The memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to improve the efficiency of resource and input use, protect the environment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rice production.
On May 13 in Hanoi, a signing ceremony was held for the cooperation memorandum between the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA), the Vietnam Soil Science Association (VSSA), and the Vietnam Fertilizer Association (FAV).
The event took place in the presence of Mr. Cao Đức Phát, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Mr. Lê Quốc Doanh, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; along with leading agricultural experts and scientists from across Vietnam.
The memorandum was established with the goal of building a close and effective partnership among the parties, jointly contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s rice sector.
In particular, the cooperation focuses on key areas such as protecting and improving soil health, and enhancing fertilizer use efficiency to reduce production costs, increase productivity, and improve the quality and value of Vietnamese rice.
In addition, the memorandum aims to protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the multi-value and circular economy-oriented development of the rice industry.
The parties have pledged to work toward these shared goals, combining efforts to strengthen environmental protection, emission reduction, and sustainable, multi-value rice production based on circular economy principles.
The cooperation among VIETRISA, FAV, and VSSA is expected to create a synergistic force that drives the Vietnamese rice industry toward sustainable development.
Key Cooperation Areas
-
Information and Awareness:
Joint communication and information campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of soil health for sustainable agricultural development. -
Policy Consultation and Advocacy:
Collaboration in consultation and policy feedback related to sustainable rice industry development, green growth, and greenhouse gas reduction. -
Science and Technology Development:
Joint promotion of research and technological applications in soil protection, soil health improvement, and fertilizer use efficiency. -
Value Chain Linkages:
Strengthening connections among actors in the rice value chain—especially between enterprises and farmers/cooperatives—in input supply, production, and technology application. -
Smart Cultivation Practices:
Developing and implementing smart farming protocols for soil protection and efficient fertilizer use; establishing pilot models, technology transfer, and training programs for farmers, cooperatives, and rice enterprises. -
By-product Utilization:
Conducting research and development on the reuse and recycling of rice by-products following circular economy principles to reduce production costs and improve efficiency. -
Knowledge Banks:
Building and operating a Soil Knowledge Bank and a Fertilizer Knowledge Bank to support information sharing and technical guidance. -
Workshops and Publications:
Co-organizing seminars, forums, and producing materials (handbooks, manuals, technical guidelines) on effective soil and fertilizer management in rice cultivation. -
International Cooperation:
Expanding international collaboration in relevant fields under the agreed cooperation framework.
The signing of this memorandum marks an important step in forming a collaborative platform to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and environmental friendliness in Vietnam’s rice industry—helping to raise the value and global reputation of Vietnamese rice in both domestic and international markets.