Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Collaboration for Agriculture & Rural Development Project Completion Report Milestone 13 January 2006 to August 2010 Macadamia Project 037/05VIE Prepared by Martin Novak Assisted by Prof Hoang Hoe Table of Contents Institute Information Project Abstract Executive Summary _ Introduction & Background 5 Progress to Date 5.1 Implementation Highlights 5.2 Smallholder Benefits _ 5.3 Capacity Building 5.4 Publicity 5.5 Project Management _ Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 10 6.1 Environment _ 10 6.2 Gender and Social Issues _ 10 Implementation & Sustainability Issues _ 10 7.1 Issues and Constraints _ 10 7.2 Sustainability _ 11 Next Critical Steps _ 11 Conclusion _ 12 10 Statuatory Declaration _ Error! Bookmark not defined 10.1 Personnel Inputs 13 10.1 Equipment and other services _ 14 10.1 Equipment and other services hand over 15 11 Project Progress Against Objectives, Outputs, Activities And Inputs _ 16 12 Attachments 1-7 _ separate attachments A Macadamia in Vietnam - Visual Report A1 Farmer Thu Dak lak Workshop presentation A2 Table of growers and trees planted in Vietnam A3 Climate and macadamia in Thailand A4 Climatic comparisons between Australian and Vietnamese regions A5 South African nursery certification guide A6 Final report review notes 2010 1 Institute Information Project Name Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Vietnamese Institution Center for Environment, Tourism and Development (CETD), Vietnamese Project Team Leader Prof Hoang Hoe Australian Organisation Subtropical Farm Forestry Association Australian Personnel Martin Novak, Kim Wilson Date commenced 10 January 2006 Completion date (original) 15 December 2008 Completion date (revised) December 2010 Reporting period January 2006 - December 2010 Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Martin Novak Name: President Position: Organisation Subtropical Farm Forestry Association Telephone: Fax: Email: 61 66895027 61 66895227 martinnovak@bigpond.com In Australia: Administrative contact Valda Mitchell Name: Position: Administrative Officer Organisation Subtropical Farm Forestry Association Telephone: Fax: Email: 61 66284372 61 66284386 sffa@ceinternet.com.au Telephone: 04 8642670, 04 7560233 04 7560233 hoehoang2@gmail.com In Vietnam Name: Hoang Hoe Director Position: Organisation CETD Fax: Email: Project Abstract During to past years this project has support the propagation in the new macadamia nursery and in the three existing nurseries Also principal variety trials of macadamias have been established, of about each involving 14 suitable macadamias varieties, in provinces of north Vietnam In addition the project is involved with organizations with nurseries and undertaking 18 other trials Training has continued to be conducted in aspects of propagation, grafting, site design and preparation, planting, maintenance and plantation management at the nurseries and trial sites This has involved the distribution of CD, DVD and power point presentations as well as hands on training at formal training workshops, as well as training in the field 1340 kg of seed nut from Australia and China have been provided to the nurseries along with 7000 sticks of Scion wood of the selected varieties and samples of nursery equipment between 2006 and 2010 A study tour to China was undertaken covering all the major nurseries and some key plantations in southern China Reports of this tour including photos and a DVD video have been presented to the key stakeholders in Vietnam and Australia A number of way visits have been made since by way of follow up A growing select group of small-holder farmers have been chosen to be involved with project activities in the provinces of Lang Son, Ba vi, Hoa Binh and Dak Lak provinces In addition the project continues to involve all known key government agencies involved with Macadamias in Vietnam including MARD, FSI, WASI, RCFTI, RIFA and RIFV A number of private sector companies have become increasingly involved, as was the Macca Club of Vietnam which is now being substituted by the Macadamia Association of Vietnam Significant progress has been made with regard to the capacity building of farmers, extension and technical staff since the commencement of the project in January 2006 Executive Summary The project, spanning years has helped to bring all the stakeholders together to work toward a sustainable high value macadamia industry for Vietnam Beneficiaries have included farmers, nursery and farm staff and workers, technicians, extension staff, state and private companies, government agencies, other businesses and households The activities of the project have gained support from the Provincial governments and Peoples Committees of provinces of Vietnam including Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Lang son, Ba vi, and Daklak Macadamia training workshops have been held in these provinces There has also been training and new technology presented to field staff in all of the relevant agencies in these provinces This has also been complemented by research and training planning sessions in Australia with Australian collaborators, including the Australian Macadamia Society chairman, the past Industry Development Officer and a key CSIRO macadamia researcher Ongoing regular communication with all known stakeholders has been undertaken throughout the years A focus to strengthen the capacity of a new nursery and existing nurseries involved in growing macadamia by way of participatory workshops and infield training, has been maintained throughout the duration of the project In addition to this technical assistance has been provided to FSI and WASI also This capacity building has been achieved by way of: • Collaborative preparation of technical information and training material • • • Delivery of information, and training at workshops and in the field Delivery of seed and graft stock of at least 17 best bet Varieties Delivery samples of nursery equipment, including grafting planes, tape, wounds dressing, propagation and potting mix, and potting bags • Establishment of a new demonstration nursery based on Australian nursery practice Encouraging investment from the private sector and by ensure adequate supply of quality grafting stock of suitable varieties • Preparation and delivery of nursery business plans, records and monitoring systems (Attachment A Project report presentation.) The project has facilitated the trial of 14 varieties of macadamia in different provinces including Ba vi, Hoa binh, Daklak and Lang son This has involved the design and planting of trials plots in these provinces The project has provide seed and graft wood of 17 varieties, to the demonstration nursery, the project partnered research nurseries, as well to FSI and WASI A select 14 of these varieties have been used in the variety trials In addition to this the project has provided nursery equipment including grafting planes, graft wounds dressing, samples of potting bags and information via video, CD and hardcopy Craig Hardener (CSIRO) and Kim Wilson (AMS) principally undertook the design of the trials Both have extensive experience with varietal trials in Australia Dr Kha FSI and Prof Hoang Hoe provided review of the design Because of the limited time frame of the project, data to fully evaluate the varieties is insufficient to date It takes to years before meaningful data is available and 15 to 20 years before