Vietnam and California boost cooperation on sustainable agriculture practices

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam met and worked with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) in the United States in the middle of May.

The visit of US President Joe Biden in September 2023 was a milestone moment in bilateral relations, paving the way for international cooperation in sustainable agricultural growth. The meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the CDFA aimed to further the goals outlined in the leaders' joint declaration on raising the US-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

At the discussion, leaders from both sides expressed a strong desire to promote sustainable, smart agricultural production that responds to climate change. Specifically, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the CDFA agreed that investment in agricultural research will improve possibilities for farmers and ranchers in both Vietnam and California.

As a result, in recent years, the agricultural authorities of the Vietnamese government and California have strengthened their exchange of ideas and examined potential areas of collaboration. They have placed a special emphasis on developing agricultural trade and investment cooperation, as well as supporting research and development collaboration, technical exchanges, and information sharing about sustainable agricultural methods.

During the conversation, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam said: "To realize these ambitious cooperation ideas, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development expects California to connect researchers, students, and thought leaders to share information between California's agricultural research and training institutions and the institutes and colleges under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development."

The CDFA delegation agreed to share best practices in agricultural technical support and extension, as well as to work together to promote sustainable rural development. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of cooperative projects, research, and information exchange in strengthening smart agricultural practices that adapt to climate change, low-emission production processes and services, organic farming, food safety, agricultural mechanization, disaster prevention, and plant and animal health.

The CDFA also indicated a willingness to share information and rules regarding the quarantine and safety inspection of imported agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. The California Agricultural Agency will enhance market access for agricultural products that meet recognized international criteria