TARASA25: Advancing agroecology in the Asia - Pacific region

From 25-27 November 2025, the international TARASA25 Conference, themed “Transitioning Toward Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture: Contributing to Food System Transformation,” took place in Vientiane, Laos.

The event brought together more than 230 participants, including researchers, farmers, policymakers, youth leaders, and representatives from civil society and the private sector, from 20 countries across the region.

Together, participants explore how agroecological and regenerative practices can transform food systems toward greater resilience, equity, and sustainability. The event is organized by the LICA (Lao Facilitated-Initiative on Agroecology for ASEAN), is supported by the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with key regional and international partners, and is financed by Agence Française de Développement, European  Union, and French Facility for Global Environment.

In his opening address, Saynakhone Inthavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Laos, affirmed that the conference would serve as a solid platform for moving from high-level policy commitments to concrete, on-the-ground actions. "This is an opportunity to deepen regional cooperation, strengthen and diversify funding mechanisms, and promote more effective public-private partnerships. At the same time, it enables us to identify practical measures that can accelerate the widespread adoption of Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture systems throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

French Ambassador to Laos Bénédicte Deschamps emphasized that the transition to agroecological agri-food systems has proven its effectiveness over decades and is now globally recognized. She noted that France remains committed to supporting this transition by integrating agroecological research, innovations, and best practices into ongoing development projects as well as broader policy and institutional frameworks.

EU Ambassador to Laos Mark Gallagher added that agroecology delivers multiple long-term benefits - not only enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience, but also reducing chemical dependency and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. “Agroecology is a critical component of the Lao PDR’s green growth trajectory. Today’s conference provides an important space for farmers, researchers, policymakers, and private-sector partners to come together, exchange perspectives, and transform policy aspirations into tangible actions on the ground,” he remarked.

For Viet Nam, participating in TARASA25 provides an important platform for domestic organizations to engage with global partners, mobilize technical and financial resources, and more effectively embed agroecology into the country’s national priorities. These priorities include food security and nutrition, climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable production, and the development of tourism linked to agroecological practices.

By engaging in the conference, Viet Nam has been able to showcase and strengthen the integration of agroecology into its policy frameworks, ensuring that sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly reflected in national strategies.

"Agroecology represents one of the core pillars of Viet Nam’s National Action Plan for Food System Transformation," said Dr. Dao The Anh, President of the Viet Nam Society for Rural Development (PHANO). "TARASA25 has offered Viet Nam a wealth of experience and insights for translating the ASEAN Guidelines on Agroecological Transformation into practical implementation. It has also facilitated stronger multilateral cooperation and encouraged the development of locally adapted agroecological models that respond to regional conditions, helping communities across the country achieve more resilient and sustainable food systems."

Dr. Mélanie Blanchard (CIRAD) emphasized that expanding agroecological transformation requires a farmer-centered approach, integrating locally driven innovation, leveraging diverse forms of knowledge, improving research methodologies, and strengthening the connections between research, education, and agricultural extension services. She also highlighted the importance of promoting knowledge exchange, building robust multi-stakeholder networks, and implementing farm-to-fork solutions, ensuring that practical evidence and local experience inform policy-making and support sustainable, resilient food systems across the region.

At TARASA25, ASEAN Ministers formally endorsed the Guidelines and Action Plan for Agroecological Transformation, marking a significant step toward regional coordination on sustainable agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam is actively collaborating to translate and adapt these materials into official national guidance, aiming to support provincial authorities, agricultural extension systems, and cooperatives in effectively applying these principles on the ground. This process will help ensure that the guidelines are practical, context-specific, and accessible to all stakeholders involved in implementing agroecological practices.