3rd Project Partner Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam from 22 May 2013

On May 22, 2013, ASEAN Biocontrol organized the 3rd Project Partner Meeting at Sofitel Plaza, Hanoi with support from the Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam. The purpose of the meeting, which was hosted by the Plant Protection Department, was to share an overview of project achievements and challenges, progress on the development of regional guidelines on BCA application, trade and use and the preliminary results of the Project Progress Review including the proposed project set-up of the second phase (2014–2017).

It also sought strategic guidance from the 3rd Steering Committee Meeting, which followed the Project Partner Meeting. ASEAN Biocontrol also held back-to-back meetings of the two Regional BCA (biocontrol agents) Expert Groups at the same venue. The Regional BCA Expert Group on Application met from May 19-21 to discuss the development of the regional guideline on BCA application and share country experiences and scientific evidence in plant protection with biological control.

Sequentially, the meeting of Regional BCA Expert Group on Regulation was organized from May 23-25. The experts held active discussions on botanical pest control products and the minimum requirements for the regional guideline on BCA regulation.

2nd Project Partner Meeting in Bali, Indonesia from 20-22 November 2012

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The ASEAN Biocontrol for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Project organized its second project partner meeting in Indonesia from November 20-22, 2012. The meeting was hosted by Directorate General of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia. The objective of the meeting were to provide an update of what the been achieved over the last six month, establish two regional Expert Group ( for regulation and application of biocontrol agents or BCAs ) and develop regional guidelines on BCA application, use and trade as well as to seek strategic guidance in the 2^nd Streeting Committee Meeting.

Participants were treated to a special field trip organized and supported by the Indonesian Directorate General of Horticulture. The group visited the Jatiluwih Organic red rice, which has received “Organik Indonesia” certification. The red rice plants are claimed to be naturally resistant to infestations of disease and parasites can grow up to 1.6 metres in height . The Jatiluwih red rice is rich in vitamins, minerals, folate and dietary fibre.