Science originates for the right policy

At the visit to the BOOVERSITY and the International Tropical Agriculture Center (Ciat) past, Bà Camila Maria Polo Florez, Colombian Ambassador in Vietnam said, Similar to Vietnam and many countries around the world, Agriculture is an important industry for Colombia.

The industry is not only the backbone of food production, food (LTTP) but also the main source of livelihoods of countless small -scale farmers and rural producers. “Current economic growth and export recovery of Colombia, In addition to traditional fossil fuels, Mostly rely on agriculture ”, She said.

According to Ambassador, Production of LTTP is now no longer limited within a simple production range, That exists in a wider LTTP system, more closely linked, requires a comprehensive approach. Inside, LTTP environment – Background where consumers collect, Shopping LTTP – is an important factor, The close connection between agriculture and the environment.

Colombia has committed to becoming a pioneer in the fight against climate change. In the direction of action, country 50 Million people attach importance to indigenous knowledge, See this knowledge is an important document in maintaining biodiversity, environmental Protection.

Recalling the theme of the summit on biodiversity last year, Ambassador Camila emphasized, “Man must live peacefully with nature”. According to her, Colombia is a country with very high biodiversity, so it is responsible for preserving, Maintain environmental health.

Visit Ciat of the Ambassador to affirm the belief in the power of science and research in providing information, Consulting and proposing agricultural development policies. She also emphasized the government's duties in supporting such studies. "Good policies must originate from a solid scientific basis", She said.

Report Ambassador, TS Ricardo Hernandez, Chief of Ciat Representative in Vietnam Information, Last time the alliance has cooperated with hundreds of partners, In order to help the countries are developing agriculture in a competitive way, profit and increase the ability to recover through the management of natural resources in a smart way, lasting.

Since moving the Asian office from Laos to Vietnam in the year 2010, CIAT has provided many solutions to convert agricultural systems and LTTP, as well as solving problems in the interference area between agriculture, Environment and nutrition.

To respond to the National Action Plan to transform the transparent LTTP system, Vietnam's responsibility and sustainability in Decision No. 300/2023/QD-TTg (NAP-FST), CIAT's initiatives, Through close cooperation with national partners, focus on research related to the comprehensive labor environment, Sustainable healthy diet and policies and management of LTTP system.

These initiatives help technical support on the policy of the LTTP system, Institutional improvement and capacity development, Promote cooperation and enhance efforts at both national and local levels to effectively implement NAP-FST. CIAT is okay Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Records for its contributions to the process of converting the LTTP system in Vietnam.

Ciat highlights the ability to access safely and nutritious LTTP for consumers by analyzing the factors of social and nutritious security impacts horizontally from rural to urban areas.. The alliance also continuously researched, Provide many crops, High -value pets through pest monitoring, Research improved animal feed, Clean cultivation materials. Besides that, Emphasizing the land regeneration through understanding the microbiological system and monitoring the deforestation caused by agricultural activities.

“We support farmers and localities to comply with global standards and ensure that the agricultural and forest supply chain combines not deforestation in cassava and coffee plantations., The same many other types ”, Dr. Ricardo shared.

Year 2024, The Ciat received the Government's Certificate of Merit after the recommendations of the climate were taken in the more supportive weather newsletter. 277.000 farmer, Help the stakeholders take many cultivation measures to adapt to climate change and minimize risks in the Mekong Delta.

Vision in 10 next year, Ciat will expand the scale and implement innovations to help the agricultural system, Foods of Southeast Asia are better resistant to climate change, At the same time bring livelihoods to LTTP producers and stakeholders in the value chain.

The alliance also pays attention to the study of affordable food supply solutions, more nutritious and healthier for consumers, Contribute to preserving the natural environment.

Looking for cooperation opportunities in rice and cashews

After listening to research groups on conversion LTTP system, respond to climate change ... presented, Ambassador Camila said, These content are very useful for Colombia, Especially in the context of a more space 1,1 Trieu Km2 is promoting numbers, Use digital tools, Artificial intelligence for sustainable agricultural development.

Colombia is one of the largest countries in the world of Arabica coffee, Famous for high quality, typical flavor. Besides, This country is also a leader in banana export, Palm oil and some other agricultural products such as sugar cane, cocoa.

Similar to some developing countries, Colombian agriculture is facing many challenges from climate change, Export mainly in rough form. Besides, Infrastructure and investment in mechanization, The processing technology of the South American nation has not developed adequate, Meet enough need for people's production demand. Shipping costs, Logistics in Colombia is relatively high, Limit competitiveness in the international market.

Next time, Colombia orientation to strongly develop organic agriculture, Especially the construction of many organic coffee growing models. The country is also particularly interested in the fight against deforestation, Enhancing food security and environmental protection, biodiversity.

From the time of inauguration at the beginning of the year 2025, Camila Ambassador is impressed with Vietnamese agriculture and considers this to be a valuable source of inspiration, Especially in the development of rice production. “Colombian rice industry was once an important part of the economy, But it is struggling due to external competition and inefficient internal condition ”, She expressed.

The Colombian government expects to revive this industry and the Embassy in Vietnam wishes to learn the experiences, Advanced Vietnam's techniques to offer an approach that suits the actual context of the Amazon Forest.

Another field is also interested in developing cashew cultivation. Colombia has a relatively suitable climate for agricultural products that are considered Vietnam's strengths in the international arena. Through help, Exchange between the two sides, Ambassador hopes Colombia can find the right areas to test the global value forecasted. 8 billion USD in the year 2025.

Through the working sessions, Ambassador Camila noticed many similarities between Colombia and Vietnam, In terms of challenges, Opportunities and potentials for new partnerships, Especially between research institutes, government, Universities and private sector. She noted, that the development of the agriculture sector, Foods are very much in the participation of the private sector.

For CIAT alone, She reaffirmed support for innovative initiatives to help convert sustainable LTTP systems, See this is an important pillar in restructuring the country's agricultural production.