Vietnamese Farmers Forum on Biotech Crops

As the country is gearing up towards possible commercialization of biotech crops, a workshop on "Farmers at the forefront in applying genetically modified crops in Vietnam" was held on December 3, 2014 at the Headquarters of Vietnam Farmer's Union at Rural Today newspaper, Hanoi. Close to 100 research scientists and experts in Vietnam, representatives from different local businesses and industries, and Farmer's Union of provinces and cities, as well as maize growers in the country participated.  

Dr. Nguyen Duy Luong, deputy chairman of the Central Vietnam Farmer's Association, in his opening remarks expressed his hope that Farmers Union at different levels would get more information about GM crops and its benefits in preparation for the official commercialization of biotech crops in the country.  Journalist Luu Quang Dinh, chief editor of Rural Today newspaper, opined that it is high time that correct and science-based information on biotech crops be known and circulated in the light of the many unfounded issues on the technology.

Asian Farmers Network regional chair Mr. Edwin Paraluman and Philippine chair Mr. Reynaldo Cabanao shared their personal experiences on the production and consumption of biotech corn in the Philippines, as well as its contribution to the corn and livestock industry.

For more information on this workshop, contact Lê Đức Linh of AgBiotechVN at ldlinh@gmail.com.