A promising step forward for Vietnam’s potato sector is emerging from Thanh Hoa Province, where a new model for growing the FL2215 processing potato variety is delivering strong results in both productivity and farmer income. On April 17, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with Viettrans Logistics and PepsiCo Vietnam, hosted a field workshop in Nong Cong District to assess the results of this large-scale production linkage model.
FL2215: A Potato Built for Processing
Imported and distributed exclusively by PepsiCo Vietnam, the FL2215 variety has been developed specifically for industrial snack production, including chips and crisps. It exhibits several agronomic strengths:
- Strong plant vigor
- Multiple tuber layers
- Resistance to major diseases including late blight, bacterial wilt, and aphids
- High size uniformity and dry matter content, ideal for slicing and frying
These characteristics make it particularly valuable for the expanding Vietnamese processed food market, which has seen compound annual growth of over 8% according to recent market studies.
Real-World Results from Farmers
During the 2024–2025 winter season, Viettrans Logistics partnered with farmers in Nga Son, Hoang Hoa, Quang Xuong, and Nong Cong, cultivating a total of 47 hectares of FL2215 potatoes. One standout case was the 20-hectare plot managed by farmer Truong Van Manh in Tuong Son commune, where the full model was applied: mechanized planting, technical training, pest control guidance, and a buy-back guarantee.
After 100 days of cultivation, the field yielded an average of 23 tons per hectare. With full input costs accounted for, the net profit per hectare was between 50 and 60 million VND (approx. $2,000–$2,400 USD), a significant return compared to traditional crops.
The model has fully mechanized operations — from land preparation to harvesting — reducing labor demand, lowering costs, and improving harvest efficiency and tuber quality.
Scaling Up and Future Outlook
Given the successful outcomes, the model is now set to expand in the 2025–2026 winter season. This aligns with broader efforts by Thanh Hoa’s agricultural sector to develop large-scale, specialized crop zones that support integrated production, consistent quality, and value chain stability.
The project is also a practical example of Vietnam’s “Four-Party Linkage” (government, scientists, businesses, and farmers) approach to agricultural modernization. With industry backing and international technical support, the FL2215 model demonstrates how modern processing varieties, contract farming, and mechanization can lift incomes and reduce risks for smallholder farmers.
The FL2215 potato production model in Vietnam represents a compelling blueprint for future agricultural development. By combining high-performing varieties, corporate engagement, and mechanized efficiency, the project not only boosts farmer profitability but also strengthens Vietnam’s position in the growing processed potato product market. This is a scalable model that could be adopted across similar agroecological zones, offering new potential for regional agricultural transformation.
