ASEAN cooperation in the agriculture and food sector dated back as early as 1968 with cooperation in food production and supply. As the needs increased, In 1977, the scope of cooperation was expanded in 1977 to include the greater area of agriculture and forestry. as the needs have increased. Currently, the specific areas under the ASEAN cooperation in agriculture and food includes food security, food safety, halal food, crops, livestock, agricultural training and extension, agricultural cooperatives, and joint cooperation in agriculture and forest products promotion scheme.
The Strategic Plan of ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016-2025 defines the vision and goals for the food, agriculture and forestry sector. It , identifies and prioritises the main areas for cooperation, and proposes Strategic Thrusts and Action Programmes. It is formulated in a global and regional context and in response to the socio-economic and demographic changes driven by three key drivers:, rapid economic growth, regional integration and globalisation, and pressures on the natural resource base including climate change.
The Vision of the ASEAN Cooperation in the agriculture and food sector is to create “A competitive, inclusive, resilient and sustainable Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (FAF) sector integrated with the global economy, based on a single market and production base contributing to food and nutrition security and prosperity in the ASEAN Community.” Six goals have been formulated to achieve the Vision, namely:
- Ensuring equitable, sustainable and inclusive growth
- Alleviating poverty and eradicating hunger
- Ensuring food security, food safety and better nutrition
- Deepening regional integration
- Enhancing access to global markets
- Increasing resilience to, and contributing to mitigation and adaptation of climate change, natural disasters and other shock.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
According to the Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry, 2016-2025, the priority areas of Cooperation focuses on:
- Enhance quantity and quality of production with sustainable, ‘green’ technologies, resource management systems, and minimise pre- and post-harvest losses and waste;
- Enhance trade facilitation, economic integration and market access;
- Ensure food security, food safety, better nutrition and equitable distribution.
- Increase resilience to climate change, natural disasters and other shocks;
- Assist resource constrained small producers and SMEs to improve productivity, technology and product quality, to meet global market standards and increase competitiveness.
- Strengthen ASEAN joint approaches on international and regional issues affecting the FAF sector.
A number of activities have been conducted to support the priorityies areas of coorpeoration such as: (i) the development of agricultural standards and guidelines (Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) and Good Animal Husbandry Practices), (ii) the implementation of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security, 2015-2020, (iii) the establishment of the Climate Resilient Network (CRN) to deal with climate change issues in the food and agriculture sector and (iv) the establishment of Grow Asia, an initiative between ASEAN and World Economic Forum to assist MSMEs to enhance their capacity in accessing new science and technology. The adoption of the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible Investment in the Food, Agriculture and Forestry aims to promote investment in food, agriculture and forestry in the ASEAN region that contributes to regional economic development, food and nutrition security, food safety and equitable benefits, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources
Major sectoral bodies/committees
To implement activities related to promoting food, agriculture and forestry cooperation in ASEAN, 49 Working Groups/Expert Working Groups and Taskforce (as of March 2020) have been established to support Senior Officials of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (SOM-AMAF) and ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF). The ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB) was established to review, monitor and evaluate the situation of food security status at global, regional and countries levels. In order to support the work of AFSRB, ASEAN Member States agreed to develop ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) and ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) to strengthen food security cooperation in the region through the systematic collection, analysis and dissemination of food security related information and other supportive activities.
- The ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Crops (ASWGC) provides a mechanism to develop ASEAN Standards on Crops regarding Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), pesticides, pest risk analysis, Biological Control Agents and other related issues. One of the key tasks to be conducted by theof ASWGC is to harmonize the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of commonly used pesticides for widely trade crop products in accordance with international standards/ guidelines, where applicable.
- The ASEAN Working Group on Livestock (ASWGL) provides a mechanism to develop ASEAN Standards in Livestock for Vaccines, Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and other related activities in the livestock sector.
- The ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Agricultural Research and Development (ASWGARD) provides a mechanism for ASEAN Member States to work on the R&D in agricultural sector.
- The ASEAN Working Group on Halal Food (AWGHF) provides a mechanism for cooperative undertakings among AMS on the development and harmonisation of halal food standard, certification and accreditation; conduct of capacity building; and exchange of information on halal food development and best practices.
- The ASEAN Genetically Modified Food Testing Network (ASEAN GMFNet) provides a mechanism for harmonisation of ASEAN GMO regulatory framework for food, feed and environment, including GMO detection approach and methods; capacity building on GMO analysis; and information exchange on the development of modern biotechnology in the context of food testing.
