In Vietnam, many low- and mid-income workers depend on traditional markets for affordable vegetables—yet these often lack safety controls, posing health risks. Engaging market actors with reliable safety standards, such as safe food stores, supermarkets and farms, is challenging since shops, supermarkets are often financially inaccessible and farms often lack connections with companies.

The NIFAM project promotes sustainable food environments by modeling innovative business scenarios that connect safe food producers with factory workers. In partnership with FAVRI, Bac Hong Safe Vegetable Production Cooperative, and Garment Corporation 10, the team explored company-led investments in providing certified vegetables to workers. Modeling suggested that establishing an on-site vegetable stand (FarmStand) could benefit both worker health and company outcomes. A pilot intervention revealed the importance of actor motivations, the viability of the cooperative’s business model, and the role of adaptive management informed by emerging knowledge. We also realized that this short supply chain represents a significant shift for farmers—from focusing solely on production to taking on a larger share of the value chain. This transition requires new skills in areas such as order handling and managing consumer expectations. The project underscores the value of transdisciplinary, participatory approaches that integrate analysis and reflection from real-world experience to support navigating interventions in complex systems.

In response to a question from the audience about whether NIFAM was simply fortunate to have committed partners, Dr. Giang reflected on the importance of understanding stakeholders’ motivations and commitment. These motivations include interest in tangible benefits such as direct profit from vegetable supply, as well as indirect benefits like reducing health risks for workers, enhancing the factory’s corporate social responsibility, and expanding market opportunities through improved reputation. Equally important—though often overlooked—is the role of the facilitator, such as FAVRI, who connects and inspires stakeholders to take innovative actions toward sustainability transitions.