June 11, 2024, Saravan, Lao PDR
The Government of Laos took a significant step by initiating consultations for its draft decree on contract farming. The meeting, which brought together more than 50 stakeholders in the south, was a crucial platform for shaping the future of contract farming in Laos. While contract farming has gained momentum in the Mekong region due in part to a backlash against large-scale agricultural concessions, there needs to be more specific policies to govern such models and ensure they are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. The consultation in Saravan was a pivotal moment, with representatives of provincial government agencies, banks, agricultural cooperatives, and the private sector from five provinces (Saravan, Savannakhet, Champassack, Sekong, and Attapeu) contributing their insights. Dr. Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, chaired the consultations. Following similar consultation meetings in the central and northern regions, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will compile feedback and present the decree for approval.
For the MRLG Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI) Alliance, stakeholder consultations are not just a formality, but a critical part of good land governance. They can help ensure that laws and policy instruments reflect the needs of those closest to the ground and, therefore, most impacted.
