CABI and VAAS Host PlantwisePlus Annual Forum to Review Progress and Set Priorities for 2026
CAB International (CABI) and Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) successfully co-organised the PlantwisePlus Annual Forum Meeting on 16 September, 2025 to review the achievements of the PlantwisePlus (PWP) activities in 2025 and to define the priority activities for 2026.
Participants of the PlantwisePlus Annual Forum Meeting from CABI, VAAS, and key national stakeholders.
PlantwisePlus is a global programme, led by CABI, to manage emerging plant health problems, increase incomes and grow safer and higher quality food through sustainable crop production approaches. In Vietnam, PWP program is working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the plant health system through the various activities to provide farmers with the knowledge they need to lose less and feed more.
The forum brought together national stakeholders of the PlantwisePlus programme, including representatives from VAAS, Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Southern Fruit Research Institute (SOFRI), Plant Production and Protection Department (PPPD), Sub-Plant Production and Protection Department (sub-PPPD) Lam Dong and Dong Thap, WeatherPlus, ALiSEA, An Giang University, Vietnam National University (VNU), BioPro Ltd, and others. Participants shared insights, experiences, and lessons learned from ongoing initiatives that support sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam.
Key achievements in 2025
Over the past year, PlantwisePlus activities in Vietnam have delivered significant progress:
- IPM demonstration trials: Sub-PPPD Lam Dong showcased the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) demonstrations on the South American tomato leafminer, conducted in collaboration with CABI and BioPro. These trials are helping farmers apply safe and effective approaches to manage invasive pests.
- Digital innovation for safer farming: The CABI BioProtection Portal has been integrated into VietPlant, a mobile app developed by WeatherPlus. This integration makes it easier for farmers and advisors to access information on biological control and other safer pest management options.
- Building the next generation of plant health experts: Universities across Vietnam—including Viet Nam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), VNU, An Giang University, VNU-HCM (AGU), and Can Tho University (CTU)—are increasingly adopting CABI Academy online courses. These courses are equipping students with skills in pest diagnosis, IPM, and bioprotection, helping to strengthen agricultural education and prepare young professionals for future challenges.
- Strengthening farmer advice services: SOFRI provided updates on the continued expansion of plant clinics and the development of pest factsheets, which are vital tools in delivering practical, science-based plant health advice directly to farmers in the field.
Looking ahead, priorities for 2026
The forum was followed up by a National Consultation Meeting, part of Vietnam’s engagement as a CABI member country. This session, led by Ms Chin Sing Yun, CABI Country Director for Malaysia, and Dr Dao The Anh, former Vice President of VAAS and former CABI Liaison Officer in Vietnam, addressed and follow up on recommendations from the Regional Consultation Meeting and identified key future actions for collaboration.
Based on the feedback from the regional consultation meeting and the member country needs, participants recommended:
· Expanding capacity building and technical support on plant health, IPM, biological control, and nature-based solutions.
· Joint development of an early warning system for insect pests and diseases.
· Exploring models to strengthen farmer advisory systems, such as plant clinics.
· Advancing opportunities for PhD training and publications to grow Vietnam’s research capacity.
· Supporting Vietnam’s Food System Transformation initiative
Dr Muhammad Faheem, CABI Plant Health advisor, outlined potential focus areas for 2026, including the piloting of OneHealth approaches, strengthening of biological control program, and increasing opportunities for knowledge and experience sharing.
On this occasion, CABI also expressed its appreciation to Dr Dao The Anh, the former CABI Liaison Officer for Viet Nam for his valuable contributions and longstanding support in strengthening the collaboration between CABI and Vietnam.
