Blog Post #8 - Xieng Khouang Province Field Visit

Last week we had the opportunity to conduct a field visit to the Xieng Khouang province of northern Laos. 

We took a 30-minute flight from Vientiane (versus a 10-hour bus trip twisting through mountain roads) saving me from the certainty of road sickness.

There is only one flight from this airport each day

Our project intends to develop a business plan and supply chain for the export of organic Khao Kai Noi (KKN) to Western markets. KKN is a VERY sticky, glutinous, tasty, fragrant type of rice that can only be produced in northern Laos. Its name translates to "Little Chicken Rice" in English.

The project has begun by analyzing the existing domestic supply chain (from land cultivation, planting, growing, harvesting, threshing, milling, and transport to market for sale).

KKN almost ready for harvest

MANUAL threshing
(removing the grains from the straw)

Working with Canadian food quality and organic experts (and we are not talking expertise gained by regular shopping at Community Natural Foods), we are also determining how organic certification can be successfully accomplished within the minimum 3-year time frame. Among the benefits of improved land quality and reduced costs from not using chemical fertilizers, herbicides and / or pesticides, organic certification will also help the farmers differentiate product and demand premium prices at Western grocery stores.

Good for the land and for you!

Getting artsy in an organic vegetable plot
(income diversification, not planned for export)

We had many meetings to understand existing production, and to continue strengthening collaboration with local farmers and government officials. Unfortunately lack of English at the meetings made it difficult (impossible) for the Canadian volunteers to get the full picture. Post-meeting debriefs are therefore essential.

My first ever status meeting with chickens as guests

Why go to Stephen Ave for lunch when you can eat FRESH goat at the office

Convoys through the rice paddies

Although language barriers made data collection and interviews difficult, it was amazing seeing the rice value chain and the farmers first-hand. We have already learned a lot, and can go back to Vientiane with many observations to start framing the business strategy, and planning steps to achieve organic certification for KKN export.

Calendars will go on sale soon

.....I am also a part-time volunteer firefighter in Vientiane
(only to boost calendar sales)

What do you think about buying Khao Kai Noi at your local Community Natural Foods?

The final product. Khao Kai Noi STICKY rice

From field to local organic market
(fewer dreadlocks at this Community Natural Foods)

For those with more questions, please connect! I try to keep the blog posts short with lots of pictures. Too much reading will put people to sleep.