The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation focused on sustainable integrated crop management for durian cultivation. The partnership will be executed in two phases:

• Phase One (2024 – 2025): This initial phase will leverage current best farming practices to develop innovative crop protection solutions that meet farmers' expectations regarding yield, fruit quality, and profitability. Implementation will follow an agreed protocol involving large-scale experimental trials.
• Phase Two (2025 – 2026): This subsequent phase will broaden the collaboration to involve partners specializing in nutrition and irrigation, with the goal of creating a holistic sustainable crop solution that aligns closely with farmers' needs.

In addition to crop management, the partnership will focus on disseminating best practices to farmers by developing educational materials for training. This initiative will be carried out through the Better Life Farming project, enhancing the knowledge and skills of local farmers.

Both organizations will co-organize and participate in targeted workshops, technical seminars, meetings, and events to share and exchange best practices and technology with external partners, including durian cooperatives and value chain growers.

The signing of this MoU reinforces Bayer's commitment to sustainable agriculture and its dedication to supporting local farmers in Vietnam. The collaboration seeks to enhance the livelihoods of farmers in the highland provinces while aligning with Vietnam's agricultural development goals.

Mr. Kg Krishnamurthy, Country Commercial Lead of the Crop Science Division at Bayer Vietnam, stated at the ceremony: "Building resilient food value chains to support smallholder farmers requires a long-term vision and robust partnerships as no one can tackle every challenge alone. That is why we establish crop value-chain collaborations to provide smallholder farmers with high-quality inputs, agronomic knowledge and solutions for climate change mitigation. Our partnership with WASI underscores our commitment to empowering local farmers through innovative agricultural practices. By combining our resources and expertise, we can help farmers navigate challenges and make their farms both commercially profitable and sustainable.”

Dr. Phan Viet Ha, Deputy Director of the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI) added: "At WASI, we focus on providing training, consultancy, and technology transfer of advanced agronomic solutions and best practices for sustainable agricultural development in the Central Highlands. By partnering with Bayer, we can leverage their expertise and resources to deliver impactful training, consultancy, and technology transfer to our local farmers, enhancing productivity and elevating livelihoods. Together, we are taking decisive steps towards a brighter future for the farming communities in the region and beyond.”

Bayer’s Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

Globally, Bayer has set ambitious sustainability goals to be achieved by 2030, which include reducing on-field greenhouse gas emissions per unit of crop by 30%, improving water use efficiency by 25% for smallholder farmers, and supporting a total of 100 million smallholder farmers to enhance their livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries.

Despite significant challenges such as climate change and the need for modern farming technologies, Vietnam's agriculture sector holds tremendous promise. Bayer is committed to leveraging its expertise and resources to support Vietnam in realizing the full potential of its agricultural sector, particularly for key export crops like rice, durian, and coffee.

Initiated in 2024, the Better Life Farming initiative aims to support local smallholder coffee and durian farmers by providing access to comprehensive innovative solutions and expert advisory services. The initiative focuses on creating a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers farmers to adopt sustainable practices and thrive.

With the signing of this MoU, Bayer and WASI are poised to make a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape in Vietnam, helping to transform the sector into a model of regenerative and environmentally responsible practices.