varieties can be fully assessed as to sustainable production of good quality kernel Data sheets have been developed and distributed to project participants to utilize so as the industry has comparative data sets Results to date have been made available to all the participating stakeholders and published where appropriate Data has been collect for existing and new trial plots, commercial plantations and nurseries for evaluation and analysis Spreadsheet models have been developed, provided to participants, and used by the project team to record and analysis nursery and plantation enterprises A fact finding study tour of South China involving 12 key project participants, including trainers and researchers was undertaken resulting in the development of collaborative arrangements with Chinese researchers A China Tour Report was prepared and delivered to stakeholders with the first year of the project Since then there has been an exchange of visits by project participants, including the project team leaders and their Chinese counterparts Chinese researchers have made presentations at training workshops at Lang son, Ba vi Hanoi and Daklak Substantial amounts of Chinese select scion-wood and seed nut have been obtained from some of the Chinese researchers The project team leaders as well as Dr Kha and Director Minh have visited Thailand to assess macadamia developments there A report on the assessment covering the new development of the Thai macadamia industry including lessons and opportunities for Vietnam has been delivered to project participants The visit established points of contact for the sourcing of seed and graft material and resulted in Thai researchers delivering a comprehensive presentation at the Daklak workshop and gifting WASI researchers with select scion wood Training and technology has been delivered to all 5-project partner organizations, including their technicians, extension officers, nursery staff and workers, farmers and farm workers, twice a year by the Australian team The workshops have contributed significantly to this training and technology transfer Additional training has occurred within each organization and to interested farmers Information was delivered on site assessment, plantation design, establishment, management, and maintenance for small and larger farms The varietal trials were use for some of this onsite training The project leadership has provided support towards the formalisation of a Macadamia industry network, based on the successful Australian model (AMS) and other models in Vietnam and elsewhere In the first years of the projects activities a number of meetings were held with Macadamia Club of Vietnam (Mr Tan and associates and other stakeholders) The unfortunate and untimely death of Mr Loc, the chairman of the time, put a stop to the planned formation of the Macadamia Association of Vietnam Since then the formation of the Daklak Macadamia Association has progressed significantly It is envisaged that this association will become the model for other associations, which together will join to form a national body representing all the stakeholders The aim will be for this body to assist and share information, experience and data with existing Macadamia researchers in Vietnam such as FSI and WASI and work towards a sustainable development of a commercial macadamia industry The project has been promoted via the public media, including national and regional TV, magazines, newspapers and a media seminar This has helped to promote the objectives of the project specifically and the benefits of a macadamia industry for Vietnam in general Specific information has been delivered to stakeholders and others via the proceedings of the workshops, a newsletter, Video, training documentation and hard copy fact sheets The project has helped to strengthen extension capacity by linking it to research and the practitioners Meetings have been held throughout the project with all of the research organization and their staff A protocol has been developed and put in place to ensure responsibility in capacity building is shared between extension staff, researchers, trainers and practitioners All of the activities outlined above have been made possible though the support of the Australian and Vietnamese government through Ausaide and the CARD program (http://www.card.com.vn) and by the hard work and collaboration of all of those involved Thanks must go to the hardworking and enthusiastic farmers, to the agency partners and their excellent staff, to the CARD program team for their professional and friendly assistance and also to the private enterprises who have contributed greatly of their time and funds Also the Australian experts contribution has been invaluable, especially the efforts of Kim Wilson The enthusiastic and far sighted support from key members of the Vietnamese government particularly that of Vice Prime minister of the time Mr Cong Tan and Minister Bong contributed greatly to the overall success of the project and the developments in the industry to date Special thanks must go to the Vietnamese project team leader Prof Hoang Hoe, for his vision and dedication to bring the project to a successful conclusion Several years of careful planning and preparation and years of project implementation by the professor, with assistance from the Australian team leader Martin Novak have culminated in outcomes that significantly enhance the development of a macadamia industry in Vietnam Introduction & Background This projects principal aim was to assist the start of a commercial macadamia industry in Vietnam in order to improve the income flow of the farmer and the rural sector The general feeling is that it has been successful in achieving this aim Vietnam now has a macadamia industry in its early phase of development There are over 350,000 macadamia trees of suitable quality and varieties, in the nurseries Most of these nurseries now have the capacity to expand their production of quality trees There are a range of macadamia trials in 12 provinces and several hundred hectares of commercial plantations being established by smaller farmers and large commercial enterprises, with preparations under way for hundreds more to be established Financial modelling undertaken by the project indicates good returns for both nurseries and plantations In addition to all this the country now has a large commercial processing plant near Ho Chi Minh city and another planned for Thai binh in the north of the country The project is concluding its fifth year of activities Originally it was designed to run for years however with the extension of the CARD Program and careful budgeting it has been able to continue for another years This has made it possible to meet its commitment to achieve its ambitious goals to be the main driving force behind the establishment of a new horticultural industry for Vietnam In doing so it has also delivered on its commitment to meet the aims and goals of the CARD program Through the introduction of macadamia tree crops the project has presented opportunities for farmers to diversify and potentially raise incomes and address environmental problems in the medium to longer term Also by working with the strategic partners it has also help them to build upon their capacity to support the rural sector The Project has contributed towards the following CARD framework strategies including the following: - Strategy 1: improved productivity and