Archives: Schedule

The Workshop on Seed and Crop Value Chain was successfully held under the HRD Project Phase 3 Extension from 28 to 29 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop was attended by 75 participants, including government officials, young lecturers, and students from ASEAN Member States (AMS). Three keynote speakers from Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam shared their extensive knowledge and experience on topics relevant to the seed and crop value chain.

Key takeaways from the workshop discussions included the significant impact of seed development on the food value chain in Thailand. Particular attention was given to Thailand’s key commodities, such as durian and rice, alongside the application of omics technologies to identify genetic traits and enhance rice breeding. Additionally, the workshop highlighted plant variety protection in Vietnam, providing valuable insights for other AMS and Japan, especially in the context of Vietnam’s participation in the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).

Delegates from Japan and representatives from Kasetsart University participated in a study visit to key locations in Thailand related to the seed and crop value chain. The visit included the Omics Technologies Centre and the Agritec Centre under the National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand, as well as the Thalaadthai Market. This study visit aimed to deepen understanding of the development of Thailand’s food value chain, from improving seeds through advanced technologies to crop distribution, ensuring high quality and availability of agricultural products in the market.

The Task Force Meeting on Development of ASEAN Outlook for Agriculture has been successfully organised from 26 to 28 November 2024. The meeting was fully funded by HRD Project under HRD Project Phase 3 Extension in collaboration with Food Agriculture and Forestry Division (FAFD) and GIZ Thailand. The meeting was attended by 113 participants, which consisted of delegations from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and the Development Partner, including MAFF Japan. Mission of Japan to ASEAN, JIRCAS, ERIA, GIZ, NIE, APO, Mekong Institute, SEAFDEC, Canada, CGIAR, USAID, European Union, CROP LIFE, IFPRI, the ASEAN Secretariat, and HRD Project.

Japan’s commitment was highlighted in the opening remarks by Mr. Hideyuki Morii, Director and Senior Negotiator of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Export and International Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. His remarks underscored Japan’s dedication to advancing the post-2025 Vision for Agriculture in collaboration with ASEAN, aiming to foster resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems under the framework of the “ASEAN-Japan MIDORI Cooperation Plan.” This initiative also reflects Japan’s pledge to promote sustainable agriculture through the integration of decarbonisation and digitalisation.

The meeting provided an overview of the ASEAN Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (FAF) sector, presenting its progress, achievements, and the challenges faced in implementing the Vision and Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in FAF (2016–2025). Key areas discussed included food, crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry, with a focus on advancing sustainable practices and addressing sectoral challenges.

Discussions during the meeting covered priority areas and topics for the FAF Post-2025 agenda, incorporating diverse regional perspectives and addressing economic and emerging challenges. The scope and inputs for the ASEAN Vision for Agriculture: Towards 2045, along with the Food, Agriculture, and Forestry Sectoral Plan for 2026–2030, were deliberated. Additionally, proposed implementation mechanisms and the structure of ASEAN Sectoral Working Groups (ASWGs) under the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) were examined to ensure alignment and effectiveness.

The Workshop on Agriculture Conservation and Productivity Improvement in the Agriculture and Food Industries was successfully implemented from 14 to 15 November in Japan. The workshop was arranged under HRD Project Phase 3 Extension in collaboration with The Institute for the Development of Agriculture Cooperative in Asia (IDACA).

The workshop was attended by 53 participants, including 17 Focal Points from universities and implementing agencies, 8 Focal Points from the ASWGAC, 6 Focal Points from the AWGATE, 7 representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), 4 representatives from IDACA, 1 representative from the ASEAN Secretariat, and 4 representatives from the HRD Project. Additionally, 6 experts from Japan’s private companies, research institutions, and universities shared their extensive knowledge and experience on topics relevant to agriculture and conservation.

During the workshop, several pertinent topics aimed at improving productivity in the food industry were discussed. These included building a food value chain for rice flour through a breeding and research-focused approach, addressing the issue of mycotoxins in maize and exploring countermeasures, as well as investigating innovative food processing and sterilisation technologies utilising electricity. Furthermore, a standardisation project on “Functional Substances in Agricultural Produce” was introduced to enhance the quality and consistency of agricultural products.

The participants also took part in a study visit to key locations in Japan, including the Tsukuba Agriculture Research Centre, the Research Centre for Genetic Resources at the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARO), and the direct sales shop for agricultural products at Michino-eki Shonan in Kashiwa City. These visits aimed to share knowledge and practical insights into Japan’s advancements in Food Value Chain (FVC), Food Safety Management (FSM), and Food Analysis (FA). The goal was to explore strategic pathways for further enhancement and development through partnerships and collaborations between universities, government bodies, and private entities in the agriculture and food sectors, with a particular focus on human resource development.

The Food Analysis Training Course in partnership with Vietnam National University of Agriculture, under HRD Project Phase 4, was successfully held from 28 October to 1 November 2024 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The course engaged 86 participants, including 10 academics (young lecturers and researchers), 20 staff from private laboratories and companies, and 56 university students from across Vietnam. Seven experts from Japan’s public and private sectors contributed, sharing their extensive knowledge and experience in food analysis.

The program combined theoretical lectures with practical training, including hands-on sessions on functional substance analysis. Participants learned how to detect procyanidins in apple juice using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), deepening their understanding of food analysis techniques. Course topics covered essential aspects of food analysis and improvement, including the foundational concept of Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS), functional food development, labeling systems, JAS testing methods, ISO/IEC 17025, standardization in the food industry, and techniques in functional substance analysis. This comprehensive approach provided participants with valuable insights into improving and developing food analysis methods.

