Cooperation with ACIAR for further development in the cattle industry

In the context of the Covid-19 epidemic remains complicated, representatives from Vietnam’s agriculture sector and ACIAR have made great efforts to adapt to the situation and maintain mutual support, applies changes in methods and workflow.

Joining the meeting, Dr. Peter Horne of ACIAR expressed his positivity in the new projects and proposals, which especially involve strengthening cooperation in terms of technology, import and export for the cattle industry.

Vietnam is highly regarded as “a destination for Australian cattle”, second only to Indonesia. The Vietnamese market is currently evolving at a fast rate, showing opportunities for Australian cattle imports. This is a win - win situation for both parties, originally based on good relationships, good governance and communication.

The meeting today focuses on the Project on the smallholder households and imported cattle from Australia; and ACIAR’s John Dillon Fellowship (JDF).

In regard to the Project on smallholder households and imported cattle from Australia, after having done some research to determine the scope in Australia, the ACIAR representative has encountered several issues on smallholder households facing barriers on participation in the beef supply chain, which requires further studies on service and resources to improve the situation and guarantee environmental, social and economical benefits of participating subjects. These include cooperation with smallholder households, connection with research partners of both sides in the field.

This peculiar project will heighten awareness about the current market status and how well the reality is, guarantee the commercialization and benefits of both parties.

Deputy Minister Le Quoc Doanh considers this a very creative and practical project because despite exporting many types of agriculture products, Vietnam currently imports a large volume of beef, especially from Australia. The Ministry will assign the Department of Animal Production and the National Livestock Institute to discuss with partners in great detail the content of the project.

In a year as “special” as this, the JDF, one of ACIAR’s flagship fellowship programs, has been exclusively designed for Vietnam. ACIAR hopes to introduce the program more clearly and invite the MARD to jointly design the program. At the same time, the Ministry can appoint an individual or specific agency to join the selection committee in order to select the final candidates for this program.

The JDF will assist the candidates to further improve their leadership skills and science management skills. The program is normally 4 to 6 weeks long, allowing them to study and create their network.

For the year 2021, ACIAR has decided to create a JDF program especially for Vietnam, expected to have 15 participants, with 12 weeks of online studies and about 5 small projects as a result of the A$ 500,000 sponsor budget.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Quoc Doanh expresses his gratitude towards ACIAR for the long-term support and close coordination with the MARD, Departments, Institutes and farming households, and hope this cooperation will maintain high efficiency.