competition of small and medium farms - Strategy 4: improved management skills of natural resources management and sustainable development - Strategy 5: strengthening the participation of partners to management and services the needs of the rural sector The project has also contributed to all of the following results expected from the CARD Program including: • Innovations adopted by smallholder agriculture • Improved productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector • Stability through agricultural diversification • Knowledge products developed to support agricultural information • Further research capacity development of Vietnamese agricultural and rural development institutions It has also contributed to the following Priorities of Vietnams Government: a Poverty reduction and food security b Raise employment and income of rural people c Ameliorate infrastructure in rural, health care and education d Help eliminate differences between regions and the cities e Increase values of export commodities f Increase forest cover rate The project specifically relates and contributes to the following CARD Framework Strategy Objectives: Strategic Objective 2: Improved productivity and links to markets for the rural poor Strategic Objective 2.1 Increase rural productivity Intermediate Objectives 2.1.1 Increase agricultural efficiency and competitiveness Strategic Objective 2.2 Improve the efficiency of on and off farm markets Intermediate Objectives 2.2.1 Improve the policy environment for agricultural market 2.2.3 Increase access to market information Strategic Objective 2.4 Reduce vulnerability to environmental and economic shocks Intermediate Objective 2.4.2 Increase stability of household income through encouraging diversification of production and marketing Progress to Date 5.1 Implementation Highlights successful workshops were held, one each year of the project with increasing attendance from 40 to over 100 attending the Daklak workshop in 2009 Participants included farmer’s technicians, research agency staff and management; all had representatives that delivered highly informative presentations reporting on their various achievements They included international presenters representing countries, from Australia, China, Thailand as well as the Vietnamese contingent Proceedings have been submitted to CARD as attachments to the milestone reports and copies are available on the CARD website: http://www.card.com.vn they are also available from the CETD office In addition to this there is now a substantial body of translated information on macadamia generated by the project, particularly for nurseries and for smaller and larger growers All this information has been delivered to project partners, and participants of workshops More general information has been presented through TV and magazines Vietnams national TV has run several promotional programs on macadamia compared by Mr Hung Macadamia snack food products are now available in a number of outlets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city A comprehensive publication on Macadamia for Vietnam based on technology from Australia, China and South Africa, is being prepared by the Vietnamese project leader and should be completed by the end of the year Success of nurseries especially Long Phong Co., Vinamaca Co and Ba vi in scaling up the production of good quality grafted trees of a selection of best bet varieties has been an admirable achievement Long Phong established the new demonstration nursery at Yen Thuy, demonstrating the Australian techniques of macadamia tree production In the last years focus has shifted to Daklak where a new company was formed involving Long Phong directors and investors This company has built upon the experiences of Yen Thuy and now is demonstrating innovation in adapting the Australian technology to more cost effective and faster production methodology without compromising the quality Younger trees are being grafted and grown more quickly A strong relationship is developing between Vinamaca and WASI collaborating on research projects and gaining the support of the Peoples Committee of Daklak and the provincial government This has given Vinamaca investors confidence to invest resulting in several nurseries with over 250,000 quality macadamia trees It has also provided a commercial partner for WASI to help prioritise and progress with research 5.2 Smallholder Benefits Direct beneficiaries include over 40 smaller farmers, their households and workers who have attended workshops and training sessions or have made requests for information Many of these have also been involved with the variety trials and nurseries as landholders or workers Whole villages have benefited also such as those at Yen Thuy where roads were improved, toilets were built and people trained in new skills In Daklak and to a lesser extent Lang son, Ba vi and Hoa Binh, hundreds of farmers have made enquires about growing macadamia and some have already purchased trees and started plantings Unfortunately the project team is not able to get a list of all these, however copies of fact sheets will be made available to all the relevant enterprises that have indicated that they have received enquiries A training workshop specifically for farmers is planned in Daklak for November This is now possible because the project has provided support and training for technicians and extension staff and because a large number of quality trees of select varieties will be available The project through the additional CARD small grant will provide fact sheets designed specifically for the new small grower and other education material to the participants Numbers of participants per session, will need be limited to 100 in order to maintain quality of delivery However it is expected that the Daklak Macadamia Association, WASI, Vinamaca and other agencies and enterprises will pick up this training role into the future The project team will attempt to provide some support in 2011 and on if possible 5.3 Capacity Building The capacity of the nursery project partners to produce quality macadamia trees has significantly increased over the five-year life of the project This is partly due to the project but also to the nurseries themselves by increasing their efforts in innovation and adopting new technology The project has delivered 17 varieties of select scion wood including 10 best bet varieties from Australia and from China They include 264, 344, 741, 849, 816, 842, 814, A4, A38, A16, A203, A268 and Daddow from Australia Guy Yan1, 695, 788, Own Choice (OC) were selected from China The nurseries themselves have also sourced additional varieties from China and Thailand including 508, 660, 900 and 800 All of the nurseries have attended the project training sessions and workshops and trialed many of the Australian techniques adopting those that best suited them, such as improved seed beds, grafting methods using the plane, and better potting mix They have in most case involved the staff in training by the project, with follow up training by their own trainers A comprehensive range of educational and extension material has been produced and distributed by the project team This includes publications, training notes, and video and photo reports (Attachment A) The state owned research centres, have focused more on experimental work, where as the private enterprises, including Long Phong Co, Ba vi Co, and Vinamaca Co have