Although the 2025 flood season was complex, members of the Floating Rice Service Cooperative recorded impressive results across a cultivation area of 120.8 hectares. Unlike intensive short-term rice, floating rice possesses unique biological characteristics: as the water rises, the rice grows accordingly. This flooding resilient mechanism has turned the challenge of inundation in low-lying areas in the Mekong Delta into an advantage. The rice plants utilize abundant sediment from the water to grow without the need for additional fertilisers or pesticides. This natured-based farming method not only helps farmers reduce input costs and maximize profits, but also creates a favourable environment for aquatic flora and fauna, as well as birds and storks, etc. to thrive.  This contributes to enhancing biodiversity and improving soil health for subsequent bountiful harvests.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Dien, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Floating Rice Service Cooperative, shared: "This year, the area of seasonal rice has expanded to more than 120 hectares in Vinh Chau and Tan Hung. Although the yield is not as high as that of short-duration rice, averaging 1.4 tons/hectare, it generates a profit of 13.7 millions VND/hectare. In addition, the cooperative has received guidance on farming techniques from WWF-Viet Nam and support for rice varieties through the project Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN) Mekong, with output covered by AMANA company at a good price. Farmers are very excited because this year's crop has won big."

Aspiration to reach the international level

Beyond supporting production, WWF-Vietnam connects farmers with businesses to build sustainable supply chains. Currently, the cooperative has signed an offtake contract for the entire area with the AMANA Floating Rice Joint Stock Company (belonging to Khai Nam Group) at a stable price of 15,000 VND/kg. 

The value of these nature-based, safety-standard-compliant rice grains has now reached international market. In 2024-2025, Khai Nam Group successfully exported products made from floating seasonal rice, such as noodles and pho to European markets such as Germany and the UK. In particular, in early 2026, AMANA Floating Rice products officially achieved Halal certification - an important "passport" to enter potential Islamic markets such as Malaysia and India. AMANA will also continue to develop delicious food from these rice grains to serve Vietnamese consumers.

Mr Phan Bao Thi, Director of the AMANA Floating Rice Joint Stock Company, said: "Floating rice products not only contribute to environmental protection, but also to our commitment to a safe food market, emphasizing sustainable consumption. These commitments represent both a challenge and an opportunity for us to reach the most demanding markets. Achieving Halal certification is a stepping stone for us to bring products that symbolize the history, culture and nature of the Mekong Delta region to many international consumers." 

The success of the floating rice model is a promising signal for WWF-Viet Nam to continue replicating the model throughout the Mekong Delta region. This initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods and stable incomes, as well as contributing to environmental protection, reducing pressure on resource usage and ensuring resilience to climate change.