USABC Food & Agriculture Virtual Briefing with Assistant Director Pham Minh
![rice fields](/sites/default/files/2024-02/AdobeStock_228762020_edited.jpg)
On July 12, the Council held a Food & Agriculture committee virtual meeting with Assistant Director Dr. Pham Quang Minh as the Head of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry Division, Sectoral Development Directorate in the ASEAN Secretariat. The discussion identified several key priorities, including supporting sustainable agriculture, reducing harmful agrochemicals, and enhancing public-private sector partnership. Moving forward, attending parties will work together on three important initiatives: develop an ASEAN statement on sustainable agriculture, establish an action plan to identify the specific projects on soil and waste management, and draft an ASEAN statement on the reduction of crop burning. Priority crops for ASEAN are rice, cassava, sugarcane, and similar types. Regarding regulatory processes for introducing new chemicals, Dr. Pham Minh noted the need to harmonize standards between countries and develop regional frameworks to ensure environmental protection and public health. The Council will continue to identify opportunities for Special Projects to support ASEAN Secretariat Food & Agriculture priorities.