hanoi University of Agriculture, Can Tho University: Training and research

International organizations:

• IRRI (International Rice Research Institute): Technical support for rice-husk biochar
• SNV Netherlands: Sustainable agriculture program in Vietnam
• GIZ: Circular economy and climate change adaptation project

Platforms and communities:

• Facebook group "Biochar Việt Nam" (2,000+ members)
• Green Agriculture Forum (www.greenagrivn.com)
• Vietnam Carbon Credit Network (in development)

Funding sources:

• Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund: Preferential loans at 4-6% per year
• Vietnam Bank for Social Policies: Loans for sustainable agriculture projects
• Impact investment funds: VinaCapital Ventures, Mekong Capital

Call-to-action: Let's build the Vietnamese biochar community together

Opportunities from biochar and carbon credits are not just individual business opportunities, but a chance for Vietnam to transform its agriculture toward sustainability, turning climate challenges into a competitive advantage.

We call on:

• Farmers and farm owners: Start trialing biochar on a small plot of land
• Agricultural businesses: Invest in biochar technology to create new value from waste
• Investors: Learn about and support potential biochar projects
• Policymakers: Accelerate the enactment of legal frameworks for biochar and the carbon market

Connect with us and the biochar community in Vietnam. Share experiences, ask questions, find collaboration partners. Together, we can turn 80 million tons of "waste" into a billion-dollar opportunity for Vietnamese agriculture.

Act today, because opportunity doesn't wait!