Vietnam and Ireland will shift from project-based cooperation to a strategic policy partnership, aiming to jointly shape the institutional framework and direction for a sustainable transformation of the food system.

On the morning of November 4, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, organized 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 concrete pathway for transforming the agricultural and food system toward sustainability, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Around 100 domestic and international delegates attended the Vietnam – Ireland Bilateral Cooperation Conference on agricultural and food system transformation. Photo: Bao Thang.

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

Meanwhile, Ireland is a country with extensive experience in developing transparent, evidence-based value chains. Three notable characteristics of the Irish model that are highly relevant to Vietnam are: (i) A systems approach: all policies and value chains are interconnected from production – processing – distribution – consumption – resource regeneration; (ii) Multi-stakeholder linkages: the government, enterprises, farmers, and research institutions jointly formulate and implement policies; (iii) Transparent and evidence-based measurement: through tools such as Origin Green, the national sustainability certification program for Ireland’s entire food sector operated by Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board).

Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, speaks at the conference. Photo: Bao Thang.

Over the past 10 years, the Vietnam – Ireland Agricultural and Food Partnership (IVAP) has contributed to strengthening bilateral cooperation through activities such as training hundreds of technical staff, piloting new cooperative models, supporting the biosafety monitoring system, researching reduction of antibiotic use in livestock production, and developing an innovation ecosystem at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture.

According to Mr. Tuan, in the next phase, the two sides will shift from “project cooperation” to a “strategic policy partnership.” Accordingly, cooperation will focus on four key areas: institutional improvement of the food system; promotion of science, technology, and digital transformation; human resource development; and business connectivity under a South–South cooperation model.

“From the rice fields of the Mekong Delta to the green dairy farms of County Cork, we are jointly writing a shared story of sustainability and responsibility,” he said.

Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Ambassador of Ireland to Vietnam, affirms Ireland's long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam in building a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system. Photo: Bao Thang.

Ambassador Deirdre Ní Fhallúin noted that Ireland currently ranks second in the world in the 2023 Global Food Security Index, with 90% of meat and dairy products exported, certified as sustainable through the Origin Green program. According to her, Vietnam is also emerging as a major global supplier of food and agricultural products.

She affirmed that IVAP continues to reflect Ireland’s long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam in building a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system. The program is implemented by the Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), an alliance led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland, tasked with sharing experience and technical assistance in developing a green, safe, and efficient value chain.

Vietnam and Ireland share a strong agricultural foundation and a vision for a sustainable and inclusive food system. Following the cooperation agreement signed in 2023 between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland (DAFM), IVAP was launched as a key initiative to promote cooperation in transforming a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system.

Notably, the Memorandum of Understanding on implementing activities under the Vietnam – Ireland Partnership to strengthen Vietnam’s food system for the 2024 – 2028 period was signed between the two Ministries of Agriculture during the visit to Ireland by General Secretary To Lam in October 2024, demonstrating the clear commitment and determination of both Governments to enhance cooperation in this key area.

At the conference, experts will present information related to the current status of the agricultural sector, development strategies and trends, transformation roadmaps, gaps, opportunities, and potential cooperation; collaborative projects on Research & Development, training/academic cooperation, capacity building, and development of an innovation ecosystem for cooperatives, along with future cooperation prospects; the North–South model in food system transformation; and discussions on the Vietnam – Ireland Agricultural and Food Partnership: A cooperation model for food system transformation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG 2030)…

Linh Linh – Bao Thang