MASIPAG (Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura/ Farmer-Scientist Partnership for Development) a farmer-scientist and NGO network based in the Philippines and an active member of the Intercontinental Network of Organic Farmers Organisations (INOFO) in Asia is known for their farmer-led strategies in rice cultivation, preservation and breeding is actively sharing their experiences across Asia through the Asian People’s Exchange for Food Sovereignty and Agroecology (APEX).
APEX is an exchange platform among civil-society movements in Asia pushing for food sovereignty through agroecology, people-led development strategies and advocacy campaigns.
In April 8-14, 2023 through the invitation of the host organization Caritas Da Lat, MASIPAG BOT Chairperson Virginia Nazareno and Regional Coordinator and INOFO-ASIA Convener Leo XL Fuentes visited the communities of Lam Dong Province in Central Vietnam to share MASIPAG’s experience in Trial Farm strategy in Rice. While Vietnam is known as a giant in rice production, there are communities that is being confronted by impacts of the changing climate and encountering increased challenges of their local rice production. The local community was active in the discussion and eager to learn trail farm strategy and looking forward to try farmer-led breeding. The exchange between Caritas Da Lat and MASIPAG is a continuing process both in online and face to face engagements.