Delegates visit a booth displaying organic products on the sidelines of the forum. (Photo: VNA) An Giang (VNA) – The first Mekong Delta Forum on developing thepartnership between Vietnam and Australia in organic agriculture was held in AnGiang province on January 14.
The forum aims to formand develop bilateral partnership in organic agriculture through short-termtraining courses for scientists, agricultural officials, farmers, and thoseinterested in organic agriculture.
Director of theprovincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Si Lam saidthat the locality is mobilising resources to develop agricultural productiontowards green and sustainable growth.
From now until 2025,it will give priority to boosting organic agriculture in its advantageousproducts such as rice, mango, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, Lam added.
Sharing cooperationprospects in organic agriculture between An Giang and Australia, Vice Chairmanof the provincial People’s Committee Tran Anh Thu stated that Australia is strongin its agricultural research, especially in biological control, pest management,farm produce supply chain management, the quality of agricultural and aquaticproducts, and advanced cultivation techniques – of which An Giang is in demandfor.
Therefore, heexpressed his hope that Australia and An Giang will intensify cooperation inthe time ahead, through short-term courses on organic cultivation for localscientists, agricultural officials, and farmers.
Alan Broughton, VicePresident of the Organic Agriculture Association of Australia, said that theassociation will support An Giang by transferring technologies, and attractingthe involvement of relevant foreign experts, scientists, and internationalorganisations towards developing organic agriculture in the province.
According to him, theorganic agriculture certificate is not the end goal, but rather the essence oforganic agriculture is to improve public health, restore the organic matter ofsoil, and reduce production costs. –VNA
VNA