The Matrix of WGs under SOM AMAF
No | Name | Years of establishment | Function |
1 | ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF) | 1998 |
|
2 | ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB) | 1979 |
|
3 | ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Livestock (ASWGL) | 1997 (Special SOM-AMAF in 6-8 May 1997, Cebu, Philippines) |
|
4 | ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Crops (ASWGC) | 1997 (Special SOM-AMAF in 6-8 May 1997, Cebu, Philippines) |
|
5 | ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Fisheries | 1997 (Special SOM-AMAF 6-8 May 1997, Cebu, Philippines) |
|
6 | ASEAN SPS Contact Points | 2012 (the 34th AMAF Meeting on 27 September 2012, Singapore) |
|
7 | ASEAN Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed | 2008 (SOM-29th AMAF, 5-7 August 2008, Chiang Mai, Thailand) | The Steering Committee:
The ARASFF NCP
|
8 | ASEAN Working Group on Halal Food | 2000 |
|
9 | ASEAN Technical Working Group on Agricultural Research and Development | 2003 |
|
10 | ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Agriculture Training and Extension | 1997 |
|
11 | ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Agriculture Cooperative | 2000 |
|
12 | ASEAN taskforce on CODEX | 2000 |
|
13 | ASEAN Taskforce on Genetically Modified Food Testing Network | 2003 |
|
14 | Joint Committee on ASEAN Cooperation on Joint Approach in Agriculture and Forestry Products Promotion Scheme | 1994 (MOU on ASEAN Cooperation and Joint Approaches in Agriculture and Forest Products Promotion Scheme Langkawi, Malaysia, 25 August 1994) |
|
Fisheries Cooperation
The fisheries sector is part of the broader cooperation of the ASEAN Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (COFAF) established in 1977. In 1983, the ASEAN Ministerial Understanding on Fisheries Cooperation was adopted by the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Food (AMAF) to foster closer cooperation in the areas of fisheries management and conservation, exchange of technology, fisheries trade and marketing. Following the dissolution of the ASEAN COFAF in 1992 and the 14th AMAF decision of providing SOM-AMAF the important role in reformulating new policy guidelines for ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry, the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Fisheries (ASWGFi) was reconstituted as one of the subsidiary bodies providing technical support to SOM-AMAF.
The Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation on Fisheries (2016-2020) defines the strategic thrusts and priority actions of the fisheries sector focusing on enhancing trade and market access, enhancing fisheries production using sustainable technologies, ensuring food security and safety, increasing resilience to climate change and natural shocks, assisting small producers to increase competitiveness, and strengthening joint approaches on international and regional issues affecting the fisheries sector.
The ASWGFi is supported by the following sub-working working groups in the implementation of the strategic plan of action:
- ASEAN Shrimp Alliance (ASA) provides a platform for government and private sector to formulate and harmonize shrimp production and certification standards, and to discuss issues affecting shrimp production and trade;
- Fisheries Consultative Group of the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Strategic Partnership (FCG/ASSP) provides a mechanism for ASEAN and SEAFDEC to work together in developing common or coordinated positions on international fisheries issues and implementing mutually agreed fisheries programs;
- ASEAN Fisheries Consultative Forum (AFCF) provides a platform to discuss and address common problems on fisheries management and development faced by AMS; and
- Expert Working Group on ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practice (EWG-ASEAN GAqP) provides a mechanism to develop and review the ASEAN certification system and best practices guidelines or standards for aquaculture commodities.
ASEAN Member States have made significant progress in reducing tariffs on fishery products and continue to exert efforts on harmonizing standards and technical regulations to improve fisheries production and facilitate trade. Recent initiatives include the implementation of the ASEAN Guidelines of Good Aquaculture Practices for Food Fish, Standards on ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practices for Shrimp Farming, Template on the Arrangement on the Equivalence of Fishery Product Inspection and Certification System, and Regional Guidelines on Traceability System for Aquaculture Products in ASEAN.
Beyond fisheries production and trade, AMS continue to implement measures aiming to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in the region. Efforts include the development of management measures for neritic tunas and eel resources, development of common positions on the inclusion of commercially-exploited aquatic species in CITES Appendix, and implementation of technical guidelines on early warning system for aquatic animal health emergencies. To combat IUU fishing in the region, AMS have adopted the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Joint Declaration on Regional Cooperation for Combating IUU Fishing and Enhancing the Competitiveness of ASEAN Fish and Fishery Products, and continue to implement the Guidelines for Preventing the Entry of Fish and Fishery Products from IUU Fishing Activities into the Supply Chain, Regional Plan of Action for Managing Fishing Capacity and ASEAN Catch Documentation Scheme for Marine Fisheries.
Forestry Cooperation
Overview of The Sector
ASEAN cooperation in forestry was initiated in 1993 on the Ministerial Understanding (MU) on ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry. The backbone of ASEAN cooperation in forestry is sustainable forest management (SFM). Sustainable forest management involves the application of best practices based on current scientific and traditional knowledge that allow multiple objectives and needs to be met without degrading forest resources. It also requires effective and accountable governance and the safeguarding of the rights of forest-dependent peoples. FAO defined sustainable forest management as a “dynamic and evolving concept, which aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations”.
