Hanoi, Vietnam. With the intention of presenting the program proposal called "Coffee sector development towards sustainable production and trade in Vietnam until 2020" to interested donors, the Department of Crop Production (DoCP) of the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has organized a workshop on Dec. 12^th, 2009 in Hanoi. The program was developed on the basis of a multi-stakeholder process, which E.D.E. Consulting supported as a facilitator and enriched through its practical project experience.

A number of donors from both the private and the public sector have followed the invitation. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), the Douwe Egberts Foundation, the Rabobank Foundation, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the French Development Agency (AFD), SECO, the US Embassy and Nestlé were among the participants. The workshop presenters particularly honored the presence of Mr. Bui Ba Bong, the Vietnamese Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Vietnam, Mr. Joop Scheffers. Three donors, the LNV, the Douwe Egberts Foundation (DEF) and the Rabobank Foundation, have committed to becoming the first partners of the program, focusing on the development of coffee farmer organizations in Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Lam Dong. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the three donors, the DoCP and the International Cooperation Department (ICD).

After the workshop, representatives of the three donors joined a 4-day field trip to Gia Lai and Dak Lak to visit sustainability projects in the regions and to discuss with local partners and farmers in these provinces. The donors were very impressed by the achievements attained by the pilot projects, and believe that these achievements clearly show the significant potential of the new development program.

To have a look at the program proposal, please click here - or go through the pictures to gain a more visual impression of the event.