Enviro News Asia, Hanoi — Vietnam and Ireland have agreed to elevate their cooperation in the agricultural sector from project-based initiatives to a strategic policy partnership, focusing on the transformation of sustainable food systems.
The announcement was made during the Vietnam–Ireland Bilateral Conference on Cooperation in Agri-Food Systems Transformation, co-hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, Tuesday (November 4).
The conference signifies a major step in bilateral agricultural relations, opening a new pathway for the joint transformation of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his keynote address, Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to building a modern and responsible agricultural sector through initiatives such as the 1-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project, circular agriculture, and digital transformation.
Ireland, renowned for its transparent and evidence-based food value chains, brings extensive experience through its Origin Green sustainability certification program. The Irish model integrates production, processing, and consumption under a systemic, multi-agent approach, involving government, businesses, farmers, and research institutions.
The two nations have shared more than a decade of agricultural cooperation, notably through the Ireland–Vietnam Agri-Food Partnership Programme (IVAP) — a pioneering North–South collaboration connecting policymakers, researchers, businesses, and farmers to co-create sustainable solutions.
Looking ahead, the partnership will focus on four strategic pillars:
- Strengthening institutions and coordination mechanisms in food systems,
- Promoting science, technology, and digital transformation,
- Enhancing human resource development and academic collaboration, and
- Expanding South–South cooperation and business linkages.
“No country can transform its agri-food system alone. It is a global effort requiring the collaboration of governments, businesses, scientists, civil society, and farmers. From the rice fields of the Mekong Delta to the green dairy farms of County Cork, we are writing a shared story of sustainability and trust,” said Mr. Tuan.
Irish Ambassador to Vietnam Deirdre Ní Fhallúin reaffirmed Ireland’s continued support for Vietnam’s food systems transformation, noting Ireland’s rank as the world’s second on the 2023 Global Food Security Index, with 90% of its exported meat and dairy products certified sustainable through Origin Green.
“Ireland has walked side by side with Vietnam for many years. The IVAP programme reflects our joint commitment to advancing agri-food systems that are transparent, responsible, and sustainable,” she stated.
The program is implemented by Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), a consortium led by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), which provides technical assistance to develop green and efficient value chains.
Following the 2023 Cooperation Agreement between the two ministries, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Ireland in October 2024, committing to strengthen Vietnam’s food system for the 2024–2028 period.
The conference also featured expert discussions on agricultural transformation strategies, research and development, academic collaboration, innovation ecosystems, and capacity-building programs — reinforcing the two nations’ shared vision of a sustainable, transparent, and inclusive food system. (*)
