Vietnam partners with CABI to advance biological control in agriculture

On the afternoon of September 15, the Plant Production and Protection Department (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CAB International (CABI) and held a technical consultation on the development of biological control in Vietnam.

This marks an important step toward promoting the use of biological solutions in plant protection, cutting chemical reliance, and moving toward low-emission, sustainable agriculture.

Deputy Director Nguyen Quy Duong noted that Vietnam’s crop production and plant protection sector has achieved significant progress in recent years. Concentrated production areas have expanded, yields of many crops have improved, and numerous production zones have adopted VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. Pest management practices have also advanced.

However, with increasingly complex pest pressures, the visible impacts of climate change, and stricter requirements on quality and food safety for both domestic consumption and exports, Vietnam needs new and sustainable solutions.

According to Duong, advancing biological control and integrated pest management is an inevitable direction. This approach not only helps reduce reliance on chemical pesticides but also increases crop value, protects the ecological environment, and safeguards public health.

Against this backdrop, cooperation with CABI carries special significance. “CABI not only brings scientific knowledge but also acts as a bridge to global resources, capacity building for technical staff, and support for farmers in adopting new technologies,” Duong emphasized.

Under the newly signed MOU, the two sides will focus on key areas, including: strengthening the capacity of technical staff through training and standardizing pest monitoring and diagnostic procedures; restoring and developing local biological control centers; expanding the application of nature-based solutions in plant protection; and preparing international cooperation proposals to mobilize financial and technical resources.

A joint working group will be established to implement, monitor, and evaluate results for 2025–2026 and beyond.

Deputy Director Duong expressed hope that the signing ceremony will mark the beginning of long-term, effective, and sustainable cooperation. With CABI’s support and the involvement of research institutes, universities, businesses, and international organizations, he believes crop production and plant protection in Vietnam will achieve new breakthroughs.

Building on the orientation set by the Department, CABI expert Muhammad Faheem affirmed that the organization has long accompanied many countries, including Vietnam, through a series of projects and advanced pest management tools.

As a reputable international non-profit, CABI has implemented practical programs worldwide such as Plantwise (plant doctors), the BioProtection Portal, and research-driven innovations in pest management. These platforms help farmers access knowledge, reduce pesticide use, increase yields, and ensure food safety.

In Vietnam, CABI has collaborated with partners on several flagship projects. The “Inclusive, Sustainable and Connected Coffee Value Chain” project in Lam Dong and Gia Lai has strengthened the capacity of 2,000 coffee households in adopting good agricultural practices (GAP), integrated pest management (IPM), and climate-smart agriculture (CSA).

Another project on safe spices has helped pepper farmers improve production processes, establish producer groups under PGS standards, compile technical manuals, and connect with companies such as Vietpepper and Simexco.

CABI has also supported Vietnam in assessing and harmonizing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, easing agricultural trade within ASEAN and access to the US market. Training courses and workshops on risk assessment and MRL setting have enhanced the capacity of regulators and exporters.

One notable example is the joint effort with the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection and the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) to raise awareness, diagnose, and manage the invasive South American tomato leafminer in Son La and Lam Dong. In addition to training dozens of technical staff, these activities have directly supported hundreds of farmers in adopting biological solutions and integrated pest management models, with the participation of local enterprises.

According to Faheem, CABI’s digital tools and knowledge platforms will continue to be widely applied in Vietnam. Upcoming priorities include updating the database of biological pesticides on the BioProtection Portal, organizing workshops, connecting stakeholders, and transferring new technologies in pest management, smart farming, and climate adaptation.

He stressed that CABI is committed to supporting Vietnam in promoting green agriculture, reducing chemical risks, expanding access to nature-based solutions, and building the capacity of both officials and farmers. This, he said, will provide the foundation for Vietnam’s agriculture to integrate deeper into global value chains while meeting rising demands for quality, safety, and sustainability.

Appreciating CABI’s commitment, Deputy Director Duong confirmed that a joint working group will be formed immediately after the signing, initially focusing on strengthening phytosanitary diagnostic capacity for technical staff. He described this as an urgent issue, given that Vietnam’s crop exports are now worth around USD30 billion.

He also observed that neighboring countries like Thailand have been rapidly developing plant clinics to improve advisory capacity and farmer support. Accordingly, he suggested CABI seek appropriate regional experts to help implement this model in Vietnam.

CABI is an international non-profit operating in more than 50 countries with the mission of improving people’s lives through science-based solutions in agriculture and the environment. The organization is best known for programs such as Plantwise, the BioProtection Portal, and its global network of experts in advanced pest management.