Workshop on Seed and Crop Value Chain

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.