Protected cropping provides vegetable growers with an opportunity to enhance product quality and improve food safety. The overall objective of this project was to provide Vietnamese scientists and extension specialists with the training and tools to implement and foster regionally feasible improvements to current vegetable production practices and supply chains. This was achieved through: 1) greenhouse replicated experiments and demonstration trials in Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam; 2) four in-country workshops and 3) two Australian study tours for research and extension personnel. Key highlights of the project have included: 1) Adaptation of technologies by both farmers and researchers to Vietnamese conditions; 2) Utilisation of hydroponic systems in both. | Ministry of Agriculture Rural Development Australian Government AusAID Completion Report Improving the safety and quality of Vietnamese vegetables through research and capacity building in quality assurance postharvest management and high technology protected cropping systems Project 004 04VI 1 Table of Contents 1. Institute Information 1 2. Project Abstract 3 3. Executive Summary 3 4. Introduction Background 4 5. Progress to Date 5 Implementation Highlights 5 Protected cropping trials 5 Evaluation of Vietnamese cocopeat 5 Capacity building of research and extension personnel 7 Fostering practice-change in farmers and other supply chain partners 10 Supply chains mapped 12 Smallholder Benefits 13 Capacity Building 13 Publicity 14 Project Management 14 6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 14 Environment 14 Gender and Social Issues 14 7. Implementation Sustainability Issues 14 Issues and Constraints 14 Options 14 Sustainability 15 8. Next Critical Steps 15 9. Conclusion 15 1 1. Institute Information Project Name Improving the safety and quality of Vietnamese vegetables through research and capacity building in quality assurance postharvest management and high technology protected cropping systems. Vietnamese Institution Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute FAVRI Trau Quy Gia Lam Hanoi Vietnamese Project Team Leader Associate Prof. Dr. Tran Khac Thi Australian Organisation Industry and Investment NSW formerly NSW Dpi Gosford Primary Industries Institute Centre of Excellence in Market Access and Greenhouse Horticulture Incorporating the National Centre for Greenhouse Horticulture Australian Personnel Dr Suzie Newman Australian Project Leader Dr Sophie Parks Mr Joseph Ekman Dr Vong Nguyen retired former Project Leader Date commenced 30th September 2005 Completion date original 30th September 2007 Completion date revised 31st May 2008 Reporting period Final Report Contact Officer s In Australia Team .