focused on cost effective expanded production The quality of stock produced by Long Phong and Vinamaca has been excellent Research centres particularly WASI and FSI have excelled in their macadamia trials Both with input from the project and by their own efforts and innovation, they have developed research strategies that will provide significant information to help take the industry forward on a sound footing Together with the private sector growers, they have demonstrated that macadamia can grow well in a number of regions of Vietnam, and they are well on the way to identifying suitable varieties for these regions Details of this work are in the other project Milestone reports particularly MS11 and 12, submitted to CARD and available on the website http://www.card.com.vn and hard copies through the CETD office It is too early to assess the efforts of the growers, however there are promising examples of successful young plantings undertaken by small farmers and larger plantation owners Small farmers such as Mr Thu, who gave a power point presentation at the Daklak workshop (Attachment A1) and Mr Dinh who spoke at the Hanoi workshop are good examples of what is to come as the industry develops The new industry now has a significant number of growers and trees planted to be consider having important commercial potential (Table of growers and trees planted in Vietnam Attachment A2) 5.4 Publicity There has been excellent TV and newspaper coverage of all of the workshops There have also been a number of national TV programs on which Mr Hung has promoted the macadamia industry and its potential This has enabled the general public in Vietnam to hear about the “delicious nut from Australia.” There have been Issues of the “Forest and life Magazine” that have comprehensively featured the macadamia nut The highlight of project publicity was the Seminar and Press meeting held 23rd May in Hanoi in the VIFA Head Office The Special Issue of the Magazine “Forest and Life” on Macadamia was launched at this meeting The meeting was attend by Vietnam Television (VTV 2, VCTV), Vietnam Radio (Rural Program), News Bulletin of Vietnams Agriculture, Magazine Commerce, Magazine Rural Economics, Department Science & Technology , MARD, National Center for Agriculture Extension, MARD Prof Hoang Hoe and Kim Wilson gave briefings followed by a question and answer session Further media coverage is planned for the farmers training workshops in Daklak in November 2010 5.5 Project Management Prof Hoang Hoe the Vietnamese project director, continues to communicate and involve the government and private sector project partners and others in the activities of the project particularly in the workshops, planning meetings and in overseeing the trial and nursery training sites He is also instrumental in bring together the interim macadamia association from the start, rather than just representing Daklak Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 6.1 Environment Project participants have been monitoring and reporting on any environmental impacts, however, so far in Vietnam there continue to be no significant negative environmental impacts FSI has the longest history of research into macadamia in Vietnam So far they have not found any significant problems relating to the impact on the environment In fact where agricultural activities that have significant negative impacts, such as the clearing and cultivating of steep land for annual corn crops in Son la, tree crops such as macadamia with perennial intercropping or ground covers would help with the degradation The Australian experience shows that soil erosion, chemical runoff and noise pollution can become problems in areas that have more mature orchards Vietnams macadamia industry needs to plan for these potential problems well ahead of time As in Australia, this can be the role of the Macadamia Association to ensure any immerging issues are identified and then develop strategies to address these 6.2 Gender and Social Issues There have been no new gender or social issues throughout the years of the project other that the inequitable spread of gender roles As stated in earlier reports approximately half of technicians and workers in the nurseries are women They play an equal role to that of the men both in terms of work and capacity building However leadership is still dominated by men The project leaders continue to encourage participating organizations to utilize the role of women, on their staff and in their workforce where possible Implementation & Sustainability Issues 7.1 Issues and Constraints Climatic factors and water availability can place constraints as to where macadamias can be grown Macadamia require minimum temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees for several days to initiate flowering, otherwise trees can grow well but not flower (Attachment 3) Also high humidity or rain during flowering can cause problems with fungus on the flowers inhibiting fruit set This was noted in the northern provinces such as Lang son On the other hand hot and dry conditions during flowering can also inhibit nut set and cause premature nut drop It appears that water availability for irrigation may be critical when growing macadamia, however the amount of water required may not be as much as that needed for a crop such as coffee Comparative climatic data between Australian regions and regions in Vietnam have been made and are attached (Attachment 4) 10 The issue confronting small farmers in terms of relatively high costs to start and long time frames for cash flow to become positive, has been raised at workshops and press meetings This highlights the need for government or investor support for small farmers and also incentives for bigger players in the developmental stages of the macadamia industry Tax incentives were the kick-start to the macadamia industry in Australia Vietnam also needs some type of mechanism to address this problem Minister Bong raised the issue of certification of varieties during meetings with the project leaders It appears that it maybe a requirement before MARD can undertake extension and other support It was pointed out by the Australian team that Australia has never had or needed this type of certification nor does it exist anywhere else in the world for macadamia The minister was advised that perhaps certification of nurseries could address the issue This is something that is done in South Africa and the AMS is considering the implications of it for Australia (Attachment 5) The project team continues to work towards the formation of a Macadamia Association for Vietnam, which can lead the industry as it develops This association will play a critical role in development of a sustainable industry for Vietnam The progress to date in the formation of such a body has been detailed above in Section 5.4 7.2 Sustainability The macadamia industry in Vietnam is still in its early stages of development, however the project leadership is not aware of any significant issues or constraints that impact negatively on the sustainable development of this industry to date To the contrary, all indications are that the industry will become viable, especially if the experience of Australia and China is used as a model for development This view is supported by the principal research organisation, FSI and WASI who also have not found anything significant that threatens sustainability Providing the issues and constraints detailed