On the morning of June 12, in Long Xuyen ward, An Giang University (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) and the Vietnam Pure Vegetable Technology Research Center (O Plant-based Food Joint Stock Company Branch) officially signed a cooperation agreement to develop floating rice crops.
Attending were, on the school's side, Dr. Nguyen Huu Tri - Vice Rector in charge of An Giang University (AGU); Mr. Le Thanh Phong - Deputy Director of the Institute of Climate Change (AGU)...
Business representatives included Ms. Ho Thi Thanh Nhien - General Director of O Plant-based Food Joint Stock Company; Mr. Nguyen Lam Truong An - Director of Vietnam Pure Vegetable Technology Research Center, representative of Vinh Gia Floating Rice Cooperative...
Speaking to welcome, Dr. Nguyen Huu Tri affirmed that this is a concrete step to concretize the strategic cooperation agreement linking "4 houses" signed on May 8, 2026 between local authorities, scientists, businesses and farmers, including Vinh Gia Commune People's Committee, An Giang University, Vietnam Pure Vegetable Technology Research Center and Vinh Gia Floating Crop Cooperative. The program aims to comprehensively develop the floating rice crop area in the period 2025 - 2030, with a vision to 2045.
Next, Mr. Nguyen Lam Truong An - Director of the Vietnam Pure Vegetable Technology Research Center - said that according to the signed content, the two units will implement 11 key cooperation items to preserve precious gene sources, improve the value of rice grains and promote sustainable agricultural development.
In which, the parties focus on researching and restoring indigenous floating summer rice varieties and potential rice varieties capable of adapting to climate change; building a standard variety system and a network of farmers propagating varieties to form a value chain from conservation, production, processing to product commercialization.
A noteworthy content is to promote research and application of rice and agricultural by-products such as straw and rice paddy to develop purely plant-based foods, value-added nutritional products in the direction of green economy, circular economy and carbon emission reduction.
In addition, the cooperation program also aims to build natural-based farming processes (Nature Based Solutions - NBS), complete quality standards for rice and rice processed products, and develop human resources to serve research and production for both sides.
According to Ms. Ho Thi Thanh Nhien - General Director of O Plant-based Food JSC, the goal of the project is not only to stop at economic efficiency but also to preserve indigenous culture, protect the ecosystem, improve community health and create sustainable livelihoods for people in the floating rice crop area. In particular, the development orientation of the program is in line with the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, contributing to the implementation of goals on hunger eradication and poverty reduction, ensuring food security, environmental protection, climate change response and sustainable ecosystem development.
On this occasion, Mr. Le Thanh Phong, as the head of the research group on conservation, restoration, and hybridization of floating rice, expressed his joy when for the first time a business committed to strategic cooperation on comprehensive development in terms of economy, society, environment... adapting to climate change.
Mr. Phong hopes that this will be the starting point for the new development journey of traditional rice varieties in the upstream Mekong River region.
The signing of the cooperation is expected to create a foundation for the research, innovation and development process of Vinh Gia floating rice value chain, contributing to enhancing the position of Vietnamese agriculture on the basis of harmony between economic growth, natural resource conservation and sustainable development.
