Vietnam - United States agricultural cooperation in a new context

On November 9 at MARD, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung meets with the United States Grain Council (USGC) – a non-profit organization with global influence, representing import-export businesses and consumers of grain products. 

Currently, USGC has 28 branches worldwide, including the Southeast Asia branch in Vietnam. This proves USGC’s focus on Vietnam regarding its Southeast Asia market development strategy.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung highly appreciates cooperation with the United States in agriculture. In Vietnam, wheat products, animal feed, corn and soybean, and cotton for the fiber industry are primarily imported from the United States.

“I believe that the tightening relationship between Vietnam and the United States in agriculture and the grain industry will be further promoted, contributing to both countries, especially businesses in the agricultural sector and global consumers,” the Deputy Minister says.

In particular, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2021 between USGC and MARD has established a foundation for management capacity, technical support, policy advisory, etc. The Ministry’s leader hopes to develop a specific plan in the near future, closely following the commitments set out in the MoU.

On the partner’s side, USGC President and CEO Ryan Legrand expresses his excitement about the new facade of Vietnam’s agricultural industry. “In our 28-year partnership in Vietnam, MARD is USGC’s longest-term partner locally. We are committed to accompanying the MARD to maintain food security in the precarious context of the world.”

The President further affirms that US President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam marks a crucial transition in bilateral relations, creating new opportunities for international cooperation.

To realize the commitments stated in the MoU, Mr. Caleb Wurth, USGC Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania, proposes that MARD solve some trade barriers and build upon the country’s solid agricultural foundation. USGC wishes to further support the ministry in developing policies, logistics systems, and technical capacity.

In particular, the US is the main supplier of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in Vietnam. Regional Director Caleb Wurth proposes that MARD develop a disinfection and sterilization process immediately upon import in Vietnam. Once implemented, it will ensure biosecurity and reduce delays in the import process, thereby guaranteeing product quality and stable supply all year round.

In addition, leaders of Iowa and Nebraska state councils and associations provide crucial information on the application of smart technologies in farming, fertilizers, and irrigation, as well as training for workers in the animal feed industry, etc. Through organizing conferences, seminars and business trips, USGC will work closely with MARD to develop green and sustainable agriculture.

Mr. Wayne Humphreys – president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board – invites MARD leaders to visit the Iowa State University’s Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex. This is a multi-million-dollar facility with the mission of training workers in the feed industry, promising to provide advanced technologies for businesses worldwide.

US Embassy Agricultural Counselor in Vietnam, Mr. Ralph Bean, also emphasizes Vietnam’s advantages in agricultural development in response to global climate change. “Soon, US experts will come to Vietnam and provide workers with the necessary skills to operate software and measure greenhouse gases in dairy production. The 4.4-million-dollar Fertilizer Right initiative in Vietnam was also successfully launched with comprehensive support from scientific and governmental agencies,” Counselor states.

Listening to suggestions, opinions, and information from the USGC delegation, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung wishes to further coordinate with the US to remove technical barriers and concurrently develop concrete plans in the future.

Information from representatives of Iowa and Nebraska – the leading states in applying science and technology in agriculture – will help Vietnam increase animal feed production, use fertilizer effectively, and upgrade local irrigation systems. Invitations for technical exchange and capacity training from the partners will create opportunities for the national agricultural sector to respond to climate change.

The Deputy Minister adds, “The USGC and MARD have established a foundation for a promising future, and we look forward to developing and advancing the agricultural sector. I believe USGC will play a critical active role as a bridge to promote agricultural and grain cooperation with the US.”