Considering the above, ASEAN has set up the vision of ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry 2025 of which “Forest resources are sustainably managed at the landscape level to meet societal needs, both socio-economically and culturally, of the present and future generations, and to contribute positively to sustainable development”. Inline with this Vision, ASEAN has identified key areas/priorities which include sustainable forest management, forest law enforcement and governance (FLEG), forest products development, conservation and wildlife enforcement, social forestry and forest and climate change.
The goal for the forestry sector in ASEAN is to “enhance sustainable forest management for the continuous production of forest goods and services in a balanced way and ensuring forest protection and biological diversity conservation, as well as optimise their utilisation, compatible with social and ecological sustainability”.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
Based on the vision and goal of ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry, key priorities of the cooperation are elaborated into five strategic thrusts that includes:
- Enhancing sustainable forest management
- Enhancing trade facilitation, economic integration and market access
- Enhancing the forestry sector resilience and role in climate change
- Institutional strengthening and human resources development
- Strengthening ASEAN’s joint approaches on regional and international issues affecting the forestry sector.
Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry 2016-2026 has been constructed referring to the vision, goal and strategic thrusts that are focusing on supporting policy developments, exchange best practices and experiences, capacity and institutional development as well as partnership.
Some activities, program and initiatives have been implemented to achieve the Forestry Vision 2025 such as i) the development of ASEAN Criteria and Indicator for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forest, ii) the development of the Work Plan for Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Implementation in ASEAN 2016-2025, iii) the development of regional capacity building tools (Regional Community Forestry Participatory Assessment Tool, Regional Agroforestry for Climate Change Resilient Landscape Manual), iv) the development of regional policy tools (e.g. ASEAN Guidelines for Agroforestry Development, ASEAN Guidelines for Detecting and Preventing Wildlife Trafficking, ASEAN Voluntary Code of Conduct on Imports for Forest and Timber Companies). ASEAN has also been actively involved in UNFCCC and UNFF by submitting several joint submissions on the issues that become common concern such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).
ASEAN has also developed partnership and collaboration with several dialogue partners and international development partners such as Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Germany, China, Asian Forest Cooperation Organisation (AFoCO) and FAO. Some international institutions such as RECOFT, CIFOR, ICRAF, SEARCA and Non-timber Forest Products-Exchange program have also provided ASEAN with technical expertise.
Major Sectoral Bodies/Committees
ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) mandated ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF) oversee the implementation of ASEAN cooperation in forestry. ASOF is supported by five working groups (subsidiary bodies) namely:
- ASEAN Working Group on Forest Management (AWG-FM): provides specific policy-oriented research results and policy analysis on sustainable forest management, forest law enforcement and governance.
- ASEAN Working Group on Forest Products Development (AWG-FPD): provides specific recommendations and policy analysis on trade in forest products and their development including forest certification, enhancing competitiveness of forest products.
- ASEAN Working Group on Social Forestry (AWG-SF): provides specific policy recommendations on the effects of social forestry in enhancing sustainable forest management, to enhance welfare and livelihoods of indigenous people, local communities, forest dwellers and other forest-dependent communities.
- ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement (AWG CITES and WE): provides recommendation on trade in wild fauna and flora and to strengthen networking of the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement, address challenges of transboundary trafficking of wildlife and timber.
- ASEAN Working Group on Forest and Climate Change (AWG-FCC): provides specific recommendation on forest and climate change especially related to the effort to reduce emissions and strategy in adaptation and mitigation from forestry sector.
