Luang Prabang, 2–4 September 2025 – More than 45 participants from development organizations, associations, private sector actors, farmers, and agriculture enthusiasts gathered in Luang Prabang for the Lao Agriculture Networking & Training Event.

The three-day event, co-organized by ECHO Asia, ALiSEA, and BanSuanAiOun Organic Farm, aimed not only to share knowledge and practical skills in agroecology but also to strengthen connections among agriculture stakeholders in Laos. By bringing people together across sectors, the organizers sought to build a stronger, more collaborative network to support sustainable farming in the country.

Key highlights of the training included:

• Biochar for Soil Improvement—theory and practice with TLUD and retort systems.

• Integrated Farming Systems—combining rice and vegetable cultivation with aquaculture (soft-shelled turtles, frogs, and catfish).

• Beekeeping – setting up hives, managing colonies, and producing high-quality honey.

• Farm Tours—visiting young farmers’ integrated fruit tree farms and learning marketing strategies.

Participants also reflected on how they could adapt the lessons learned. Souphanny from the WISE project (Wetland Improvement for a Climate Change Resilient City) shared:

“The goal of our project is to protect wetlands and promote their sustainable use. From this training, we see opportunities to adapt practices such as vegetable growing, duck raising, or turtle raising in wetland areas. We also hope to combine these activities with cultural heritage and tourism to further strengthen wetland protection.”

Souphanny and team from WISE project

The event successfully concluded on 4 September 2025, leaving participants with new ideas, stronger connections, and practical skills to advance sustainable agriculture and agroecology in Laos.