AsiaDHRRA and AGFU launched the project “Strengthening ten palm sugar cooperation groups to enhance collective marketing of palm sugar products” under the under Farmers’ Organization for Asia (FO4A) program, in coordination with AgriCord, and funded by EU and IFAD. The event was participated by AGFU’s officials led by its Vice Chair, authorities from the local government, chiefly the head of the Agriculture and Trade Enterprise Department, and representatives from the Viet Nam Farmers Union (VNFU).

The project is implemented in two districts, Tien Bie and Tri Ton, with 11 cooperation groups and about 200 members. AsiaDHRRA’s team also visited AGFU’s members in three communes in Tien Bien and Tri Ton districts. The team met with AGFU members,  local authorities, representatives of the People’s Committee, and cooperative group leaders. The commune aims to upgrade its local government status, and establishing a cooperative is essential. In addition, a cooperative formation would require capacity building in management, and a need to deepen the appreciation for collaborative work was identified.