above are tackled constructively the industry should continue to develop into the future Next Critical Steps The project is coming to an end in its formal stage, however the project team intends to all in its power to continue to support the industry in whatever way possible Some project funds should be able to be carried forward into next year and continue some of the training activities for farmers and nurseries There should also be opportunities to assist the formation and early phase of the Macadamia Association The next critical steps for the remainder of this year will be supported by the Small Projects grant They include the following: • • • Publication of a macadamia growers hand book detailing establishment and early tree management This will include information relating to cost and returns of macadamia nut orchards Production of a strategy and action plan for improved varieties of macadamia suitable for Vietnam Production of guidelines for Vietnamese Macadamia Association and establish a steering committee in Daklak 11 • • Supply select scion-wood and grafting equipment to private sector nurseries to ensure high quality macadamia trees in Daklak Preparation is under way for participatory farmer in-field training sessions utilising the experience of local farmers complimented by international extension in Daklak These are scheduled for November A proposal for an ACIAR project has been developed hopefully to commence within a year or This has been submitted to ACIAR representatives in Hanoi and Canberra and a response is awaited The focus is on the selection of suitable varieties for the Northwest Highlands smallholders The proposed approach combines research with development and extension Team members would include, Mr Kim Jones, Cropwatch Independent Laboratory, Prof Hoang Hoe, Center for Environment Tourism and Development (CETD) Vietnam, Kim Wilson, Gray Plantations and Martin Novak, Sub Tropical Farm Forestry Association (SFFA) Australia The industry will require further support as it progress to the next stage of early development WASI has gained support from MARD to expand its research It is hoped that FSI will also continue its research efforts They both will be critical for the industry in their work into the future A number of private sector companies have already committed resources to the nursery and plantation industry particularly in the central highlands, including Vinamaca These enterprises have well developed plans into the future and others are set to follow as the industry gains momentum Conclusion In the past years the macadamia industry has made significant advances, from an industry that really was non-existent, to one that can now be consider having a commercial status upon which a substantial sustainable industry can develop This CARD project, including the project team and its partners, has made a significant contribution towards this progress during this period Thanks again must go to all of those involved for their vision, innovation and effort in involving themselves in the project activities specifically and in the industry as a whole Globally macadamias contribute to only 2% of the world’s nut trade China one of the worlds biggest and fastest growing economies has started to increase its consumption of the nut and will drive a promising market for it Vietnam’s macadamia industry stands positioned to benefit significantly from this expanding market The difficult first stage is over and the basics of the industry are in place The industry has the knowledge and technology to produce quality tree stock, growers that have been the early initiators have demonstrated their ability to grow good orchards and the researchers (FSI and WASI particularly) have shown their ability to increasingly support this development Early investors (Long Phong Co, Vinamaca Co and others) have become involved and demonstrated their commitment in this early stage and now stand to benefit along side the rest of the industry as it commercialises its development and attracts further investment There are a number of international models of macadamia development that Vietnam can benefit from, particularly those that the project has partnered with, including Australia, China and Thailand All of these have provided valuable lessons for Vietnams stakeholders 12 Australia has been a driving force and provided financial support, (Ausaide CARD program), expertise and select varieties China has provided seed and scion wood Thailand has provided a model of industry development based on value- adding Vietnam stands to gain significant social, economic and environmental benefits from a new macadamia industry If the past five years are anything to judge by, the future success of the industry is assured 13 Project Progress Against Proposed Objectives, Outputs, Activities And Inputs 10 January 2006 to 30 August 2010 Project Title: Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Vietnamese Implementing Institution: Centre for Environment, Tourism and Development (CETD), Vietnam Forestry Science & Technology Association (VIFA) OUTPUT 1.1 PROPOSAL Information Required Bring all the stakeholders together to work toward a sustainable high value Macadamia industry for Vietnam Beneficiaries include farmers, nursery and farm workers, technicians, extension staff, state and private companies, government agencies, other businesses and house holds month report on activities and outcomes Activity 1.1.1 Prepare the agenda for the design process Input from all stakeholders Chains of responsibility collaboratively designated It is too early to judge if there is a balance of competing interests Activity 1.1.2 Hold workshop sessions in Vietnam workshops each year in Vietnam bring stakeholders together That stakeholders will implement skills and information delivered Activity 1.1.3 Hold several workshop sessions in Australia with collaborators workshops each year for design, capacity gap strategies and scientific review That the outcome of these sessions will be effective in Vietnam Narrative OBJECTIVE Performance Measures Most known stakeholders are now involved in the project in one form or other Assumptions That all stakeholders are meaningfully involved in the project and benefit in the capacity building endeavours Progress Report Information Required All known stakeholders were invited to participate in the relevant activities of the project Most attended all of the training workshops and field training sessions Partners included WASI, FSI, NESFE Ba vi Cong Co, Long Phong Co, Vinamaca Co The key stakeholders continue to exchange data and progressively implement aspects of information, equipment and skills gained in training Training sessions and workshops were held at Hanoi, Ba vi, Lang son, Daklak and Yen Thuy formal workshops were held over the life of the project a year 2-4 planning meetings were held each year, to review project development Noted problems were assessed and recommendations have been communicated with Vietnamese 14 participants Regular and ongoing communication with stakeholders Phone, Newsletter and Email Bulletin reporting project activities and progress That results activity OBJECTIVE Strengthen nurseries Production of good stock of suitable varieties of Macadamia Nurseries are capable of improved performance based on international experience OUTPUT 2.1 monthly report Seedling germination, stock quality and survival That good data be provide by