An overview of the press conference to declare the ceremony of 80 years of the agriculture and environment sector’s foundation. — VNS Photo Tố Như

HÀ NỘI — The agriculture and environment sector says its 80th anniversary will not only honour generations of contributors but also serve as a milestone pointing to a new phase of greener, more modern development in the years ahead.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phùng Đức Tiến highlighted the significance of the event at a press conference announcing the sector’s 80th anniversary activities (1945–2025) and its first Patriotic Emulation Congress.

He said the anniversary was an important political and social occasion, marking eight decades of building, growth and dedication from a pillar sector in the country’s sustainable development. It is both a moment to pay tribute to past generations and the start of a new development phase that is more deeply integrated and forward-looking.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has planned a series of commemorative activities from July to next month, featuring nationwide programmes. The centrepiece is the 80th anniversary ceremony combined with the first Patriotic Emulation Congress, to be held on Thursday morning at the National Convention Centre in Hà Nội.

The event is expected to bring together more than 1,200 delegates, including leaders from the Party, State, National Assembly and Government, former ministry leaders, international representatives and exemplary collectives and individuals.

Within the programme, the exhibition 'Achievements during 80 years of the agriculture and environment sector' will present the sector’s development across different periods, from post-war recovery and renovation to deep international integration. Exhibits will focus on scientific and technological advancements, digital transformation, green agriculture, circular economy practices, environmental protection, typical products and sustainable and innovative production models.

Other activities include the inauguration of commemorative plaques at the Phù Sa Pumping Station in Hà Nội and the Thọ Quang Fishing Port in Đà Nẵng. Media products such as the documentary 80 Years of Việt Nam’s agriculture and environment, the publication Safe Environment – Prosperous Agriculture and the 6th Agricultural Economy and Rural Development Journalism Awards will also be presented.

At the first Patriotic Emulation Congress, the ministry will receive the First-Class Labour Medal and recognise hundreds of outstanding collectives, individuals, cooperatives and farmers for the 2020–2025 period.

Deputy Minister Tiến said preparations had been carried out carefully to reflect the sector’s spirit, identity and aspiration for innovation.

He said: "Across eight decades, the sector has always been the backbone of the economy, ensuring food security and livelihoods for tens of millions of residents, while pioneering resource, environmental and biodiversity protection."

With the motto 'Tradition – Innovation – Development – Sustainability,' the 80th anniversary marks a chance to reflect on past achievements, honour silent contributions and gather momentum for a new development stage.

Looking ahead, the sector aims to continue renewing management thinking, promote digital transformation, apply science and technology, develop ecological agriculture and circular economy models, build modern rural areas and foster a civilised farming community, contributing to a strong, green and prosperous Việt Nam.

According to Nguyễn Xuân Ân, Deputy Head of the Personnel Organisation Department, emulation movements have spread deeply and are closely connected with key sectoral tasks, including new rural construction, green transformation, forest protection, plastic waste reduction, digital transformation and innovation. These movements have acted as important drivers for agricultural growth, natural resource protection, climate adaptation and rural stability. 

Over the past five years, the added value growth rate of the sector reached 3.12 per cent per year. Agricultural, forestry and fishery production value rose 3.52 per cent per year. Export turnover in the first 10 months of this year reached US$58.13 billion, with a projected record close to $70 billion for the year. — VNS