The HARVEST project is part of the Erasmus+ program funded by the European Union and involves five countries: Spain, Poland, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia. (Project details available at: https://institucional.us.es/harvest/)

Opening ceremony of the HARVEST project kick-off workshop in Seville, Spain

The international workshop, themed "Four Continents, One Heart," focused on transforming agricultural practices and food systems in Southeast Asia. The event brought together more than 40 researchers from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Representing VNUF were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa – Vice President, Dr. Nguyen Ba Long – Dean of the College of Land Management and Rural Development, and Dr. Do Thi Huong – Director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Development Research, under the College of Land Management and Rural Development. 

The workshop aimed to discuss and develop implementation plans for the project, while fostering collaboration among the participating countries. Key topics included sharing experiences in sustainable agriculture, detailed project planning, and site visits to advanced agricultural models in Seville, Spain.

Delegates discuss the project implementation plan and take a commemorative photo

Scheduled to run from 2025 to 2027, the HARVEST project focuses on: Strengthening the capacity of lecturers and students in sustainable agriculture and food systems in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia; Developing educational programs and research initiatives to address climate change challenges; Promoting international cooperation and sustainable agricultural economic development in Southeast Asia. 

During the workshop, each country presented its project implementation plan and shared experiences in sustainable agricultural practices. VNUF's delegation introduced the university's designated activities, sustainable agriculture models in Vietnam, existing knowledge gaps, and modern teaching approaches. Their presentation received positive feedback from project partners and participants.

VNUF's project coordinator presents at the workshop

This initiative is among several international cooperation projects the university is participating in to support training, research, and capacity-building for its academic staff, researchers, and students. The HARVEST project plays an important role in shaping academic programs, scientific research, and international collaboration in sustainable agriculture and food systems in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

The VNUF delegation takes a commemorative photo with Prof. Carmen Vargas Macías – Vice Rector of the University of Seville, Spain

VNUF presents souvenirs and organic agricultural products jointly developed by the College of Land Management and Rural Development

The workshop concluded successfully, laying a solid foundation for the implementation of the HARVEST project. The project's motto, "Growing Knowledge, Cultivating Sustainability," reflects the participating countries' strong commitment to close cooperation in developing advanced training and research programs in sustainable agriculture in the near future.

Delegates join the project management board in field visits to several sustainable organic farming models in Seville, Spain

Sustainable agriculture practice area at the High-Tech Agricultural Engineering School, University of Seville

Traditional cheese production model at an organic farm in Sierra de Tentudía, Badajoz Province, Spain

Source: ICD