the nurseries Activity 2.1.1 Collaborative preparation of information and training material Information on nursery design for existing nurseries On potting mixes, grafting materials, propagation and management techniques That there is compatibility Australian Vietnamese systems and nursery needs Activity 2.1.2 Deliver information, and training workshops each year Australian trainers Vietnamese international guests and on-going training for That delivery has been structured to allow for skills and knowledge variations between Activity 1.1.4 the capacity of existing communication in improved suitable between and existing that of Regular and ongoing communication continued to take place between all involved in Vietnam Regular email communication is ongoing with the Australian team The general public were informed via nation TV and The Forest and Life Magazine features Over 7000 pieces of graft wood have been distributed to the nurseries, FSI and WASI of varieties including 246, 344, 741, 849, A4, A16, A38 and new varieties A203, A268 and Daddow from Australia and QN1, 695, 788, OC from China & Thailand And 10,000 scion from China was also obtained by Yen Thuy and other participant nurseries Data has been collected, including germination and graft success rates by the nurseries progressively (Details are provided in the MS12 Report) Training and information delivery has been undertaken involving Australian trainers and Vietnamese technicians at all the principal nurseries This information was delivered as verbal and hands on presentations, translated publications and papers, PPT presentations, DVD video and photos Attachment In addition to the training sessions above preparation for farmer and nursery training in the Central Highlands is planned for 2010 & 2011 by way of 15 Technicians and staff supported by IT communiqués and Vn expertise visits each year workers and technicians in Australia and Vietnam workshops and extension Ba vi, Lang son, FSI, WASI, Vinamaca and Yen Thuy nurseries received over 700 sticks of graft wood from the 10 Australian varieties including new varieties 10,000 pieces of Scion from Long Zhou China and Thailand has been obtained by FSI, WASI, Ba vi Long Phong Co and Vinamaca Co Australian grafting planes, boxes of grafting tape, wounds dressing and potting bags were delivered to nursery partners Formulas for potting mix were also provided The new nursery at Yen Thuy has had success with the production and propagation of seedlings and grafted trees It has found partners in Daklak and established several larger nurseries producing over 250,000 trees The Australian team has been happy with progress in the new nurseries (Refer to MS 12 Report) Activity 2.1.3 Deliver seed and graft stock of at least 10 best bet Varieties Each nursery to receive at least 100 kg seed nut, 1000 sticks of graft and bud wood from the 10 varieties each year plus replacement stock That Australian varieties will result in significantly better performance in Vietnam Activity 2.1.4 Deliver samples of nursery equipment, including grafting planes, tape, wounds dressing, propagation and potting mix, and potting bags Each nursery has received of each for trials and if successful then more can then be sourced from Vn or China That Au equipment and materials will result in better performance Establish a new model nursery to demonstrate Australian nursery practice To provide opportunity for investment and to ensure adequate supply of stock Production of good stock of suitable varieties of Macadamia Producing at least 3000 grafted seedlings of a minimum of 10 Varieties Nursery based on Australian design is capable of improved performance OUTPUT 3.1 monthly report Refurbishment progress Seedling germination, stock quality and survival That good data be provide by the nursery staff Activity 3.1.1 Collaborative preparation of information relating to refurbishment and training materials Prepare Nursery business plans records and accounts Information on nursery design for the new nursery On potting mixes, grafting materials, propagation and management techniques Business plans That there will be suitable compatibility between existing material and systems and that need for this project and that this can be addressed OBJECTIVE Data on nursery production is included in MS 12 Report including spread-sheet models 16 Activity 3.1.2 Refurbish and restore nursery in Hoa binh Yen Thuy ( It was decided to build a totally new facility in Yen Thuy and Daklak) Clean up site Repair and rebuild structures Prepare seed beds, shaded areas Introduce propagation mixes and seed That standard and speed of local workers is good These new nurseries continue to act as a training centre for nursery staff and technicians Activity 3.1.3 Deliver information, and training That delivery can be structured to allow for skills and knowledge variations between workers and technicians Onsite training continues to take place at the new nurseries Activity 3.1.4 Deliver seed and graft stock of at least 10 best bet Varieties That Australian specifications will result in significantly better performance in Vietnam The nurseries received graft wood from Australia and China which has been grafted successfully Details are reported in MS12 report Activity 3.1.5 Deliver samples of nursery equipment, including grafting planes, tape, wounds dressing, propagation and potting mix, and potting bags workshops each year Australian trainers Vietnamese and on-going training for Technicians and staff supported by IT communiqués and Vietnam expertise visits each year The nursery to receive 400 kg seed nut, 2000 sticks of graft and bud wood from the 10 + varieties year 06 & again in 07 + replacement stock The nursery to receive of each for trials and if successful the remainder can then be sourced from Vn or China That Au equipment and materials will result in better performance The nurseries received of each sample grafting planes, tape, sample potting bags Activity 3.1.6 Operate nursery for production, demonstration and training purposes Follow business plans, propagation & training schedules That years is sufficient for business to become sustainable Trial at least 10 varieties of macadamia in difference provinces Ba vi, Hoa binh and Lang son of Vietnam Provide data on the performance of the different varieties in the different sites That 10 + varieties chosen capture the best for Vietnam’s conditions The nurseries continue to be used for demonstration and training with increasing effectiveness They involve the local farmers and villages as staff well as visitors from the research centres 17 varieties now have been made available from the project, to nurseries, including 13 from Australia 246, 344, 741, 814, 816, 842, 849, A4, A16, A38 A203, A268 and Daddow and from China OC, 695, 788 and QN OBJECTIVE OUTPUT 4.1 monthly reports 17 Activity 4.1.1 Design and plant 12 trial plots A collaborative decision will be made establish trial plots (Yen Thuy Ba vi Van Linh) and work closely with FSI WASI and Vinamaca Co trial plots Compare the growth habit, growth rate, (beyond the project, yield of first grade kernel, kernel quality) of macadamia varieties grown at different densities at various sites in Vietnam Assumption is that all critical variables are constant throughout the trials Activity 4.1.2 Develop formats for comparative data sets collaboratively as above Data must be of value to all stakeholders be they research or production