Australia provides $1.45 million in support for sustainable agricultural innovation in Vietnam.

On August 1st, the Australian Government, together with the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology, announced a major funding package worth A$1.45 million for three advanced agricultural technology projects.

Many sustainable agricultural projects are supported by the Australian government

This funding package is part of the Innovation Partnership funding component of the Aus4Innovation Program, aimed at supporting the adoption of advanced technologies capable of enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam.

The funded projects met the requirements for applying high-tech solutions to improve agricultural productivity, develop markets for agricultural products, adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote social activities.

The three funded projects highlight the importance of collaborative research between innovation ecosystems in Australia and Vietnam in implementing technological advancements to promote sustainable agriculture. These projects include:

The project, “Enhancing Crop Monitoring Capacity and Information Access for Smallholder Farmers and Managers in Vietnam,” is a collaboration between the University of Southern Queensland and the Vietnam National Space Centre. The project utilizes geospatial technology to provide crucial crop information to improve productivity and received A$487,719 in funding.

The project, “Proactive Carbon Farming Applying Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twins to Develop Sustainable Agriculture in Thanh Hoa Province,” is a collaboration between Griffith University and Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The project will develop an AI-powered digital platform to enable more accurate quantification of greenhouse gas emissions and promote low-carbon agriculture and sustainable farming practices. It will also create opportunities for generating new revenue streams through carbon credits. The funding budget is A$480,658.

The project, “Strengthening the Capacity of Smallholder Farmers through AI-Based Certification and Traceability Systems Towards Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam,” is a collaboration between Griffith University and the National Standards and Quality Control Board. Its aim is to improve agricultural standards through AI and digitalization, ensuring effective farm monitoring and product traceability. The funding budget is A$480,134.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski shared: “These initiatives demonstrate the spirit of innovation and cooperation between Australia and Vietnam. This reflects Australia’s broader commitment to supporting Vietnam through targeted funding: realizing technology-driven initiatives to address emerging and long-term challenges.”

According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy, the successful implementation of these projects will mark an important step in Vietnam’s ambition to become a pioneering nation in applying high-tech solutions in agriculture. The cooperation underscores Vietnam’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies that bring significant socio-economic benefits, while also laying the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

“Aus4Innovation is a pioneering, 10-year program (2018-2028) with a budget of A$33.5 million aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s innovation system to support comprehensive and sustainable socio-economic development. The program is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), co-funded and managed by CSIRO – the Australian National Science Agency, and implemented by the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology.”