PROMOTING CIRCULAR AGRICULTURE IN VIETNAM: POLICY FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES

Abstract

The transition toward circular agriculture has become an important strategy for promoting sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam. This study examines policy framework supporting circular agriculture and identifies major implementation challenges. Using a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach, the study reviews legal documents, policy reports, and practical circular agriculture models, combined with a survey of experts and policymakers. The findings indicate that Vietnam has gradually institutionalized circular economy principles through key policies such as the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection and Decisions No. 687/QĐ-TTg and 540/QĐ-TTg. Practical models, including lowemission rice farming, integrated farming systems, circular livestock production and the low-input ecological circular agriculture model, have improved resource efficiency and waste recycling. However, implementation remains constrained by fragmented regulations, weak inter sectoral coordination, limited technical standards, inadequate financial and technological support, and uneven local capacity. The study proposes strengthening the policy framework, technical standards, financial incentives, and institutional coordination to support the large scale development of circular agriculture in Vietnam.