oriented Assumption is that existing data sets are some what comparative Activity 4.1.3 Results will be made available to all stakeholders and published where appropriate A range of publications is to result aimed at the farmers, technicians, the agricultural scientists & investors with some also having a science focus Assumption is that participants will utilise the material effectively sites of approximately each have been designed and selected as the principal trial sites at Ba vi, Lang son, Van Linh, Hoa Binh Yen Thuy 14 varieties are being trailed at each site In addition NESFE, FSI, WASI have 19 plots now 199 Co trees from Thai Binh Foods and Vinamaca Co have more Data continues to be collected from the nurseries and trials and entered in spreadsheet models, a Nursery Tree Flow Model, Nursery Financial Model, plantation models and Trial data sheets Data is available for variety analysis only when trees are 6+ years old All workshop proceedings have been distributed to all known stakeholders Some general information has been distributed, via TV and Forest & Life Magazine features, the Nursery Manual, and a newsletter however details are in MS11 Report 18 Undertake a fact finding study tour of South China 10-12 key project participants, including trainers and researchers Assess performance of varieties, availability of good seed and graft wood and grafted trees Assume that materials are select and true to designated varieties and free from disease Completed (See MS 2and MS Report.) Tour Report prepared and delivered to stakeholders with the first monthly report Report will be based on input from all the participants Assumption that information provided is consistent with accepted international standards Finalise agenda for tour with Chinese counter parts and plan participants roles Develop data formats that relate to required nursery and trial information Each participant will be responsible to gather information in relation to their area of expertise and experience using the formats Assume that the information is relevant and of value to the project The study tour report is completed and has being distributed to all on CD MS Annex 3) A DVD Video and Photo CD have been distributed and are available from CETD or SFFA Completed (Reported in MS Report) Undertake tour based on plans and preparation Exchange information in a collaborative fashion Aim at strengthening relations for the future Gather and record information both written and visual Arrange the purchase of required material Assume that Chinese will also value the relationship Assess the tour based on the report and follow up with Chinese counterparts and put final arrangements in place maintain relationships and source materials Implement findings and recommendations of tour team Collect and distribute sourced materials Assume that relationship will sustainable OBJECTIVE Assess Macadamia developments in Thailand Project leaders to undertake the assessment Review the mistakes of the past development at Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and compare it to new initiatives in central Thailand Assume that there are lessons to be learnt and that there will be mutual benefits for both Vietnam and Thailand OUTPUT 6.1 Report on the assessment as a part of the first month project report OBJECTIVE OUTPUT 5.1 Activity 5.1.1 Activity 5.1.2 Activity 5.1.3 the be As a result of the tour and the relationships developed Chinese delegations took part in the Lang son, Ba vi, Hanoi and Daklak Training Workshops And seed and scion have been acquired as a result of contacts made on the tour and since An ongoing relationship continues with Chinese counter parts Scion wood (OC, 788, QN1, 800, 900, 695, 246) was obtained during the life of the project A tour was undertaken of Macadamia in Thailand in October 2008 Vietnamese project participants include Dr Kha, Prof Hoang Hoe, Martin Novak and Hoang Le Minh Report was prepared by Martin for project team and delivered MS8 report A7 19 Activity 6.1.1 Activity 6.1.2 OBJECTIVE OUTPUT 7.1 Activity 7.1.1 Short visit to Thailand to assess the new development of the Macadamia industry and seek lessons opportunities for Vietnam Assess nursery and varietal performance Note any innovative technologies and creative development aspects Regional variations may be very different to make accurate comparisons A preliminary visit was made by Martin Novak in 2007 and the full Vietnamese delegation visit was made in October 2008 after the Hanoi final workshop MS Report A7 Establish points of contact for the sourcing of seed and graft material and any potentially mutually beneficial activities for the future Assess availability and quality of seed and graft material Prepare report on the above Assumption that Thai counterparts will be willing to work towards mutual benefits A Thai delegation of attended and presented at the Daklak workshop and delivered select scion to WASI (MS 11 report A9) Undertake participatory training for technicians, extension officers, nursery staff and workers, farmers and farm workers Outcomes would include training materials, capacity building amongst trainees and their organisations Assumption that participatory training techniques are suited to previous history and culture of trainees Training was conducted at Lang son Ba vi, Yen Thuy Hanoi and Daklak involving research managers, technicians, extension officers, nursery staff, farmers and workers workshops each year Australian trainers Vietnamese and on-going training for Technicians, farmers workers and others supported by IT communiqués and Vietnam experts visits each year Assume that delivery can be structured to allow for skills and knowledge variations between workers and technicians Training was participatory and involved hands on demonstrations of site assessment, trial requirements, grafting techniques and equipment as well as supporting formal presentations incorporating video, PPT and participatory discussions (Report in all MS Reports) Report on the training as a part of the month project reports Deliver information, and training in site assessment, plantation design, establishment, management, and maintenance for small and larger farms Include trial sites and their staff Incorporate information on varietal trials 20 OBJECTIVE OUTPUT 8.1 Activity 8.1.1 Support the formalisation of a Macadamia industry network Based on the successful Au model (AMS) and other models in Vn and elsewhere Review a range of peak body models Report to project stakeholders Risk that this model is not appropriate to current Vietnam governance situation Report on the progress as a part of the month project reports Arrange a meeting of the existing Macadamia Club of Vietnam ( Mr Tan and associates and other stakeholders) Present models, options and recommendations to all stakeholders for discussion and prioritisation Risk that stakeholders will consider own interest against that of the industry as a whole The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) continues to be favoured as the most appropriate model for Vietnam Report is provided in the Small Projects Progress Report on the well advanced activities in Daklak are being undertaken to form an association The AMS constitution has been translated and presented to the Steering committee Meetings are ongoing with all the relevant bodies and it is expect formation will take place before 2011 21 OBJECTIVE OUTPUT 9.1 Activity 9.1.1 Activity 9.1.2 