Doan Van Tai, 62, left his hospital job in 1989 and returned to his hometown in Trung Ngai Commune, Vinh Long province to become a farmer. He first grew rice with conventional methods like most local growers.

Around 2011, unpredictable weather and more pests, which Tai linked to climate change, pushed him to look for a different way to farm. With help from scientists at the Mekong Delta Rice Institute and universities, his organic rice model began to work in 2014.

In September 2017, Tai and other farmers formed the Tan Dat Cooperative. It started with 15 members and now has 85 official members, managing about 100 hectares of land, including 30 hectares that are officially certified organic.

The cooperative produces 150‑200 tons of internationally certified organic rice every three months. Its products are sold across Vietnam and exported through partners to the United States and Europe, while a shipment to Australia is being prepared. Tan Dat holds four international organic certifications: USDA, EU, JAS and Canada.

Tai says organic rice yields are 10‑15% lower than conventional rice, but the higher price means profits are two to three times larger. On 1,000 m², a conventional farmer earns about VND1 million ($38) profit, whereas organic rice brings VND2‑3 million ($76‑114). Tai now makes VND3‑5 billion ($114‑190 k) in revenue each year, with profit of VND1.5‑2 billion ($57‑76 k).

The cooperative uses organic fertilizers and microbial products to rehabilitate soil that has long been treated with chemicals. Vo Minh Hoang, chairman of the Trung Ngai Commune People’s Committee, says the model improves soil and water quality, protects rice‑field ecosystems and benefits community health.

Beyond rice, Tan Dat is developing herbal purple rice, ruby rice, nutritional rice flour, tea, wine and plans to add organic vegetables such as chili and edamame. The expanding product line helps meet growing demand for healthy, specialty rice varieties.