Agriculture
Working Group on Agriculture
(Working Group on Agriculture: WGA)
Lead Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Background and Principles
The agricultural sector is a vital foundation of the economy in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Under the GMS 2030 Strategic Framework, agricultural cooperation aims to elevate food safety and quality standards to support exports, alongside the harmonization of policies and standards among member countries. It also promotes environmentally and climate-friendly production throughout the value chain, with an emphasis on smallholder farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as strengthening food security and the resilience of agricultural supply chains.
Furthermore, the GMS 2030 Kunming Strategic Framework for Transformation of Agrifood Systems (GMS 2030 KSFTAS), endorsed at the 3rd GMS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in 2024, outlines guidelines for transforming the region’s agrifood systems. It focuses on developing sustainable production, climate-resilient value chains, the use of digital technology, and financial mechanisms to increase farmers’ income, reduce food loss, and meet the demand for safe, high-quality agricultural products through four pillars: (1) Policy and Governance, (2) Knowledge and Innovation Development, (3) Market and Consumer Behavior Transformation, and (4) Infrastructure Development and Investment. The GMS Working Group on Agriculture (WGA) serves as the key mechanism for driving and monitoring regional implementation.
Recent Progress
Progress has been made in driving the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Program (SAFSP), which aims to develop agrifood systems that are sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive. Member countries have collaborated to implement the GMS 2030 KSFTAS to promote environmentally friendly agricultural production and value chains, while upgrading food safety and quality standards to support subregional trade. Additionally, efforts include supporting the use of digital technology, access to finance, and market development for smallholder farmers and agricultural MSMEs to reduce food loss, enhance income, and strengthen long-term food security.