The Working Group under ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry
No | Name | Year of establishment | Function |
1 | ASEAN Working Group on Forest Products Development | 1998 |
|
2 | ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement | 2005 |
|
3 | ASEAN Working Group on Forest Management | 2005 |
|
4 | ASEAN Working Group on Social Forestry | 2006 |
|
5 | ASEAN Working Group on Forest and Climate Change | 2009 |
|
Key Documents
Since 1977, various documents have been discussed and endorsed by AMAF, including:
- Policy Framework for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Cooperation
- Sectoral Documents
B.1.1 Food Security
- AIFS Framework & SPA FS (2015-2020) – 2014
- Statement of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry on Food Security and Nutrition – 2015
- The ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Food Security and Nutrition Policy – 2017
B.1.2 Food Safety
- Model Protocol for the Use of Irradiation as a Quarantine Treatment for the Export and Import of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for ASEAN
- Harmonized Regulation on Food Irradiation for ASEAN
- ASEAN Guidelines on Risk Assessment of Agriculture-Related Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) –
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Doc. 5 ASEAN General Guidelines on the Preparation and Handling of Halal Food – 1999
- Revised Rules and Procedures (RAP) of ARASFF – 2019
- Principles for Reviewing ASEAN MRLs (2005)
- Guidance for Setting the ASEAN Harmonized MRLs Where CODEX MRLS are not available
- Principle for Harmonisation of ASEAN MRLs (2016)
- Procedure for the Amendment or Revision of the ASEAN GAP Good Agricultural Practices (ASEAN GAP) for Production of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in the ASEAN Region and Its Interpretative Guides (Modules)
- Harmonization of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of Pesticides for Vegetables
- Recommendation for ASEAN Member States to adopt ASEAN MRLs as part of their national regulatory frameworks, and to submit ASEAN Supervised Pesticides Residue Field Trials (SPRT) data to the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) to enable the recognition of ASEAN MRLs as Codex MRLs – 2013
- Revised Principles of Harmonisation for the Establishment of ASEAN MRLs – 2016
- Database ASEAN MRLs
- ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (ASEAN GAP) for the production, harvesting and post-harvest handling of fresh fruit and vegetables – 2006
- Guidance Manual for Using the Alignment Assessment Tools for ASEAN GAP (Plus matrix assessment) – 2017
- Procedure for the revision of ASEAN GAP Standard – 2019
- ASEAN GAP Official Control Manual – Quality Assurance Systems for ASEAN Fruits and Vegetables – 2019
- ASEAN GAP Certification Manual – Quality Assurance Systems for ASEAN Fruits and Vegetables – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Organic Agriculture (ASOA) – 2014
- ASEAN Guidelines for Organic Certification (AGOC) – 2018
- Procedures for the Revision of the ASOA and Amendment of its Appendices – 2019
- Revised Guidance Manual for Using the Alignment Assessment Tools for ASOA – 2019
- ASEAN Harmonized Standards for Horticultural Produce:
- ASEAN Standard for Mango – 2006
- ASEAN Standard for Pineapple – 2006
- ASEAN Standard for Durian – 2006
- ASEAN Standard for Papaya – 2007
- ASEAN Standard for Pummelo – 2007
- ASEAN Standard for Rambutan – 2007
- ASEAN Standard for Guava – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Lansium – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Mandarin – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Mangosteen – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Watermelon – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Young Coconut – 2009
- ASEAN Standard for Banana – 2009 / rev 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Garlic – 2009
- ASEAN Standard for Shallot – 2009
- ASEAN Standard for Jackfruit – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Cucumber – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Melon – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Salacca – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Okra – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Cashew Kernels – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet Pepper – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Onion – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Chilli Peppers – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Wax apple – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Chico (Sapodilla) – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for ASEAN Standard for Eggplant – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Pumpkin – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet Corn – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Cabbage – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Coffee Beans – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Turmeric – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Yard-long Bean – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Cocoa beans – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Oyster mushroom – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Peanut (ASEAN Stan 36 : 2014)
- ASEAN Standard for Sugar apple – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet potato – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet tamarind – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Tea – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Dragon Fruit – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Green Mustard – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Spinach – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Water Convolvulus- 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Chinese Cabbage- 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Fresh Shiitake Mushroom – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Bitter Gourd – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Loofah – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Broccoli – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Cauliflower – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Head Lettuce – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Baby Corn – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for French Bean – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for Jelly Mushroom – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for Yam – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for Mature Coconut – 2018
- ASEAN Standard for Soursop – 2018
- ASEAN Standard for Taro roots (corms) – 2018
- ASEAN Standard for Calamansi/Musk Lime – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Limes – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Taro Leaves – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Taro Stem – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Tomato – 2019
- ASEAN Phytosanitary (PS) Guidelines for Importation priorities commodities:
- ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Rice milled – 2008
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Dendrobium Cut Flowers) – 2010
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Potatotuber – 2011
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Paddy – 2012
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Oil Palm – 2012
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Banana – 2012
