10 outstanding women who have contributed to agriculture, agrifood systems and rural development were honored at World Food Day High Level Conference.
On October 15 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held the World Food Day High Level Conference and Strengthening Cooperation in the Implementation of the National Program “Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of Specialized Rice Cultivation Areas for High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030”.
As part of the conference, 10 outstanding women who have contributed to agriculture, agrifood systems and rural development were honored. They represented a range of fields, including agricultural production, business and value chain development, scientific research, technology application, agricultural extension and management.
The initiative highlights the role of women in innovation, livelihood development and the building of sustainable value chains. It also underscores the need to enable women to access knowledge, technology, capital and markets, participate in decision-making processes and take on leadership roles.
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| MAE and FAO in Viet Nam honors 10 outstanding women who have contributed to agriculture, agrifood systems and rural development. Photo: FAO. |
Mrs. Lam Ngoc Bao Han
Title: Founder of Nha Cua Family; Chairperson of the Cai Doi Vam Commune Club for Outstanding Farmers in Production and Business
Category: Rural Farmer
In Ca Mau, Mrs. Lam Ngoc Bao Han develops traceable, ecological shrimp, crab and fish farming in mangrove forests. Through Nhà Cua Family, she uses biochar made from agricultural by-products and innovative business models to protect the environment and connect consumers with local products.
Mrs. Thai Huong
Title: Hero of Labour, Founder and Chair of the Strategic Council, TH Group
Category: Entrepreneur
Madame Thai Huong founded TH Group and pioneered high-tech dairy farming, bringing about a fresh milk revolution in Viet Nam. She initiated the National School Milk Programme and championed the promotion of the School Nutrition Law. She has also spearheaded clean food production through green, circular practices grounded in sustainable development, guided by her famous slogan: "Cherish Mother Nature, who gives us everything."
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan
Title: Member of the 16th National Assembly; Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture
Category: Local Government Official
Ms Nguyen Thi Lan bridges research, education and policy to advance innovation in Viet Nam’s agriculture sector. Under her leadership, the Viet Nam National University of Agriculture has strengthened its education, scientific research and international cooperation. She has also led numerous studies in veterinary biotechnology and expanded partnerships between the University, businesses and international organizations to translate research into practical applications. In addition, she has provided policy advice to the National Assembly on agricultural development, higher education, innovation and other policy areas.
Mrs. Dinh Thi Tieu Oanh
Title: Principal Researcher (Grade II), Head of the Perennial Crops Department, Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute, Dak Lak; Vice Chairperson of the Institute’s Trade Union and Head of the Institute’s Women’s Affairs Committee.
Over nearly 30 years of coffee research, Mrs. Dinh Thi Tieu Oanh has helped develop almost 20 officially recognized varieties. Through technical guidance and farmer training, she brings research into practice to improve yields, quality and climate resilience.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hai
Title: Head of the Livestock and Veterinary Extension Division, National Agricultural Extension Center – Minitry of Agriculture and Environment
Category: Extension Agent
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hai promotes biosecure, sustainable and climate-smart livestock practices across Viet Nam. Through agricultural extension and disaster recovery work, she helps farmers prevent disease, restore production and build resilience.
Mrs. Thach Thi Chal Thi
Title: Founder and Director, Tra Vinh Farm Co., Ltd. (Sokfarm)
Category: Entrepreneur
Mrs. Thach Thi Chal Thi founded Sokfarm, turning coconut blossom nectar into products sold in Viet Nam and abroad. Her business works with more than 150 coconut-growing households and provides jobs for over 300 local workers, many of them women and Khmer people.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Minh
Title: Former Vice Minister of Fisheries; President of the Association of Food Transparency; Honorary Chairperson of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
Category: Representative of NGOs
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hong Minh has contributed to the development and modernization of Viet Nam’s seafood sector. She now promotes food transparency through traceability tools and digital platforms that help small and medium-sized enterprises build their capacities and expand markets.
Mrs. Nong Thi Tham
Title: Chair of the Board of Directors & Director, Yen The Traditional Medicine Cooperative
Category: Representative of Farmers’ Organizations
Mrs. Nong Thi Tham founded a cooperative that connects more than 270 households producing medicinal herbs, crops and flowers in Lào Cai. She also shares knowledge on technology and production management with ethnic minority women, helping them develop their livelihoods.
Mrs. Luong Thi Hanh
Title: Founder & Executive Director, Hanhsilk Joint Stock Company
Category: Representative of Farmers’ Organizations
English: Mrs. Luong Thi Hanh has contributed to reviving, preserving and developing Nam Cao’s traditional silk weaving by connecting mulberry cultivation, silkworm farming and silk production with product development and craft tourism. The model creates livelihoods for local households, particularly women, while bringing the village’s cultural heritage closer to visitors.
Mrs. Nguyen Pham Cam Tu
Title: Co-founder and Director, CAS Energy Co., Ltd.
Category: Technology Leader
Mrs. Nguyen Pham Cam Tu co-developed AgriSolar, a model that combines agriculture, solar energy and automation. It uses land more efficiently while producing clean electricity and organic food and creating green jobs, particularly for rural women.
FAO Representative in Viet Nam Vinod Ahuja emphasized: “When women have equal opportunities to access land, capital, knowledge and markets, crop productivity improves, children receive better nutrition, and communities become more resilient in the face of difficulties and challenges.”