It takes a lot of times and progress to convert current agriculture to ecological agriculture.

Farmers must be aware of the importance of Ecological Agriculture (EA) and see their family's “dream garden” in the future, then from there they need to build a conversion roadmap. With that intention, on October 13-14, 2023 Caritas Da Lat (CDL) organized a site visit and workshop in Da Loan on ecological agriculture. There were thirty-three participants who are farmers planning to convert their gardens to ecological gardens, CDL staff and an EA expert Mr. Bui Anh Tuan, the owner of Bui’s Farm.

The farmers are fascinated by Bui‘s farm that has been transformed after nine years. Everyone felt in love Bui’s stories about the transformation. His love for the gardens that has urged him to go to his garden every day through-out nine years to make the transformation happened and he got what he paid for those nine years “A diverse and multi-layers garden”.

Lessons learned from past mistakes and many lessons with new knowledge from practice are still being written. The principles and roadmap of AE were discussed in depth during the workshop. From the actual garden plans of each house, the farmers have drawn out the specific steps that need to be taken next in their garden. The role of farmers and the role of Caritas Da Lat in the transition process are clearly outlined.

Participating households also expressed their commitment to work together to "dare to work, dare to endure", "learn by doing", "share with the community". A change in their minds, choosing the sufficient economic philosophy: first of all (1) enough to eat, wear, use, and live environment, farmers will participate (2) gratitude, give back to benefactors, to God, to neighbors, to friends, then (3) share, (4) sell and must (5) participate and create a network.

There will be many difficulties and challenges ahead, but when walking together, creating knowledge together, and with the support and sharing in a broader network of connections, the farmers, with the encouragement of Caritas Da Lat, will create a beautiful future for themselves and their future descendants.