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guideline for the Importation of Citrus fruit – 2013
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of durian fruit – 2015
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of and coffee bean for consumption – 2015
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of mango fruit – 2016
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of corn for planting materials – 2016
- Guidelines and Audit Check list for ASEAN Nursery Certification Scheme for Export – 2012
- Methodology for Conducting Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) – 2014
- ASEAN Guidelines for Sampling of High Volume Commodity – grains – 2019
- ASEAN Diagnostic Protocol for South American Leaf Blight (SALB) – 2018
- ASEAN Guidelines on the Regulation, Use and Trade of Biological Control Agents (BCA) – 2014
- ASEAN Guidelines on Soil Nutrient Management – 2017
- The 10-Phases in Developing a National Crop Insurance Program: Guide Overview – 2017
- Policy Framework for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Cooperation
- Sectoral Documents
- ASEAN Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (ARASFF): Rules and Procedures
- AIFS Framework & SPA FS (2015-2020) – 2014
- Statement of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry on Food Security and Nutrition – 2015
- The ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Food Security and Nutrition Policy – 2017
- Guidelines for Halal Accreditation Body: Accrediting Halal Certification Bodies
- Model Protocol for the Use of Irradiation as a Quarantine Treatment for the Export and Import of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for ASEAN
- Harmonized Regulation on Food Irradiation for ASEAN
- ASEAN Guidelines on Risk Assessment of Agriculture-Related Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- ASEAN General Guidelines on Halal Food – 2018
- Revised Rules and Procedures (RAP) of ARASFF – 2019
- Framework for ASEAN Regional Criteria and Indicators (C&I) for Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests – 2000
- ASEAN Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests – 2007
- Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Format for Sustainable Forest Management in ASEAN – 2007
- ASEAN Guideline for the Implementation of IPF/IFF proposals for Action – 2007
- ASEAN Statement on Strengthening Forest Law Enforcement and Governance – 2007
- ASEAN Criteria and Indicators for Legality of Timber – 2009
- ASEAN Guideline on Phased Approach to Forest Certification – 2009
- ASEAN Chain of Custody Guidelines for Legal Timber and Sustainable Timber
- ASEAN Common Position on Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation – 2011
- ASEAN Joint Submission on Methodological guidance for activities related to reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation and role of conservation, sustainable management and enhancement of forest carbon stock in developing countries – 2010
- ASEAN Common Position to the 11th session of the United Nations Forum on Forest (UNFF) – 2015
- Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation on Forestry 2016-2025 (2016)
- Work Plan for Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) in ASEAN 2016-2025 (2016)revised ASEAN Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests – 2017
- ASEAN Guidelines for Agroforestry Development – 2018
- Manual for Assessing Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Implementation in ASEAN Member States – 2018
- Regional Community Forestry Participatory Assessment Tool – 2019
- Regional Agroforestry for Climate Change Resilient Landscape Manual – 2019
- ASEAN Guidelines for Detecting and Preventing Wildlife Trafficking – 2019
- ASEAN Voluntary Code of Conduct on Imports for Forest & Timber Companies – 2019
- Chiang Mai Statement of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for CITES and Wildlife Enforcement on Illegal Wildlife Trade – 2019
- Declaration on Forest Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity – 2019
- Joint Promotion
Publications and Related Links to The Sector
ASEAN Harmonised Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticide residue: i) abamectin in Mandarin, ii) acetamiprid in Chinese broccoli (Chinese kale), iii) deltamethrin in legume vegetable (adopted Codex MRLs) (the group MRL was established based on the field trial conducted by Thailand using the Thailand national GAP label)
|
Intra ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for Importation of |
Training Programme and Materials for ASEAN GAP Certification |
ASEAN Standards for: |
ASEAN Standard on ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practices for Food Fish |
Guidelines for Sharing, Access to, and Use of IUU Fishing-Related Information |
ASEAN Guidelines on Recognition of Customary Tenure in Forested Landscape |
ASEAN Guiding Principles for Effective Social Forestry Legal Framework |
Study on Nature-based solutions in ASEAN across forest, bare land and coastal ecosystems |
ASEAN Strategy for Preventing Zoonotic Diseases Transmission from Wildlife Trade |
Fisheries Cooperation
The fisheries sector is part of the broader cooperation of the ASEAN Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (COFAF) established in 1977. In 1983, the ASEAN Ministerial Understanding on Fisheries Cooperation was adopted by the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Food (AMAF) to foster closer cooperation in the areas of fisheries management and conservation, exchange of technology, fisheries trade and marketing. Following the dissolution of the ASEAN COFAF in 1992 and the 14th AMAF decision of providing SOM-AMAF the important role in reformulating new policy guidelines for ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry, the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Fisheries (ASWGFi) was reconstituted as one of the subsidiary bodies providing technical support to SOM-AMAF.
The Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation on Fisheries (2016-2020) defines the strategic thrusts and priority actions of the fisheries sector focusing on enhancing trade and market access, enhancing fisheries production using sustainable technologies, ensuring food security and safety, increasing resilience to climate change and natural shocks, assisting small producers to increase competitiveness, and strengthening joint approaches on international and regional issues affecting the fisheries sector.
The ASWGFi is supported by the following sub-working working groups in the implementation of the strategic plan of action:
- ASEAN Shrimp Alliance (ASA) provides a platform for government and private sector to formulate and harmonize shrimp production and certification standards, and to discuss issues affecting shrimp production and trade;
- Fisheries Consultative Group of the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Strategic Partnership (FCG/ASSP) provides a mechanism for ASEAN and SEAFDEC to work together in developing common or coordinated positions on international fisheries issues and implementing mutually agreed fisheries programs;
- ASEAN Fisheries Consultative Forum (AFCF) provides a platform to discuss and address common problems on fisheries management and development faced by AMS; and
- Expert Working Group on ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practice (EWG-ASEAN GAqP) provides a mechanism to develop and review the ASEAN certification system and best practices guidelines or standards for aquaculture commodities.
