ACIAR - Vietnam cooperation strategy for agriculture, forestry and fishery development

Since 1993, the Australian Government, through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to bolster research capabilities, introduce scientific and technical innovations, and contribute to poverty alleviation and the enhancement of farmers' incomes.

The ACIAR-Vietnam cooperation strategy (2017 - 2027) concentrates on advancing agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in the Northwest, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta regions. This strategy is grounded on the mutual acknowledgment that the relationship between ACIAR and Vietnam has evolved from donor-recipient dynamics to that of equal partnership and co-investment. It aims to create opportunities for impoverished individuals in both rural and urban settings through the establishment of comprehensive agricultural systems. Moreover, the strategy prioritizes the creation of new opportunities and effecting change for women engaged in agricultural research, production, and entrepreneurship.

Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed gratitude to ACIAR for its support over the past 31 years, stating, "Despite the seemingly modest scale of the projects, they have had a tangible and positive impact, particularly in assisting small-scale farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural development."

The Minister elaborated further on Vietnam's strategy for sustainable agricultural development, emphasizing the focus on transforming farmers' livelihoods, promoting economic diversification, and integrating principles of multi-value and green growth. Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed hope that the General Director of ACIAR would receive additional insights from the Government of Vietnam to facilitate the planning of future cooperation projects.

"The Central Highlands will prioritize the development of sustainable fruit and industrial crops, with a particular emphasis on traceability technology to align with new market regulations such as the European Anti-Deforestation Regulations (EUDR)," shared Minister Le Minh Hoan. "In the Mekong Delta, our focus is on emissions reduction, developing rice varieties resistant to drought and salinity, enhancing soil nutrition, promoting citrus cultivation, and optimizing production processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality and safe products."

Furthermore, mountainous and highland regions will concentrate on fostering agroforestry models, leveraging the geographical potential and unique climate of these areas to produce high-quality agricultural goods for local farmers. Regarding fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will prioritize the regeneration and preservation of marine resources, encourage innovation and creativity in seafood production, and explore new products such as abalone, oysters, and seaweed.

In response, Professor Wendy Umberger affirmed her commitment to continue supporting and closely coordinating with Vietnam to implement larger-scale projects aimed at enhancing cooperation effectiveness. She commended the dynamic and creative spirit of Vietnamese farmers and encouraged further collaboration with the private sector, as well as with universities and agricultural research institutes in Australia and other countries within the region.

"The ACIAR highly values the dynamic and innovative spirit of Vietnamese farmers. We are dedicated to sharing our experiences with Vietnam to enhance the traceability of agricultural products," emphasized the female leader.

With significant commitments, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and ACIAR have inked a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at advancing scientific research to bolster the development of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Both parties are prioritizing pressing issues to deliver long-term sustainable solutions, offering support to vulnerable groups and small-scale households to adapt to climate change, safeguard livelihoods and the environment, and address food and nutritional requirements.

In terms of cooperation in agricultural human resource development, ACIAR will continue supporting Vietnam in capacity-building for researchers and scientists through scholarship programs, alumni networking activities, and research initiatives. Meanwhile, within its financial capabilities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will provide flexible co-sponsoring and co-contributing opportunities for various research scholarship programs in Australia.

In the near future, General Director Wendy Umberger proposed organizing an event in May 2024 to showcase the outcomes of ACIAR projects in Vietnam. Additionally, there are plans to host a forum aimed at connecting farmers, especially women, with Australian scientists and private enterprises.

The ACIAR country strategy focuses on the agriculture sector as it remains a key source of national income and employs more than half the workforce, this includes agribusiness, fisheries, forestry, livestock systems, social sciences, soil and land management, water and climate and global programs. Vietnam is one of Australia’s fastest-growing trade partners and is central to regional security in South East Asia.