CGIAR organizations: VAN News and its role of delivering science to society

Enhancing the value of Vietnamese rice

Dr. Robert Caudwell, Country Representative of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Vietnam

I believe that the merger of Ministries will create more favorable conditions for scientists researching solutions to help farmers maintain stable livelihoods in the face of climate change, while also securing the resources needed to pursue sustainable farming and aquaculture practices.

The synergy between agriculture and the environment will yield great benefits for communities. I fully support this strategic direction set by the Government of Vietnam.

In the field of rice science, research and technologies that intersect agriculture and the environment will gain a distinct advantage with the merger of the two ministries. A prime example is the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system, which will now benefit from more streamlined oversight and regulatory clarity for practical application. This system is essential for certifying emission reductions from sustainable rice cultivation, a critical step toward enhancing the value of Vietnamese rice on the global market.

During this time of institutional transition, it is also imperative that we expand our influence and re-establish our position within the public sector. As we move forward, I am confident that Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper will continue to support us in communicating evidence-based stories grounded in science.

Let me take this opportunity to mention the Fertilize Right project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, implemented by the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, with IRRI serving as the executing agency. The core concept is simple but powerful: by applying fertilizers according to the “4Rs”, which are right type, right amount, right time, and right place, farmers can reduce input costs, increase productivity, and improve soil health.

We greatly appreciate that Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper has closely followed the Fertilize Right project. Your journalists have been present on the ground, reporting from field training sessions on the “4Rs” for farmers, and participating in the production of instructional videos demonstrating the technical innovations developed by IRRI.

“Translating” research data into practice

Dr. Fred Unger, Regional Representative of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Asia

Over the past 50 years, ILRI has collaborated with a number of scientific organizations, research institutes, and universities in the field of livestock, veterinary and public health. In 2024, on the occasion of ILRI’s 50th anniversary, the institute for the first time established a papartnership with Vietnam Agriculture and Environment Newspaper to advance science-based communication.

Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper is an ideal partner tocommunicate information about ILRI’s programs and activities, thereby strengtheningcommunication in agriculture in general and livestock in particular.

In the first year of official cooperation, the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper successfully partnered with ILRI to organize a series of key events, including ILRI@50th Anniversary Celebration, the One Health Scientific Conference, the workshop on Research to policy: Improving Animal Disease Prevention and Control in Vietnam in Quang Ninh, the closing workshops of the CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Animal Productivity (SAPLING) in Lao Cai, Hue, Hanoi and Son La, and the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network Conference 2024 in Ho Chi Minh city.

Additionally, both sides co-organized training sessions in Hanoi and Nghe An for 60 journalists on food safety risk communication, enhancing public awareness of food safety and microbiological hazards. They agreed on the importance of delivering transparent, objective information, ensuring that messages based on scientific evidence are communicated clearly, accurately and understandably to the public.

The collaboration between ILRI and the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper has strengthened the connection between science, policy, and practice. Mass media plays a key role in delivering timely, accurate, and effective information to the public. Scientific research and policies also need such a communication channel. 

The strong link between the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper - a mainstream media agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment with 80 years of experience and ILRI is invaluable.

After a year of collaboration on shared development goals, ILRI looks forward to expandingactivities with the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper, contributing to raising public awareness, creating positive impacts on the livestock sector, and enhancing the role ofscience in society.