I’m not a farmer or a scientist. My strength is translating farmers’ challenges – like depleted soil, declining yields, and increasing export regulations – into real, science-backed, and sustainable solutions. All with one mission: to transform agriculture in Viet Nam into a regenerative and resilient system.

Huong Nguyen

Standing in a field, Huong cradles a handful of rich, dark compost in her palms and lights up speaking passionately about the billions of microorganisms within it, the bacteria and fungi that have transformed chicken manure into fertile, living soil. She talks about how these beneficial microbes outcompete harmful ones, restore soil health, and support a natural balance that brings fields back to life.

This micro-biological compost, created from animal and plant waste, is the beating heart of Agrivari – and a powerful response to the growing crisis in global agriculture. “We can solve our waste and soil problems biologically – without relying on expensive chemical fertilizers that harm biodiversity and degrade our ecosystems,” she explains. “Nature already knows how to heal. We just need to work with her, not against her.”

The seeds for Agrivari were planted while Huong was working in Viet Nam’s food industry. She realized that the logic of "consume and discard" was making both people and the planet sick. When a close family member was diagnosed with cancer – likely from long-term exposure to agricultural chemicals – her view on agriculture shifted dramatically. She saw that farmers were struggling: soils were turning saline, yields were shrinking, incomes were uncertain. Meanwhile, livestock farms were overwhelmed by mountains of untreated manure.

That’s when Huong and her business partner, Almir Babić, began diving into the latest agricultural research. They discovered a hopeful path: waste could be transformed. With the right microbial technology and composting process, manure and field biomass can become microbial-rich fertilizers that regenerate soil and boost plant growth. Their approach uses carefully selected microbes that break down organic matter, neutralize harmful pathogens, and preserve vital nutrients like ammonia and carbon – resulting in a high-performance organic fertilizer rich in macro- and micronutrients.

Although biological fertilizer is still a new concept in Viet Nam, Huong embraces the opportunity to open hearts and minds. She meets farmers where they are – listening, learning, and sharing stories of how healthy soil can change everything. “Convincing farmers that our biological solution is not only cheaper and better for the environment, but also more efficient and fast-acting, is our biggest task,” she says. “But once they see the results – healthier crops, better yields, lower input costs – they begin to believe.”

Instead of seeing herself as an outsider, Huong views her role as a catalyst. “These past years have taught me so much about agriculture, human nature, and the power of dialogue. What drives me is the vision of creating something meaningful, together with the farmers.”

That vision is now deeply embedded in Agrivari’s circular business model. Though based in Viet Nam, Agrivari operates globally – collaborating with more than 25 scientists across Europe, running pilot projects around the world, and partnering with leading agricultural businesses in Viet Nam. These partners provide both raw organic materials and real-world test fields for Agrivari’s biological fertilizer.

Agrivari is part of a global shift – toward a farming system that works with nature, not against it. One that regenerates, not depletes. One that sees waste not as a burden, but as a resource. Through innovation, collaboration, and grounded optimism, Huong Nguyen and her team are helping write a new chapter for the land – one of abundance, resilience, and life.

With new laws on fertilizer use, waste management, greenhouse gas reduction, and water pollution, our patented process is a key piece of the puzzle for a more sustainable agriculture. The Green Revolution once pushed chemical inputs – Agrivari is doing the opposite: we’re driving a living, organic revolution – in Viet Nam and beyond.

Huong Nguyen