ASEAN Member States have made significant progress in reducing tariffs on fishery products and continue to exert efforts on harmonizing standards and technical regulations to improve fisheries production and facilitate trade. Recent initiatives include the implementation of the ASEAN Guidelines of Good Aquaculture Practices for Food Fish, Standards on ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practices for Shrimp Farming, Template on the Arrangement on the Equivalence of Fishery Product Inspection and Certification System, and Regional Guidelines on Traceability System for Aquaculture Products in ASEAN.
Beyond fisheries production and trade, AMS continue to implement measures aiming to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in the region. Efforts include the development of management measures for neritic tunas and eel resources, development of common positions on the inclusion of commercially-exploited aquatic species in CITES Appendix, and implementation of technical guidelines on early warning system for aquatic animal health emergencies. To combat IUU fishing in the region, AMS have adopted the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Joint Declaration on Regional Cooperation for Combating IUU Fishing and Enhancing the Competitiveness of ASEAN Fish and Fishery Products, and continue to implement the Guidelines for Preventing the Entry of Fish and Fishery Products from IUU Fishing Activities into the Supply Chain, Regional Plan of Action for Managing Fishing Capacity and ASEAN Catch Documentation Scheme for Marine Fisheries.
Forestry Cooperation
Overview of The Sector
ASEAN cooperation in forestry was initiated in 1993 on the Ministerial Understanding (MU) on ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry. The backbone of ASEAN cooperation in forestry is sustainable forest management (SFM). Sustainable forest management involves the application of best practices based on current scientific and traditional knowledge that allow multiple objectives and needs to be met without degrading forest resources. It also requires effective and accountable governance and the safeguarding of the rights of forest-dependent peoples. FAO defined sustainable forest management as a “dynamic and evolving concept, which aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations”.
Considering the above, ASEAN has set up the vision of ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry 2025 of which “Forest resources are sustainably managed at the landscape level to meet societal needs, both socio-economically and culturally, of the present and future generations, and to contribute positively to sustainable development”. Inline with this Vision, ASEAN has identified key areas/priorities which include sustainable forest management, forest law enforcement and governance (FLEG), forest products development, conservation and wildlife enforcement, social forestry and forest and climate change.
The goal for the forestry sector in ASEAN is to “enhance sustainable forest management for the continuous production of forest goods and services in a balanced way and ensuring forest protection and biological diversity conservation, as well as optimise their utilisation, compatible with social and ecological sustainability”.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
Based on the vision and goal of ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry, key priorities of the cooperation are elaborated into five strategic thrusts that includes:
- Enhancing sustainable forest management
- Enhancing trade facilitation, economic integration and market access
- Enhancing the forestry sector resilience and role in climate change
- Institutional strengthening and human resources development
- Strengthening ASEAN’s joint approaches on regional and international issues affecting the forestry sector.
Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry 2016-2026 has been constructed referring to the vision, goal and strategic thrusts that are focusing on supporting policy developments, exchange best practices and experiences, capacity and institutional development as well as partnership.
Some activities, program and initiatives have been implemented to achieve the Forestry Vision 2025 such as i) the development of ASEAN Criteria and Indicator for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forest, ii) the development of the Work Plan for Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Implementation in ASEAN 2016-2025, iii) the development of regional capacity building tools (Regional Community Forestry Participatory Assessment Tool, Regional Agroforestry for Climate Change Resilient Landscape Manual), iv) the development of regional policy tools (e.g. ASEAN Guidelines for Agroforestry Development, ASEAN Guidelines for Detecting and Preventing Wildlife Trafficking, ASEAN Voluntary Code of Conduct on Imports for Forest and Timber Companies). ASEAN has also been actively involved in UNFCCC and UNFF by submitting several joint submissions on the issues that become common concern such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).
ASEAN has also developed partnership and collaboration with several dialogue partners and international development partners such as Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Germany, China, Asian Forest Cooperation Organisation (AFoCO) and FAO. Some international institutions such as RECOFT, CIFOR, ICRAF, SEARCA and Non-timber Forest Products-Exchange program have also provided ASEAN with technical expertise.
Major Sectoral Bodies/Committees
ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) mandated ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF) oversee the implementation of ASEAN cooperation in forestry. ASOF is supported by five working groups (subsidiary bodies) namely:
- ASEAN Working Group on Forest Management (AWG-FM): provides specific policy-oriented research results and policy analysis on sustainable forest management, forest law enforcement and governance.
- ASEAN Working Group on Forest Products Development (AWG-FPD): provides specific recommendations and policy analysis on trade in forest products and their development including forest certification, enhancing competitiveness of forest products.
- ASEAN Working Group on Social Forestry (AWG-SF): provides specific policy recommendations on the effects of social forestry in enhancing sustainable forest management, to enhance welfare and livelihoods of indigenous people, local communities, forest dwellers and other forest-dependent communities.
- ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement (AWG CITES and WE): provides recommendation on trade in wild fauna and flora and to strengthen networking of the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement, address challenges of transboundary trafficking of wildlife and timber.
