Discover how, by implementing intercropping, we're empowering coffee farmers like Dương Thanh Sâm to create a diverse income, keep soil healthy to help increasing his yield, and introduce greater biodiversity.

Empowering Coffee Farmers with Intercropping

1 min

In Vietnam, we’re empowering farmers with knowledge. By advising them on intercropping – the practice of growing two or more crops in close proximity – they are able to diversify and potentially increase total income. But a varied crop selection doesn’t just increase a farmer’s earning potential, it also improves soil health, while reducing soil erosion and helping to better managing weeds.

Local farmer, Dương Thanh Sâm, attended our training sessions to master this method. After introducing pepper and durian trees, he grew his income while still keeping the same great quality of his coffee.

By assisting farmers with innovative practices like intercropping we’re strengthening mutually beneficial collaborations. The quality of our coffee relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of the farmers who contribute to its production. We share insights not just to grow crops. We do it to grow the skills and help their livelihoods linked to their land.

Back to Supporting Regenerative Agriculture

Crop rotation

Implementing regenerative farming practices like crop rotation in coffee farming can lead to increased yields, disease resistance, healthier soils, and reduced erosion.₁

Join Sam on the intercropping journey, with NESCAFÉ®

1| min

Thriving together

Intercropping is just one of multiple ways to implement regenerative agriculture practices; where diverse crops coexist harmoniously in shared fields and biodiversity. Through this approach, farmers help in enriching soil, making it easier to control pests, and fortifying crop resilience.

Why intercropping?

Farmers intercrop for potential diverse benefits: crop resilience, enhancing soil water holding capacity, soil fertility, income, and more.₂

What does Intercropping mean to us?

In vibrant Vietnam, intercropping echoes our pledge to regenerative agriculture practices. Embracing diverse crops, we empower farmers to have more diversified and resilient incomes and fostering biodiversity. Through our collaboration with farmers and communities, we aim to produce quality coffee while helping Vietnamese farmers conserve the country's rich biodiversity. Join us on this journey!

FAQ

What is regenerative agriculture?

In line with the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform, NESCAFÉ^® defines “regenerative agriculture” as an approach to farming which aims, through practice adoption, to conserve and restore natural resources, primarily soil, as well as water and biodiversity, while capturing carbon in soils and plant biomass, and to support farmers’ livelihoods. Key practices promoted under the NESCAFÉ^® Plan include efficient water use and optimised use of inputs.

Learn more: NESCAFÉ^® Plan 2030 Progress Report 2025