Australia's Commission for International Agricultural Research (the Commission) visited Laos and Cambodia in March 2026 to meet with research partners and communities and see firsthand the outcomes of ACIAR-supported investments.
Commissioners provide independent, expert advice on Australia's investment in international agricultural research to the Australian Foreign Minister. The visit brought together farmers, scientists, government officials and community members to discuss the impact of current research and the opportunities to strengthen agricultural resilience in the region.
Commission Chair Mrs Fiona Simson said that as climate change intensifies, Australia and Mekong partner countries face shared challenges, and it was critical to work together to drive sustainable agricultural development and long-term food security.
'Climate change is bringing unpredictable rainfall, soil erosion and pressure on natural resources in the Mekong,' said Mrs Simson. 'This visit highlighted the shared priorities for climate-ready agriculture, fair market systems and improved nutrition.'
'There are continuing opportunities for Australia to work with its partner countries through agricultural research to deliver innovative, science-based solutions that sustainably intensify food systems.'
ACIAR's long-term partnerships with Laos and Cambodia focus on science-based solutions identified and led by local partners - many of these initiatives were visited by the Commission.
'Seeing these projects firsthand and speaking with the people they support has demonstrated to the Commission what enduring, locally led research partnerships can deliver,' said Mrs Simson.
Fishways supporting Mekong fisheries
An ongoing collaboration between Australian and local research partners in Laos and Cambodia are supporting the design of fish passages that help native species move past irrigation infrastructure, protecting an important food source for millions of people across the Mekong. A recent milestone saw fish passage requirements incorporated into national irrigation laws in Laos, demonstrating how sustained research partnerships can help inform policy.
Protecting high-value crops
Cash crops such as cassava and bananas support rural livelihoods in Laos, but disease outbreaks can threaten production and export opportunities. Commissioners saw examples of ACIAR-supported work to improve disease monitoring, lift productivity and strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
In Cambodia, Commissioners met with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and local research partners to discuss priorities for moving agriculture beyond subsistence farming, through the government-supported initiative to develop modern agricultural cooperatives, to make the sector more competitive and innovation-driven.
Building regional research leadership
ACIAR has invested in developing research capability across the region. More than 70 emerging leaders from Laos and Cambodia have completed ACIAR fellowships, returning home with advanced skills in areas including soil management, poultry production, forestry and natural resources management.
The Commission met with many alumni from both countries, with one of the highlights being at the 35th Anniversary of Laos and Australia Agricultural Research Partnership where more than 60 researchers from Laos and Australia received Labor and Friendship Medals from the Lao government.
'This recognition is a great honour and shows what's possible when long-term research is matched with sustained investment in people. Strengthening local capability and supporting emerging leaders helps ensure new ideas take root beyond individual projects and continue improving food security into the future,' said Mrs Simson.
Partnership for prosperity
Mrs Simson said it was clear that strong and positive engagement with in-country stakeholders set a good foundation to discuss current priorities and thinking, and builds on decades of trust and reliable investment.
'Relationships are built on trust,' said Mrs Simson. 'It is important that we listen to partners and working together to strengthen communities, protect natural resources and support long-term stability.'
Agricultural research is not only an engine of innovation, but a catalyst for lasting cooperation across the region.
For the Commission, the visit highlighted the value of staying close to partners and communities to ensure future investments continue to deliver practical, locally led solutions, strengthen research capability and help Mekong countries adapt to a changing climate.
See Commission Chair Mrs Fiona Simson reflect on the visit in the video below.
