MAE supports CropLife in promoting plant production and protection innovation

CropLife Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to accompanying MAE in promoting innovation, improving the institutional framework, and implementing crop production and plant protection solutions that are safe, effective, and low-emission, contributing to the realization of Vietnam’s sustainable agricultural development goals.

Deputy Minister required that future cooperation be substantive, with clear responsibilities and clearly defined tasks. Photo: Bao Thang.

At the working session between the leadership of the MAE and CropLife Vietnam on January 15, the two sides reviewed the outcomes of their recent cooperation and discussed orientations for future collaboration. The discussions focused on improving the legal framework, strengthening management capacity, and enhancing the application of science and technology in agricultural production.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung acknowledged and highly appreciated CropLife’s activities in 2025 within the framework of cooperation with the Plant Production and Protection Department on the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF), as well as its role as co-leader of the chemicals working group under the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam (PSAV).

Plant Production and Protection Department as the focal point for future cooperation with CropLife. Photo: Bao Thang.

Deputy Minister emphasized that innovation in crop production and plant protection must be closely linked to production practices and deliver tangible value to farmers. According to him, public–private partnerships play a crucial role in developing and scaling up safe, low-emission production models, as well as in training and technology transfer for farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises.

Sharing perspectives on future cooperation, Mr. Dang Van Bao, Chairman of CropLife Vietnam, emphasized: “CropLife Vietnam consistently views science, technology, and innovation as the foundation for sustainable agricultural development. We hope to continue working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in improving the policy framework, as well as in implementing technical solutions, training, and technology transfer, so that scientific advances can truly deliver practical value to farmers and Vietnam’s agricultural sector.”

Representatives of CropLife Vietnam noted that innovation associated with sustainable development is a consistent guiding principle in the Association’s operations and those of its member companies. Each year, enterprises within the global CropLife network allocate substantial resources to research and development of new solutions in seeds, plant protection products, and cultivation technologies, aiming to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impacts, and support farmers in adapting to climate change.

Within its cooperation with units under the MAE, particularly PPPD, CropLife Vietnam has coordinated the implementation of various activities to strengthen technical and institutional capacity. Notable initiatives include specialized training courses for central and local officials on risk assessment and residue management; joint organization of workshops on maximum residue limit (MRL) management; development of guidance documents on UAVs for pesticide application; and promotion of digital transformation in training through online learning platforms.

At the local level, demonstration models and programs promoting the safe, effective, and responsible use of plant protection products have continued to be implemented, contributing to positive changes in farmers’ awareness and production practices toward greater sustainability.

In addition to plant protection, CropLife Vietnam has actively cooperated with relevant professional units in the fields of seeds and biotechnology through exchanges, training programs, and international workshops. These activities support regulatory authorities in accessing new scientific advances such as gene editing, biotechnology in plant breeding, e-Phyto systems, and plant variety protection.

At the meeting, CropLife Vietnam shared its views on the need to further improve the legal framework for the management and registration of plant protection products for the 2026–2030 period, and expressed its readiness to accompany MAE in reviewing and revising policies by sharing international management models and experiences.

Mr. Tran Thanh Vu, General Director of Syngenta Vietnam and Co-Chair of CropLife Vietnam, stated: “From a business perspective, the early review and revision of the legal framework for the management and registration of plant protection products toward a risk-based and science-driven approach is critically important. This will help address current bottlenecks and create favorable conditions for bringing new-generation plant protection solutions that are safer and more effective to farmers.”

In addition, CropLife Vietnam proposed studying the development of a long-term cooperation framework in the fields of seeds and biotechnology to strengthen international experience sharing, support science-based policymaking, and facilitate the early research, evaluation, and application of next-generation crop varieties in Vietnam.

Based on the discussions, the leadership of the MAE requested CropLife Vietnam to continue actively participating in the implementation of the Project on “Low-Emission Production in the Crop Production Sector for the 2025 -2030 Period, with a Vision to 2050,” and to coordinate in developing and scaling up safe, sustainable, and low-emission agricultural production models associated with innovation and the circular economy.

CropLife Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to continuing close cooperation with MAE regulatory agencies, and partners across the agricultural value chain, contributing expertise, resources, and international experience to support Vietnam in building a modern, green, and sustainable agriculture sector.