Vietnam - Ireland target policy partnership in food system transformation

Vietnam and Ireland will shift from project-based cooperation to a strategic policy partnership, aiming to jointly shape institutions and guide the transformation of sustainable food systems.

On the morning of Nov. 4, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, held the Vietnam-Ireland Bilateral Cooperation Conference on Agricultural and Food System Transformation.

The conference marks a new development in agricultural cooperation between the two countries, opening a specific pathway for the transformation of a sustainable agricultural and food system, aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his opening remarks, Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, emphasized that Vietnam is demonstrating its determination to build a modern, responsible agricultural sector through programs such as the 1-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project, circular agriculture, and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, Ireland possesses extensive experience in building transparent, evidence-based value chains. Three key features of the Irish model hold significant meaning for Vietnam: a systemic approach, where all policies and value chains are integrated from production, processing, and distribution to consumption and resource regeneration; multi-agent linkage, with the state, businesses, farmers, and research institutes jointly planning and implementing; and transparent, evidence-based measurement, utilizing tools like Origin Green, the national sustainability certification program for Ireland's entire food industry, run by the Irish Food Board (Bord Bia).

Over more than 10 years of bilateral cooperation, the Vietnam-Ireland agricultural relationship has been continuously strengthened, especially since the launch of the Agriculture-Food Partnership Programme (IVAP). IVAP is a pioneering North-South cooperation model, based on the principle of co-creation of knowledge, connecting policymakers - research institutes - businesses - farmers.

According to Mr. Tuan, in the next phase, the two sides move from “project cooperation” to “strategic policy partnership”, focusing on four key areas including perfecting the food system's institution and coordination; promoting science, technology, and digital transformation; developing human resources and academic cooperation; connecting businesses and South-South cooperation model.

"No country can transform its agri-food system alone. It is a global effort that requires the cooperation of governments, businesses, scientists, civil society organizations and farmers.From the rice fields of the Mekong Delta to the green dairy farms of County Cork, we are writing a common story of sustainability, responsibility and trust," he said.

Irish Ambassador to Vietnam Deirdre Ní Fhallúin noted that Ireland currently ranks second globally on the 2023 Global Food Security Index, with 90% of its exported meat and dairy products certified as sustainable through the Origin Green program. She added that Vietnam is also emerging as a major global food supply hub.

She affirmed that IVAP continues to demonstrate Ireland's long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam in building a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system.

“Ireland has walked side by side with Vietnam for many years. We have supported and witnessed Vietnam’s impressive poverty reduction achievements over the past three decades. The IVAP programme now demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing our agri-food systems together.

We view the Ireland–Vietnam Agrifood Partnership as a platform for collaboration, bringing together government agencies, research institutions, academia, civil society, the private sector, and international partners, to co-develop solutions and innovations that support the implementation of Vietnam’s Food Systems Transformation Strategy and National Action Plan,” said the Ambassador.

The program is implemented by Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), a consortium led by Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), with a mission to share expertise and technical support for building green, safe, and efficient value chains.

Vietnam and Ireland share a strong agricultural foundation and a vision for a sustainable, comprehensive food system. Following the 2023 signing of a Cooperation Agreement between Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the IVAP was launched, becoming a key initiative to promote cooperation in transforming the food system to be transparent, responsible, and sustainable.

Notably, a Memorandum of Understanding committing to activities within the Vietnam-Ireland Partnership framework to strengthen Vietnam's food system for the 2024-2028 period was signed by the two agriculture ministries during General Secretary To Lam's visit to Ireland in October 2024. This clearly demonstrates the commitment and determination of both governments to advance cooperation in this critical sector.

At the conference, experts will present information on the current state of the agricultural sector, development strategies and trends, transformation roadmaps, and gaps, opportunities, and potential for development cooperation. They will also cover cooperation projects in Research & Development, training/academic collaboration, capacity building, and developing innovation ecosystems for cooperatives, along with future cooperation prospects. Discussions will also focus on a North-South model for food system transformation and the Vietnam-Ireland Agri-Food Partnership as a model for food system transformation and implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030).

Linh Linh - Bao Thang