The workshop gathered numerous representatives from research institutes, universities, enterprises, associations, cooperatives, regulatory agencies, and experts in the field of sustainable agriculture. This was a practical forum for stakeholders to share current situations, analyze capacity gaps in training and practice, and propose solutions to improve the quality of human resources for the sector.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien – President of the University – emphasized the role of Vietnam National University of Forestry in education, research, and knowledge transfer for the development of sustainable agriculture. He stated: "Capacity gaps are not fixed; they change over time, space, and subjects. To accurately identify these gaps, one must rely on the specific objectives of each period, which reflect the difference between what is needed and what is currently available." One of the key points is the need for suitable assessment tools to systematically and practically measure and identify the gaps. Prof. Dien also emphasized: "The University is strengthening cooperation with businesses and both domestic and international partners for a better future for learners, while also contributing to narrowing the gap in sustainable agriculture."

At the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Ba Long – Dean of the College of Land Management and Rural Development and Project Leader of HARVEST – presented the background of the project and analyzed the gaps in the current training programs, particularly in knowledge and skills related to ecological agriculture. He proposed developing short-term courses and integrating ecological agriculture content into undergraduate and graduate programs.

Dr. Do Thi Huong – Project Coordinator – presented the main activities being implemented by Vietnam National University of Forestry: assessment of capacity gaps; designing competency frameworks; developing short-term training programs; organizing capacity-building training courses; and preparing to establish an Innovation Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao The Anh – Vice Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences – presented an overview of ecological agriculture, highlighting current challenges, and the policies and models currently being applied in Vietnam.

Two dynamic group discussion sessions took place, focusing on three main topics:

1. Capacity gaps in training and practice;

2. Labor market demands;

3. Solutions to improve the quality of education in sustainable agriculture.

The participants identified common shortcomings such as practical skills, systems thinking, innovation capacity, and teamwork. Various solutions were proposed, such as: developing practice-oriented courses, integrating interdisciplinary content, strengthening connections with businesses and cooperatives, and applying modern teaching methods suitable for digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Some images from the Workshop

Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien (President) delivers opening remarks at the workshop

Dr. Nguyen Ba Long – Dean of the College of Land Management and Rural Development (Project Leader)

Dr. Do Thi Huong (Project coordinator) presents an overview of the HARVEST Project

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao The Anh – Vice Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) presents on ecological agriculture

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui The Doi (Vice President) gives a speech

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa (Vice President) delivers the closing remarks of the workshop

Mr. Tran Manh Chien – CEO of Bac Tom Food Store Chain – Head of the Coordination Committee of PGS Vietnam

Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Binh – Director of the Center for Organic Agriculture – Vietnam National University of Forestry, Member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Organic Association

Source: ICD