The Food Safety Management Training Course in partnership with Indonesia Agriculture Polytechnic Development of Medan (IADP Medan) under HRD Project Phase 4 was successfully conducted on 7-9 August, 3 September, 1-2 & 29 October 2024 in Medan, Indonesia. The course was organized by the HRD Project team in collaboration with IADP Medan. The training course was attended by 19 participants, which consisted of 8 academicians, 7 Government Officials, 2 staff from the private sector, and 2 master’s students.

A total of 4 relevant experts from ECORE Co., Ltd. shared their expertise based on their broad knowledge and experience in Food Safety management. The relevant topic follows JFSM guidelines as the requirements to obtain certification as a JFS-A/B auditor. The topics include Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Japan Food Safety Standard (JFS), Food Safety Management (FSM) System, and auditing skills.

Not only lectures, the training also provided group work to enrich knowledge on food safety and build Japan Food Safety (JFS) standard auditing skills, as well as food-related regulations and standards. Moreover, examinations were conducted at the end of each training course to measure and evaluate their comprehension and understanding. Upon exam scoring, participants who demonstrate adequate knowledge with a score of 70% or above are eligible to receive certificates of JFS-A/B from ECORE Co., Ltd.

The Food Safety Management Training Course in partnership with Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) under HRD Project Phase 4 was successfully conducted on 2–4 & 30 July, 25-26 September, and 25 October 2024 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The course was organized by the HRD Project team in collaboration with the Faculty of Food Science and Technology of VNUA. The training course was attended by 20 participants, which consisted of 7 academicians, 3 Government Officials, 8 staff from the private sector, and 2 master’s students from the Vietnam National University of Agriculture.

A total of 6 relevant experts from ECORE Co., Ltd. shared their expertise based on their broad knowledge and experience on the topic of Food Safety management. The relevant topic follows JFSM guidelines as the requirements to obtain certification as a JFS-A/B auditor. The topics include Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Japan Food Safety Standard (JFS), Food Safety Management (FSM) System, and auditing skills.

Not only lectures, the training also provided group work to enrich knowledge on food safety and build Japan Food Safety (JFS) standard auditing skills, as well as food-related regulations and standards. Moreover, examinations were conducted at the end of each training course to measure and evaluate their comprehension and understanding. Upon exam scoring, participants who demonstrate adequate knowledge with a score of 70% or above are eligible to receive certificates of JFS-A/B from ECORE Co., Ltd.

The Food Value Chain Training Course, in partnership with IPB University under the HRD Project Phase 4, was successfully held weekly from 10 September to 22 October in Bogor, Indonesia. The course was attended by 59 Master’s students in Management Business at IPB University. Five experts from Japanese private companies and public institutions shared their extensive knowledge and experience on Food Value Chain topics.

The program featured comprehensive lectures on the Food Value Chain, enhanced by a field visit to Okiagaru Farm in Cianjur, West Java, which applies sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming, and hosts trainees and students for educational purposes. The farm owner, trained in Japan, leverages his experience to operate the farm.

This combination of lectures and field visits was designed to give participants a well-rounded understanding of the Food Value Chain, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights. Integrating both international and local perspectives, the program offered participants a holistic view of the field.

The activities also was launched in Japan Mission to ASEAN SNS platform through following link:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBpsVjQuuc5/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/japanmissiontoasean/posts/pfbid02oYU5tddnAxBus27rhjaQm9hkoYddyn3ncJgfzB5PVFXx37ygeh8AxWVe8JTuk67Kl—

The Workshop on “Sustainable Food Value Chain Development through Agricultural Technologies: Government-Industry-University Partnership in ASEAN and Japan” under HRD Project Phase 3 extension was successfully held from 2 to 3 September 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop was attended by a total 108 participants which consisted of 53 onsite participants and 55 online participants, which coming from public private and academia both from Japan and ASEAN. A total of 12 relevant experts from Japanese and Thailand Public-Private Companies and academia share their expertise based on their broad knowledge and experience on the topic of Sustainable Food Value Chain Development. A vision shared together in the workshop which aimed to promote environmental improvement in replacing Business as Usual in agricultural sector to proactively contribute to the nature restoration and sustainable development including net zero emissions. Not only the workshop but also a field visit to Suwan Farm as a National Corn and Sorghum Research Center managed by Kasetsart University and Organic Farm Outlet as the first and leading organic milk production center featured as part of the knowledge-sharing and exchange initiative between Japan and Thailand. Both activities aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various actors, players, and stakeholders involved in the Sustainable Food Value Chain Development. The initiative also sought to further strengthen collaboration between Japan and ASEAN with a particular focus on Thailand.

The activity also have been published in Japanese Version in the Niigata Agro-Food Magazine through following link: https://nafu.ac.jp/magazine/research-introduction/entry-7278.html

The Food Safety Management Training Course in partnership with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) under HRD Project Phase 4 was successfully conducted from 26 August to 2 September & 11 September 2024 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The course was organized by the HRD Project team in collaboration with the Faculty of Food Science and Technology of UPM. The training course was attended by 30 participants, which consisted of 11 academicians, 4 Government Officials, 7 staff from the private sector, and 8 students from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

A total of 2 relevant experts Kagoshima University of Japan and Mae Fah Luang University of Thailand shared their expertise based on their broad knowledge and experience on the topic of Food Safety management. The relevant topic follows JFSM guidelines as the requirements to obtain certification as a JFS-A/B auditor. The topics include Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Japan Food Safety Standard (JFS), Food Safety Management (FSM) System, and auditing skills.

Not only lectures, the training also provided group work to enrich knowledge on food safety and build Japan Food Safety (JFS) standard auditing skills, as well as food-related regulations and standards. Moreover, examinations were conducted at the end of each training course to measure and evaluate their comprehension and understanding. Upon exam scoring, participants who demonstrate adequate knowledge with a score of 70% or above are eligible to receive certificates of JFS-A/B from Kagoshima University.