A new partnership between Vietnam’s leading agricultural research institution and a French sustainability research agency will focus on climate adaptation, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and low-emission farming solutions
Vietnam is strengthening its scientific collaboration with France as the country accelerates efforts to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
The Viet Nam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at expanding joint research, innovation and technology development across a broad range of agricultural disciplines.
The agreement, signed on June 12, marks a new chapter in a long-standing relationship between the two institutions and comes as governments and research organizations worldwide intensify efforts to address the growing impact of climate change on food production systems.
The ceremony brought together scientists and senior officials from both organizations and was attended by Olivier Brochet, France’s ambassador to Vietnam, along with François Roger, regional director for Southeast Asia at the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development.
Expanding Research on Sustainable Agriculture
The partnership is designed to accelerate research in areas that are increasingly central to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Among the priority fields identified under the agreement are soil health management, biodiversity conservation, protection of plant genetic resources, agricultural biotechnology, beneficial microorganisms and crop pest management. The two institutions will also collaborate on smart farming technologies, circular agriculture systems and the development of environmentally sustainable production models.
A significant portion of the collaboration will focus on addressing climate-related challenges. Researchers will work on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities, strengthen climate adaptation measures and support the creation of greener agricultural ecosystems capable of withstanding increasingly volatile weather conditions.
Artificial intelligence is also expected to play an important role in the partnership, with both sides exploring ways to integrate advanced digital technologies into agricultural production and resource management.
Beyond Research: Building Scientific Capacity
In addition to joint research initiatives, the agreement places strong emphasis on developing scientific talent and strengthening institutional capabilities.
The two organizations plan to expand expert exchange programs, facilitate collaboration among researchers and implement advanced training initiatives aimed at building a highly skilled agricultural science workforce.
The partnership will also pursue funding opportunities from both domestic and international sources to support research projects, innovation programs and technology transfer initiatives that can be applied directly within Vietnam’s agricultural sector.
By combining scientific expertise, technological innovation and international collaboration, the agreement seeks to accelerate the translation of research findings into practical solutions for farmers and agribusinesses.
Supporting Vietnam’s Green Agriculture Transition
The partnership arrives at a critical moment for Vietnam’s agricultural sector, which faces mounting pressure to improve productivity while reducing environmental impacts and adapting to climate change.
Extreme weather events, shifting rainfall patterns, land degradation and rising emissions concerns have increased the urgency of developing more resilient farming systems. Policymakers and industry leaders are increasingly looking to science and innovation as essential tools for achieving long-term food security and sustainable growth.
The expanded collaboration between VAAS and IRD is expected to contribute to that transition by generating research-driven solutions that support sustainable production, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
As Vietnam advances its ambitions for greener agricultural development, the agreement underscores the growing role of international scientific partnerships in shaping the future of food systems and strengthening resilience across the agricultural value chain.
