Vietnam seeks APEC backing for farming and food security proposals
A ministerial statement and an agri-food cooperation document are among the proposed outcomes, subject to agreement by member economies.
Vietnam intends to make agricultural innovation, lower-emission farming and food security priorities during its hosting of APEC 2027, a Ministry of Agriculture and Environment official told the Vietnam News Agency. Proposed cooperation would address producers’ needs while helping agriculture withstand climate and supply-chain disruptions.
Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the ministry’s Department of International Cooperation, said Vietnam would seek a joint ministerial statement and a document setting out an agri-food roadmap or initiative. These proposals require consultation and consensus among APEC economies. The 12th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2027, within Food Security Week on August 14-20.
Vietnam also intends to arrange two events with the APEC Secretariat alongside the first APEC Senior Officials Meeting: a policy dialogue addressing innovation in rice production and a workshop examining public-private cooperation in regenerative agriculture.
The ministry’s technology priorities include biotechnology for improved crop and livestock varieties, alongside precision farming. Sensors, artificial intelligence and data would help producers manage water, fertilisers and pests more efficiently. Tuan said such technologies must remain affordable and usable by farmers, cooperatives and small businesses.
At home, Vietnam has a programme to develop 1 million ha of rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta by 2030, targeting high quality and low emissions. It aims to improve farming methods and resource use while increasing farmers’ incomes. The ministry also plans support for traceability, emissions monitoring, training and access to finance and technology, especially for smaller producers.
