The contents of the meeting focused on sharing the results of FFF II Vietnam implementation and the work plan for the remain months of 2021 and 2022; sharing the forest and farm production organization (FFPOs) models as the primary agents of change for climate resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods; advising and supporting the effective implementation of the Program; and share information, new related policies, research results, programs and projects, identify resources that can be coordinated to support the implementation of the Program's goals as well as support the FFPOs, etc. The meeting was attended by 48 delegates who are representatives of relevant ministries and sectors, representatives of FAO Vietnam, consultants and experts in the field of agriculture and forestry and representatives of the leaders of the local Farmers' Union and FFPO in FFF provinces.
More than 2,000 households join 35 collective groups and cooperatives
In a summary report on the implementation of the FFF II Program in Vietnam, in 2020-2021, Mr. Mai Bac My - Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the VNFU - Director of the FFF II Program said: Over the years, the Vietnam Farmers' Union at all levels has been organizing many activities and projects to help farmer members develop forest and farm economic models which combine agricultural production with afforestation, forest management and protection.
Especially, with support from the Forest and Farm Program of FAO, Vietnam Farmers' Union has implemented the program from 2015 to present (phase I from 2015-2017). Following the positive results achieved in phase I, the FFF II Program Management Board of the Vietnam Farmers' Union has chaired and coordinated with other departments and units of the VNFU, Yen Bai, Bac Kan, Hoa Binh, Son La, Thai Nguyen Farmers' Union  and related ministries and agencies continue to implement the Program with the goal of improving capacity for FFPOs, households, women, youth and ethnic minority groups to develop production and business of forest products, agroforestry combined, income generation activities from forest landscapes, sustainable poverty reduction and adaptation to climate change. At the same time, strengthen the capacity of farmer organizations to operate effectively, provide better services, advice and support to members and participate in the process of policy development, implementation, monitoring and criticism at the local, national and international levels. The program is being implemented in the right direction, close to actual needs and in close coordination with Farmers' Unions at all levels, ministries, branches, departments, authorities and other stakeholders in Vietnam.  

Yen Duong cooperative’s members in Ba Bể, Bắc Kan cooperate to produce Tài sticky rice
 
In 2020-2021, despite many difficulties and challenges, especially in the context of the complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic, the Program has achieved very positive results. Up to now, 35 collective groups and cooperatives (FFPOs) in 5 provinces have been reorganized and newly established by the program, with 761 official member households (41.5% female, 61.5% ethnic minority, 11.7% youth) and 1,375 associate member households.
Notably, participating in the FFF II program, the FFPOs have been trained to improve business capacity, market access and finance associated with gender equality and value chains. As a result, FFPOs have actively researched, grasped market information, signed sales contracts for products, etc. The program has supported to increase incomes by 10-20% and sustainable poverty reduction for beneficiaries.  

Ms. Bui Thi Thom - Vice Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union gave a directing speech at the virtual meeting
 
At the meeting, the FFF II Program Management Board received a lot of positive comments on the results of the program implementation in 2020-2021 and suggestions and advice for the 2022 plan as well as suggestions how to support FFPOs in the coming time, such as focusing on supporting and strengthening FFPOs for sustainable development, and at the same time supporting the development of new FFPOs; promote links and cooperation between FFPOs and related parties, especially enterprises; strengthen communication on forest management, exploitation and development associated with sustainable farms; strengthen coordination and cooperation with partners, agencies, departments, local authorities, businesses to share initiatives, mobilize resources to support FFPOs; connecting FFPOs  with other development projects and programs, etc. The partners are very willing to coordinate, share and advise the Management Board in the process of supporting FFPOs and implementing the FFF II Program.
Giving conclusion at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union, Ms. Bui Thi Thom acknowledged, praised and highly appreciated the achievements of the FFF II Program in 2020-2021. In particular, in the context of the complicated development of the Covid-19 epidemic, local facilitators, FFPOs have effectively implemented project activities, ensuring on schedule and achieved 4 set Outcomes and goals of the FFF II program.
Promoting the results achieved, Ms. Bui Thi Thom suggested that the FFF II program of activities in 2021-2022 should focus on well implementing 4 key tasks. In which, continue to promote support to build linkage networks between FFPOs; promoting linkages between FFPOs and related parties, especially with enterprises to establish or maintain timber and non-timber product chains; Establish and maintain long timber rotation models for sustainable forest management and support FFPOs to adapt to climate change. At the same time, focus on training, supporting and timely application of knowledge and skills on digital transformation in agriculture, support FFF models to apply and gradually expand in the VNFU system.