Southern Horticultural Research Institute, Vietnam (SOFRI)

The Southern Horticultural Research Institute (SOFRI) was initially established as the Long Dinh Fruit Research Center (LDFRC) on March 26, 1994, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). On December 9, 1997, under Decision No. 1056/1997/QD TTg, LDFRC was reorganized and upgraded to become SOFRI. Later, on January 1, 2010, SOFRI joined the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) following Decision No. 3530/QĐ-BNN-TCCB, issued on December 10, 2009, by MARD. The institute is located in Long Dinh commune, Chau Thanh district, Tien Giang province.

As a public scientific organization, SOFRI focuses on research, technology transfer, production, business, and consultancy in the fields of fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants for southern provinces and cities. Its main tasks include selecting and breeding high-quality plant varieties, studying cultivation techniques, plant protection, post-harvest technologies, and participating in the planning and development of specialized farming areas. Additionally, SOFRI provides training, consultancy, and quality assessment services, and engages in international cooperation in research and technology transfer.

The institute’s organizational structure comprises two functional units, five research departments, and two centers. Its human resources include 14 Ph.D. holders, 29 Master’s degree holders, and 44 university graduates, totaling 100 staff members.

In December 2024, SOFRI celebrated its 30th anniversary and was honored with the First-Class Labor Medal, recognizing its significant contributions to the agricultural sector.