For a number of developing countries, including Vietnam, tea is an important commodity in terms of jobs and export earnings. However, as with many other agricultural commodities, real primary producer prices have fallen dramatically over the last three decades. VECO is active in Yen Lap district, Phu Tho province, where tea is a major crop, often accounting for over 40% of family income. Chain development is seen as an approach which can improve the quality of the tea by developing strong market linkages and collective actions, resulting in a better income for farmers.