ERIA Co-Organises First ASEAN Consultation Workshop on Regenerative Agriculture and Biochar Guidelines

Hanoi, 10 April 2026: ERIA co-organised the First ASEAN Consultation Workshop and Capacity Building on the Development of a Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture (RRA) Systems Implementation Plan and Biochar Guidelines, in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, from 9 to 10 April 2026.

The workshop brought together approximately 80 participants, including representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), drawn from the ASEAN Sectoral Working Groups under the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry. Participants also included representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, experts from ERIA and GIZ, as well as development partners, private sector stakeholders, and research institutions.

The workshop aimed to discuss the draft ASEAN Implementation Plan for RRA Systems - one of the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) under the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship in 2026. Prepared by ERIA's expert and consultant team in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, the draft seeks to support AMS in transitioning towards more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The workshop also aimed to build a shared understanding of key concepts, principles, and programmes underpinning RRA systems in the regional context. In parallel, participants reviewed and refined the draft ASEAN Guidelines on Biochar Production and Application, developed with ERIA's support.

In his opening remarks on behalf of ERIA, Mr Masanori Kozono, Senior Policy Fellow, highlighted ERIA's contributions to key regional strategies, including the Food, Agriculture and Forestry Sectoral Plan (FAF-SP) 2026-2030. He noted that recent geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have underscored vulnerabilities in global supply chains, particularly for fertilisers. In this context, the transition to RRA systems can help AMS reduce dependence on imported inputs by maximising locally available resources, while strengthening agricultural resilience.

On the first day, a practitioners' panel featured experts from the National University of Singapore, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, the Philippine Rice Research Institute, and private sector representatives. Discussions emphasised the need for stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration, enabling policy environments, and context-specific approaches to support the transition to RRA systems.

During country presentations, representatives from all AMS shared ongoing national initiatives. A notable trend was the increasing use of biochar to enhance soil productivity, reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers, and lower carbon emissions.

On the second day, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the zero draft of the ASEAN Implementation Plan for RRA Systems, focusing on its strategic pillars, priority actions, and implementation mechanisms. Inputs were provided by AMS and international organisations to further strengthen the draft.

The workshop also advanced the development of the ASEAN Guidelines on Biochar Production and Application. Dr Phetkeo Pomanyvong, Energy and Agriculture Economist at ERIA, presented progress on the draft guidelines, followed by a technical discussion facilitated by ERIA consultants. Japan's National Agriculture and Food Research Organization shared lessons from its experience, including on quality standards, certification, and capacity building.

Through this workshop, ERIA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ASEAN's transition towards regenerative and resilient agriculture and food systems. The draft ASEAN Implementation Plan and Biochar Guidelines will be further refined based on inputs received, with a second consultation planned for June 2026.