Assist and share information, experience and data with existing Macadamia researchers in Vietnam in particular with FSI and Dr Kha Detail existing collaborative agreements with these organizations, identifying shared benefits Assumption that any differing interests can find common ground month reports on progress Hold meetings with FSI, CSIRO and others to implement design of the trial models and Data Collection formats and Data Bases so that they are compatible with those used by these organizations and provide the required information Data includes the growth habit, growth rate, (beyond the project, yield of first grade kernel, kernel quality) of macadamia varieties grown at different densities at various sites in Vietnam Assumption is that trial models and data collection can conform to what already exists Provide seed and graft wood to the principal research nurseries and FSI ensuring at least 10 Varieties Provide nursery equipment as detailed in the previous reports and Annexures Nursery to receive 100 kg seed nut, 1000 sticks of graft and bud wood from the 10 varieties each year plus replacement stock Nursery equipment, including grafting planes, tape, wounds dressing, propagation and potting mix, and potting bags Data will include the growth habit, growth rate, (beyond the project, yield of first grade kernel, kernel quality) of macadamia varieties grown at different densities at various sites in Vietnam That Australian specifications will result in significantly better performance in Vn OBJECTIVE 10 Collect data for existing and new trial plots and nurseries and undertake evaluation and analysis OUTPUT 10.1 month reports on progress Assumption is that trial models and data collection can conform to what already exists Meetings and sharing of information have continued between project leaders and FSI, WASI, Ba vi, Long Phuong Co and Vinamaca Co Reports of collaboration are detailed in the previous MS reports WASI has invited input from the project team on planning session which have been attended by Prof Hoang Hoe All key participants are providing reports and relevant data is being entered into the latest versions of the spread-sheet models These are being made available to participants for comment and use Final validation is detailed in MS12 + MS11 Reports Seed, (1340 kg) scion wood (7000) and equipment have been delivered as mentioned above Additional varieties have been delivered to satisfy requests from nurseries Data with regard to propagation of seed and graft success is being collected Data with regard to trials is now being collected Baseline data collection was completed, as is preliminary analysis MS & reports Final analysis is reported in MS11 & 12 Reports 22 Activity 10.1.1 Implement compatible data bases for existing and new trial plots and nurseries Data bases to be collaboratively finalised within the first months of the project and based on the above Activity 10.1.2 Undertake measurements every months collection of data every months All other activities are to be recorded as they occur Data to be enter as soon as measurements are taken and copies sent to the science team OBJECTIVE 11 Inform stakeholders and others and promote the objectives of the project specifically and the benefits of a Macadamia industry generally Promotion to target specific audiences with related interest primarily OUTPUT 11.1 Report on progress every months Activity 11.1.1 Develop newsletter and website both to provide information and promote the project Range of articles to be balance in content based on project objectives Distribution is principally to stakeholders Publish training documentation Modules to cover aspect of the project as they arise Data is being collected in an ongoing fashion and continues to be entered into the models mentioned earlier These have been reported on and delivered to all participants progressively Most available data to date has undergone analysis and reported at the Lang son and Ba vi Workshops The spreadsheet models mentioned above, have been used for the analysis, MS 11 & 12 reports All known stakeholders have been or are being provide with all the reports referred to above and delivered in the workshops and referred to in the Annex’s In addition to this the broader media has been used to promote the activities of the project via national TV and Forest and Life Magazine Activity 11.1.2 I newsletter every months to include project activities of note and other relevant Macadamia news website to promote the project Training modules to be published progressively coinciding with workshops and aimed at trainees Assumption that technicians will be diligent in their role However checks will be made every months The first Newsletter has been superseded by the Forest and Life magazine features The last feature was in 2009 The website has been deferred since there is the CARD website The Introductory Training modules have been translated and distributed to technicians, farmers and other stakeholders at all Training sessions and workshops, as has the Nursery Manual, Newsletter and now the magazine features All Workshop Proceedings been distributed to all participants and other interested stakeholders A comprehensive 23 Macadamia handbook is being developed by Prof Hoang Hoe and will be published by 2011 Activity 11.1.3 Prepare articles and media releases Focus to target specific media and publications presenting notable events and information relating to the project OBJECTIVE 12 Strengthen extension capacity by linking it to research and the practitioners Project leader will need to ensure that there are good communication flows between the scientists and the farmers via the extension staff OUTPUT 12.1 month reports on progress Activity 12.1.1 A protocol is to be developed and put in place to ensure responsibility in capacity building is shared between extension staff, researchers, trainers and practitioners This will include IT as much as possible closely associated with practical field work Extension staff need to feel free in this role The media has been involved at all workshops and a Macadamia Seminar and Press Meeting was used to launch the Forest and Life Magazine featuring macadamia The project built on established strong links in regard to research, extension and delivery to key organisations and practitioners This was best demonstrated at all the Workshops and also at the Macadamia Seminar and Press Meeting in Hanoi It also includes the ongoing collaboration with the key Chinese and Thai researchers All MS Reports A document is to be presented setting out means and frequency of communication, preparation for training sessions and ongoing training tasks Persons to be involved already have related interest The delivery of presentations and written reports at the workshops and ongoing reports of participants progress in the field, ensured a continuity of capacity building throughout the project Protocols have been include in the technical reports including MS11 & 12 24 ... Title: Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Vietnamese Implementing Institution: Centre... propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Vietnamese Institution Center for Environment, Tourism and Development (CETD), Vietnamese Project. .. the trial of 14 varieties of macadamia in different provinces including Ba vi, Hoa binh, Daklak and Lang son This has involved the design and planting of trials plots in these provinces The project