- ASEAN Working Group on Forest and Climate Change (AWG-FCC): provides specific recommendation on forest and climate change especially related to the effort to reduce emissions and strategy in adaptation and mitigation from forestry sector.
The Working Group under ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry
No | Name | Year of establishment | Function |
1 | ASEAN Working Group on Forest Products Development | 1998 |
|
2 | ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement | 2005 |
|
3 | ASEAN Working Group on Forest Management | 2005 |
|
4 | ASEAN Working Group on Social Forestry | 2006 |
|
5 | ASEAN Working Group on Forest and Climate Change | 2009 |
|
Key Documents
Since 1977, various documents have been discussed and endorsed by AMAF, including:
- Policy Framework for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Cooperation
- Sectoral Documents
B.1.1 Food Security
- AIFS Framework & SPA FS (2015-2020) – 2014
- Statement of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry on Food Security and Nutrition – 2015
- The ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Food Security and Nutrition Policy – 2017
B.1.2 Food Safety
- Model Protocol for the Use of Irradiation as a Quarantine Treatment for the Export and Import of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for ASEAN
- Harmonized Regulation on Food Irradiation for ASEAN
- ASEAN Guidelines on Risk Assessment of Agriculture-Related Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) –
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Doc. 5 ASEAN General Guidelines on the Preparation and Handling of Halal Food – 1999
- Revised Rules and Procedures (RAP) of ARASFF – 2019
- Principles for Reviewing ASEAN MRLs (2005)
- Guidance for Setting the ASEAN Harmonized MRLs Where CODEX MRLS are not available
- Principle for Harmonisation of ASEAN MRLs (2016)
- Procedure for the Amendment or Revision of the ASEAN GAP Good Agricultural Practices (ASEAN GAP) for Production of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in the ASEAN Region and Its Interpretative Guides (Modules)
- Harmonization of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of Pesticides for Vegetables
- Recommendation for ASEAN Member States to adopt ASEAN MRLs as part of their national regulatory frameworks, and to submit ASEAN Supervised Pesticides Residue Field Trials (SPRT) data to the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) to enable the recognition of ASEAN MRLs as Codex MRLs – 2013
- Revised Principles of Harmonisation for the Establishment of ASEAN MRLs – 2016
- Database ASEAN MRLs
- ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (ASEAN GAP) for the production, harvesting and post-harvest handling of fresh fruit and vegetables – 2006
- Guidance Manual for Using the Alignment Assessment Tools for ASEAN GAP (Plus matrix assessment) – 2017
- Procedure for the revision of ASEAN GAP Standard – 2019
- ASEAN GAP Official Control Manual – Quality Assurance Systems for ASEAN Fruits and Vegetables – 2019
- ASEAN GAP Certification Manual – Quality Assurance Systems for ASEAN Fruits and Vegetables – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Organic Agriculture (ASOA) – 2014
- ASEAN Guidelines for Organic Certification (AGOC) – 2018
- Procedures for the Revision of the ASOA and Amendment of its Appendices – 2019
- Revised Guidance Manual for Using the Alignment Assessment Tools for ASOA – 2019
- ASEAN Harmonized Standards for Horticultural Produce:
- ASEAN Standard for Mango – 2006
- ASEAN Standard for Pineapple – 2006
- ASEAN Standard for Durian – 2006
- ASEAN Standard for Papaya – 2007
- ASEAN Standard for Pummelo – 2007
- ASEAN Standard for Rambutan – 2007
- ASEAN Standard for Guava – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Lansium – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Mandarin – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Mangosteen – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Watermelon – 2008
- ASEAN Standard for Young Coconut – 2009
- ASEAN Standard for Banana – 2009 / rev 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Garlic – 2009
- ASEAN Standard for Shallot – 2009
- ASEAN Standard for Jackfruit – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Cucumber – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Melon – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Salacca – 2010
- ASEAN Standard for Okra – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Cashew Kernels – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet Pepper – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Onion – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Chilli Peppers – 2011
- ASEAN Standard for Wax apple – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Chico (Sapodilla) – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for ASEAN Standard for Eggplant – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Pumpkin – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet Corn – 2012
- ASEAN Standard for Cabbage – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Coffee Beans – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Turmeric – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Yard-long Bean – 2013
- ASEAN Standard for Cocoa beans – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Oyster mushroom – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Peanut (ASEAN Stan 36 : 2014)
- ASEAN Standard for Sugar apple – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet potato – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Sweet tamarind – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Tea – 2014
- ASEAN Standard for Dragon Fruit – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Green Mustard – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Spinach – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Water Convolvulus- 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Chinese Cabbage- 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Fresh Shiitake Mushroom – 2015
- ASEAN Standard for Bitter Gourd – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Loofah – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Broccoli – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Cauliflower – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Head Lettuce – 2016
