On March 2, 2026, the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic officially launched the National Action Plan on Sustainable Food Systems Transformation (2025–2030). This milestone represents a historic shift from a sector-based approach to an integrated food systems framework, linking agricultural production with nutrition, health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. The launch follows the strategic merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment—a reform designed to enable more coordinated management of natural resources and climate action. Led by the newly formed Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the plan is guided by three overarching objectives: strengthening resilience to climate change, improving nutrition outcomes, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

To achieve these goals, the government has outlined seven priority programmes:

• Food security and nutrition.

• Commercial agricultural and forestry production.

• Forest management and conservation.

• Land allocation and management.

• Water resource management.

• Environmental protection.

• Rural development and poverty reduction.

The implementation of this plan is bolstered by significant international partnerships and financial investments, including USD 33 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and USD 4.5 million from the United Nations. Highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, ALiSEA Laos representatives—including SAEDA, PAKA, GRET, and SEED—were invited to join this important workshop.

In its broader role, ALiSEA supports the transition to sustainable food systems in Laos by promoting agroecology (AE) as a core approach. By advocating for climate-resilient farming, organic practices, and seed saving, ALiSEA’s work directly aligns with the National Action Plan’s priorities to protect the environment and enhance food security. Furthermore, ALiSEA ensures this transformation remains inclusive by empowering farmers, youth, and women, ultimately helping to deliver tangible benefits and sustainable livelihoods to communities across the country.

As noted by Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, minister of agriculture and environment, the government remains fully committed to implementing the plan and working with partners to deliver tangible benefits for the population. He emphasized that this integrated approach is a major milestone in Lao PDR’s efforts to transform its food systems and lay a strong foundation for sustainable development.

For more details, you can access the official presentation materials HERE