Viet Nam - ACIAR shape strategy for green, low-emission agricultural research

280 projects shaped by a long-standing partnership

According to Ms. Renée Deschamps, Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Viet Nam, since 1993, the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) has invested in approximately 280 research projects in Viet Nam, totaling AUD 194 million. ACIAR has also supported nearly 130 postgraduate scholarships and numerous leadership training programs for scientists and research managers.

Independent evaluations indicate that every AUD 1 invested by ACIAR has generated approximately AUD 90 in benefits for Viet Nam. More importantly, however, the partnership's greatest value lies in the growing number of farmers adopting advanced technologies, participating in sustainable agricultural value chains, and the increasing number of projects that are initiated and led by Vietnamese partners.

"The relationship between ACIAR and Viet Nam has evolved from a traditional development assistance model into an equal partnership based on co-investment and co-creation of value. Today's meeting provides an opportunity for both sides to reflect on a decade of cooperation, share lessons learned, and jointly shape the direction of collaboration for the next decade in line with the Viet Nam - Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the Deputy Ambassador said.

During the 2017-2026 period, the Viet Nam - Australia Agricultural Research Cooperation Strategy focused on six priority areas: food safety; climate change adaptation; improving the efficiency of crop-livestock systems; market and value chain development; enhancing value from forests; and high-value aquaculture.

Under these priorities, a number of successful production models have been implemented across Viet Nam's key agroecological regions. In Son La Province, a safe vegetable production program has established cultivation areas producing around 70,000 tonnes of high-quality vegetables annually, generating approximately AUD 30.5 million in revenue for farming households. In northwestern Viet Nam, more than 600 farmers have adopted agroforestry models on sloping land, improving soil fertility while increasing household incomes.

In Viet Nam's northern coastal provinces, ACIAR-supported research has helped establish a commercial oyster industry that produces around 30,000 tonnes annually and employs approximately 3,000 workers. Meanwhile, rice value chain projects in the Mekong Delta have enabled farmers to increase profits by about 10%, reduce production costs by around 5%, and better meet traceability requirements. A range of climate adaptation solutions, including crop diversification, straw mulching, and smart irrigation technologies, have also been introduced to improve water-use efficiency.

"What distinguishes ACIAR's cooperation model is that every project is designed around Viet Nam's practical needs, with government agencies, scientists, businesses, and farmers involved from the outset. This ensures that research outcomes can be rapidly translated into production practices and public policy. At the same time, ACIAR continues to invest in human capital through scholarships, training programs, and support for early-career scientists, laying a strong foundation for long-term cooperation between our two countries," said Dr. Suzie Newman, ACIAR's General Manager for Partnerships.

Twelve priority areas for 2026-2030

Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, affirmed that agricultural research cooperation between Viet Nam and Australia has become one of the most successful pillars of the bilateral relationship. Over the years, ACIAR has supported Viet Nam through research programs, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to agricultural restructuring, higher value addition, climate change adaptation, and improved rural livelihoods.

"The Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2035, will provide a strategic framework for future research programs, helping mobilize international resources more effectively, strengthen research capacity, and promote the development of a green and sustainable agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is committed to working closely with ACIAR and Australian partners to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, research institutes, universities, and businesses in both countries, thereby further deepening the Viet Nam - Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in agriculture," he said.

Under the proposed framework, the Ministry and ACIAR aim to establish a leading strategic partnership in agriculture and the environment to support the development of a modern, green, circular, smart, and low-emission agricultural sector.

The two sides have identified 12 priority areas for cooperation: agricultural research and innovation; technology transfer and technical assistance; green and low-emission agriculture; agricultural value chains and rural livelihoods; natural resource management; circular economy and agricultural waste management; environmental protection and climate change adaptation; the One Health approach and biosecurity; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; forestry and landscape management; policy-oriented research and governance innovation; and human resource development through training and expert exchanges.

To ensure effective implementation, the Strategy is built on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for the laws of each country. It is aligned with bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, while remaining consistent with ESG principles and the goals of developing sustainable and transparent agrifood systems.

The two sides encourage innovation and knowledge sharing, with cooperation to be implemented based on each party's needs, resources, and regulatory framework. Importantly, the Strategy does not create legally or financially binding obligations and integrates gender equality, social inclusion, and support for vulnerable groups throughout all cooperation activities.

Looking ahead to 2035, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and ACIAR will work together to establish a Viet Nam-Australia research and knowledge-transfer network, promote the application of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, and advance sustainable agrifood systems, the circular economy, and carbon markets.

The two sides will jointly implement research programs, technology transfer initiatives, training activities, and expert exchanges, and mobilize resources from international organizations, businesses, and the private sector. The International Cooperation Department and ACIAR Viet Nam will serve as the coordinating focal points, with a mid-term review scheduled for 2028 and a final evaluation of the strategy in 2030.

According to the draft strategy, the initial phase will launch seven flagship research programs with a total budget of approximately AUD 27.7 million. These programs will focus on Mekong fisheries; high-quality, low-emission rice; fertilizer security; safe vegetable production; citrus value chains; and pearl farming in Khanh Hoa Province. The programs will continue to be refined throughout implementation based on practical needs and the resources available to both sides.