Australia Supports Sustainable Agriculture Innovations in Vietnam

Hanoi, 01 August 2024 – The Australian Government, in partnership with the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology, is proud to announce the awarding of substantial grants to three cutting-edge agricultural technology projects through the component of Aus4Innovation Partnership Grants under the Aus4Innov ation Program. Totaling AUD 1.45 million, these grants aim to support the uptake of advanced technologies capable of enhancing agricultural efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in Vietnam. 

This latest round of the Aus4Innovation Partnership Grants, managed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, focused on the pressing theme - high tech innovation to address challenges in agriculture for sustainable development. With the complexities of modern agriculture in mind, this round sought proposals that leverage high-tech solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, market development for agricultural outputs, climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, and social inclusivity. The three successful projects highlight the importance of collaboration between the research innovation ecosystems in Australia and Vietnam to make technological advancements in sustainable agriculture. These projects include: 

• Improving crop monitoring and access to information by smallholder farmers and government decision-makers in Vietnam - A collaboration between the University of Southern Queensland and the Vietnam National Space Center, this initiative will harness geospatial technologies to provide vital crop information, aiming to boost productivity. Funding granted: AUD 487,719. 

• Proactive carbon farming with AI and digital twins for sustainable agriculture in Thanh Hoa Province - Griffith University and Hanoi University of Science & Technology will develop an AI-driven platform to better quantify greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon farming, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and revenue opportunities through carbon credits. Funding granted: AUD 480,658. 

• Empowering smallholder farmers through AI-powered certification and traceability for sustainable agriculture in Vietnam - Griffith University in partnership with Vietnam’s Commission of Standard, Metrology, and Quality aim to elevate standards in agriculture through an AI and digitalisation system that ensures effective farm monitoring and product traceability. Funding granted: AUD 480,134. 

H.E. Mr Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, congratulated the winners, stating, “These initiatives embody the spirit of innovation and collaboration between Australia and Vietnam. Through the Aus4Innovation Partnership Grants, we are not only tackling evolving challenges but also investing in the long-term sustainability of Vietnam’s agricultural sector. This shines a light on our broader commitment to support Vietnam through targeted funding for technology-driven projects that address both emerging and long-standing challenges." 

Adding to the Ambassador’s comments, Vice Minister Bui The Duy from the Ministry of Science and Technology remarked, "The successful implementation of these projects will mark a significant leap in Vietnam's ambitions to become a pioneer in the application of high-tech solutions in agriculture. This collaboration underlines our commitment to embracing innovative technologies that drive significant socio-economic benefits, laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future." 

Dr. Kim Wimbush, CSIRO Counsellor to Vietnam and Director of the Aus4Innovation Program shared "Recipients of Aus4Innovation Partnership Grants, also benefit from CSIRO’s support through connections to our network of innovators and industry partners, guidance on gender and disability responsiveness and social inclusivity, and access to partnership brokering experts to ensure the success of projects and fortify the collaboration between Australian and Vietnamese entities within each project." 

The Aus4Innovation Partnership Grants scheme represents a strategic initiative designed to foster innovative technological solutions in Vietnam. Over its three previous funding rounds, a diverse array of 12 projects across sectors such as agriculture and food, healthcare, natural disaster and environment management received a total of AUD 5.3 million. These projects have significantly addressed emerging challenges in Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem. The Aus4Innovation initiative has not only spurred groundbreaking innovations at the grassroots level, but also cemented a vibrant community of innovators across both countries, setting a benchmark for future collaborations. 

The Aus4Innovation Program is a ten-year (2018-2028) A$33.5 million flagship program aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s innovation system to support inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. The program is funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), co-funded and managed by CSIRO and delivered in a strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology./. 

For further information, please contact: 

Ms. Nguyen Huong Thao – Aus4Innovation Program Manager 
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]  
Tel: +84 4 3774 0202 
Website: Aus4Innovation Innovation Partnership Grants Round 4 Recipients – Aus4Innovation (csiro.au)