Transforming sustainable food systems is the ultimate responsibility

At the 4th Global Conference on Sustainable Food Systems Programme in Hanoi, Dr. Dao The Anh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, was invited by the Organizing Committee to speak at the fourth official discussion session on April 26. He also attended a number of side events, related to ecological agriculture and food systems transformation. Vietnam Agriculture News had an opportunity to interview Dr. Dao The Anh to clarify what it means to be a sustainable food system.

A breakthrough after 30 years of the agricultural sector

In the span of 30 years, Vietnam has made many achievements in agricultural production in terms of growth and export of agro-forestry-fishery products while ensuring domestic food security. From an undernourished country that had to import food in the 1980s and 1990s, we have quickly transformed into the world's leading food exporter.

Coming to this conference, countries in the world want to hear Vietnam share its experience on this outstanding transition. To sum up, i can see these four main points:

Firstly, Vietnam recognizes the household economy and transfers long-term land use rights to farmers to encourage each individual's working spirit to self-secure food and sell to others if excessed. Secondly, the investment in the irrigation system is well-attended to so that farmers are fully active in farming, especially food crops. Thirdly, invest in scientific research which results in the birth of new varieties and technical advances. Fourthly, the agricultural extension system is constructed to disseminate knowledge to the people.

Without one or more of these elements, it will be challenging for the transformation process to meet expectations. For example, in Africa, which occupies 60% of the world's agricultural land, their climate and soil conditions are better, but many countries in the continent has not ensured food security. The problem is that these countries do not have appropriate policies for farmers to maximize their working efficiency.

Thanks to relatively complete and comprehensive system of legal documents and legal framework, early promulgation of the Law on Cultivation, the Law on Livestock, the Law on Fisheries, and most recently, the Prime Minister's Decision 300 on the National Action to transform transparent, responsible and sustainable food systems by 2030, Vietnam is always ready to support and export food to the international market, even in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vietnam also attaches great importance to the South-South Cooperation (exchange of resources, technology and knowledge among developing countries). After two years of Covid-19, countries that are not yet self-sufficient in terms of food security have a higher need for this issue. For example, Sierra Leone has sent four leaders and heads of state to our country, directly to the Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Sciences, to learn and exchange experiences.

The Prime Minister's Decision 300 also emphasizes the "transparency" factor. It can be said that in the current explosive technology era, to export sustainably, we are required to provide transparent information, from the environment of the production area to product origin and nutrition labeling for quality products. The food systems' sustainability will only be confirmed if it can be done in both the international market and domestic consumption market.

Timely change, adapt to new requirements

Our task now is not simply "have enough to eat" as before, but also "to eat with quality and ensure nutrition". This issue has been mentioned by the United Nations many times. Countries need to focus on human development. In the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations focuses on related content such as diversifying foods, ensuring balanced nutrition, healthy diets, etc.

The foundation of agricultural production must be changed to meet requirements such as: Food quality, safety, and hygiene; People of all classes and regions have the right to access food; The supply and distribution system does not pollute the environment or destroy natural resources.

Currently, the rate of malnutrition among children in our country is approximately 20%, which is relatively high. Particularly in the northern mountainous region and the Central Highlands, the malnutrition rate of is 1.5 to 2 times higher than the national average.

Vietnam's agricultural land is repidly degraded. Biodiversity is reduced in many areas, and greenhouse gas emissions from wet rice cultivation have yet to show signs of decrease. That can be seen as consequences of the previous intensive farming practices. Thus, the goals of agricultural growth, or production in excess, are only one aspect of the process when placed alongside the status quo of nutritional security.

Most managers, scientific researchers, and people directly involved in agroproduction in Vietnam know this issue and have proactively participated in dialogue programs about sustainable food systems worldwide by the United Nations, FAO, and international organizations.

We all understand the curent urgent needs, which is to change the goal from productivity to quality, produce using environment-friendly approaches, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; aim towards production while maintaining export growth, ensuring food and nutrition security for all 100 million people, especially in remote, isolated and ethnic minority areas.

Our country's supply system currently has many small farmers and small or medium enterprises. They are an essential link that helps the distribution network spread, but they are in a group vulnerable to external factors. Vietnam's economy is highly open. The coordination between the State, the private sector, and the actors in the food chain needs to be raised a step further.

Like other countries, Vietnam cannot solve all problems on its own. International cooperation will be the key to helping us continue to intensify agricultural production without destroying environmental factors such as soil, water, biodiversity, and forests.

As the host country, the Global Conference on Sustainable Food Systems Programme is an opportunity for Vietnam to announce the content of the national action plan for transforming the food systems (Decision 300 of the Prime Minister). This is a consistent policy direction and clear commitment of Vietnam. I believe that the plan will attract international organizations and countries to accompany Vietnam, especially in the field of communication, training, and technological research in agriculture.

Dr. Dao The Anh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences