Vietnam, FAO release cooperation programme for 2012-2016

A cooperation program for 2012-2016 between Vietnam and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was announced here Monday, under which FAO will support Vietnam's agricultural restructuring plan to ensure food security, maintain sustainable development and improve farmers' livelihoods. Jong Ha Bae, FAO Chief Representative, said an agriculture- based country like Vietnam needs to restructure its farming system to address macroeconomic instability, including slow growth recovery and big trade deficit, state-run radio Voice of Vietnam ( VOV) reported. The 2012-2016 program identifies UN support for Vietnam in the next five years to meet national socio-economic development targets in the 2011-2015 and 2011-2020 periods. It supports Vietnam's policy and legal framework on livelihood, nutrition and food security, accelerates institutional restructuring to boost the development of the agricultural market, and assists Vietnam with climate change adaptation and mitigation. The program will also help improve the sustainable supply of agricultural goods and services, raise value and reduce post- harvest loss, and encourage vulnerable farmers to take part in effective food and agriculture systems, said the report.