- ASEAN Standard for Baby Corn – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for French Bean – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for Jelly Mushroom – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for Yam – 2017
- ASEAN Standard for Mature Coconut – 2018
- ASEAN Standard for Soursop – 2018
- ASEAN Standard for Taro roots (corms) – 2018
- ASEAN Standard for Calamansi/Musk Lime – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Limes – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Taro Leaves – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Taro Stem – 2019
- ASEAN Standard for Tomato – 2019
- ASEAN Phytosanitary (PS) Guidelines for Importation priorities commodities:
- ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Rice milled – 2008
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Dendrobium Cut Flowers) – 2010
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Potatotuber – 2011
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Paddy – 2012
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Oil Palm – 2012
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Importation of Banana – 2012
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guideline for the Importation of Citrus fruit – 2013
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of durian fruit – 2015
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of and coffee bean for consumption – 2015
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of mango fruit – 2016
- Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for the importation of corn for planting materials – 2016
- Guidelines and Audit Check list for ASEAN Nursery Certification Scheme for Export – 2012
- Methodology for Conducting Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) – 2014
- ASEAN Guidelines for Sampling of High Volume Commodity – grains – 2019
- ASEAN Diagnostic Protocol for South American Leaf Blight (SALB) – 2018
- ASEAN Guidelines on the Regulation, Use and Trade of Biological Control Agents (BCA) – 2014
- ASEAN Guidelines on Soil Nutrient Management – 2017
- The 10-Phases in Developing a National Crop Insurance Program: Guide Overview – 2017
- Policy Framework for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Cooperation
- Sectoral Documents
- ASEAN Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (ARASFF): Rules and Procedures
- AIFS Framework & SPA FS (2015-2020) – 2014
- Statement of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry on Food Security and Nutrition – 2015
- The ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Food Security and Nutrition Policy – 2017
- Guidelines for Halal Accreditation Body: Accrediting Halal Certification Bodies
- Model Protocol for the Use of Irradiation as a Quarantine Treatment for the Export and Import of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for ASEAN
- Harmonized Regulation on Food Irradiation for ASEAN
- ASEAN Guidelines on Risk Assessment of Agriculture-Related Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- ASEAN General Guidelines on Halal Food – 2018
- Revised Rules and Procedures (RAP) of ARASFF – 2019
- Framework for ASEAN Regional Criteria and Indicators (C&I) for Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests – 2000
- ASEAN Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests – 2007
- Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Format for Sustainable Forest Management in ASEAN – 2007
- ASEAN Guideline for the Implementation of IPF/IFF proposals for Action – 2007
- ASEAN Statement on Strengthening Forest Law Enforcement and Governance – 2007
- ASEAN Criteria and Indicators for Legality of Timber – 2009
- ASEAN Guideline on Phased Approach to Forest Certification – 2009
- ASEAN Chain of Custody Guidelines for Legal Timber and Sustainable Timber
- ASEAN Common Position on Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation – 2011
- ASEAN Joint Submission on Methodological guidance for activities related to reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation and role of conservation, sustainable management and enhancement of forest carbon stock in developing countries – 2010
- ASEAN Common Position to the 11th session of the United Nations Forum on Forest (UNFF) – 2015
- Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation on Forestry 2016-2025 (2016)
- Work Plan for Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) in ASEAN 2016-2025 (2016)revised ASEAN Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests – 2017
- ASEAN Guidelines for Agroforestry Development – 2018
- Manual for Assessing Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Implementation in ASEAN Member States – 2018
- Regional Community Forestry Participatory Assessment Tool – 2019
- Regional Agroforestry for Climate Change Resilient Landscape Manual – 2019
- ASEAN Guidelines for Detecting and Preventing Wildlife Trafficking – 2019
- ASEAN Voluntary Code of Conduct on Imports for Forest & Timber Companies – 2019
- Chiang Mai Statement of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for CITES and Wildlife Enforcement on Illegal Wildlife Trade – 2019
- Declaration on Forest Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity – 2019
- Joint Promotion
Publications and Related Links to The Sector
ASEAN Harmonised Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticide residue: i) abamectin in Mandarin, ii) acetamiprid in Chinese broccoli (Chinese kale), iii) deltamethrin in legume vegetable (adopted Codex MRLs) (the group MRL was established based on the field trial conducted by Thailand using the Thailand national GAP label)
|
Intra ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for Importation of |
Training Programme and Materials for ASEAN GAP Certification |
ASEAN Standards for: |
ASEAN Standard on ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practices for Food Fish |
Guidelines for Sharing, Access to, and Use of IUU Fishing-Related Information |
ASEAN Guidelines on Recognition of Customary Tenure in Forested Landscape |
ASEAN Guiding Principles for Effective Social Forestry Legal Framework |
Study on Nature-based solutions in ASEAN across forest, bare land and coastal ecosystems |
ASEAN Strategy for Preventing Zoonotic Diseases Transmission from Wildlife Trade |
