Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in 3 provinces of North Vietnam - Milestone 7 " pdf

Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Project Progress Report 037VIE05 Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Milestone THIRD SIX-MONTHLY REPORT January-July 2007 1 Institute Information Project Name Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Vietnamese Institution Center for Environment, Development (CETD), Vietnamese Project Team Leader Prof Hoang Hoe Australian Organisation Subtropical Farm Forestry Association Australian Personnel Martin Novak, Kim Wilson Date commenced 10 January 2006 Completion date (original) 10 January 2009 Tourism and Completion date (revised) Reporting period January – June 2007 Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Martin Novak Name: President Position: Organisation Subtropical Farm Forestry Association Telephone: Fax: Email: 61 66895027 61 66895227 martinnovak@bigpond.com In Australia: Administrative contact Valda Mitchell Name: Administrative Officer Position: Organisation Subtropical Farm Forestry Association Telephone: Fax: Email: 61 66284372 61 66284386 sffa@ceinternet.com.au In Vietnam Name: Hoang Hoe Director Position: Organisation CETD Telephone: Fax: Email: 04 8642670, 04 7560233 04 7560233 hoanghoe@fpt.vn Project Abstract This project continues during the first half of 2007 to support the propagation in the new Macadamia nursery and in the three existing nurseries Also principal variety trials of Macadamias are being established, of about each involving 14 suitable Macadamias varieties, in provinces of north Vietnam In addition the project is involved with organizations undertaking 16 other trials Training continues to be conducted in aspects of propagation, grafting, site design and preparation, planting, maintenance and plantation management at the nurseries and trial sites This has included the distribution of CD, DVD and powerpoint presentations as well as hands on training at formal training workshops, as well as training in the field 540 kg of seed nut from Australia and China have been provided to the nurseries along with 3000 sticks of Scion wood of the selected varieties and samples of grafting equipment during 2006 and 2007 A study tour to China was undertaken covering all the major nurseries and some key plantations in southern China Reports of this tour including photos and a DVD video have been presented to the key stakeholders in Vietnam and Australia A select group of small holder farmers have been chosen to be involved with project activities in the provinces of Lang Son, B vi, Hoa Binh provinces In addition the project continues to involve all known key government agencies involved with Macadamias in Vietnam including MARD, FSI, RCFTI, RIFA and RIFV A number of private sector companies are also involved as is the Macca Club of Vietnam Significant progress has been made with regard to the capacity building of extension and technical staff since the commencement of the project in January 2006 Executive Summary The project continued over the first months of 2007 and included meetings in Australia and Vietnam between participants communicating progress and key information relating to the participating organisations The Australian team visit took place in March during which over a 1000 pieces of Australian Scion wood was delivered to the existing nurseries This included all of the 10 Australian 246, 344, 741, 814, 816, 842, 849, A4, A16, A38 varieties selected for the trial Kim Wilson visited the FSI and Ba vi nurseries and trial sites and Martin Novak visited Lang son and Yen Thuy although he was not able to visit the new nursery and trial site due to poor road conditions as a result of previous heavy rain Both Australians provided hands on training and information relating to key aspects of macadamia propagation The main issues which arose during this Australian team visit at the nurseries, were once again, the use of too small a bags, poor potting mixes and inefficient methods of mixing Also the need for slow release fertilizers was identified With regard to the trials the need for additional NPK in the plots was noted (Annex & Australian team visit reports) There is some concern that the Ba vi trial plot was not planted according to the original design Also there was concern that the Yen Thuy trial planting had not yet commenced because of delays in the finalising of the leasing arrangements During this period the proceedings of the Lang son Training Workshop were finalised and distributed to participants on CD (Annex 3) Also work was started on the Nursery Manual and the first issue of the Newsletter Planning of the October 2007 Workshop to be held at Ba vi were completed This included delivering invitations to key Chinese delegates and an effort to involve more farmers this time around In addition to the above, work was started on the Nursery Tree Movement and Sales Model XL Spread sheets and the Macadamia Capital Development & Financial Projections Model XL Spread sheets This a key part of the Milestone report utilising the relevant baseline data collected to date The Macca Club continued its coordinating role in association with the activities of the project Comprehensive discussions were undertaken and reports exchanged during the Australian team visit in March (Annex Australian Team leaders meeting notes) Communication and exchange of information was increased during this period with a number of organizations and individuals, including, Central and Western Highlands Agro-Forestry Science and Technical Institutes, Thai Binh Foods and a number of interested farmers Invitations were given to these and other participants, to attend the planned Ba vi Workshop (Annex 4) The Australian team leader made a stop over in Bangkok to meet with Prof Choob, Prof Bunvong and Prof Monton of Kasetsart University, who are helping to arrange a tour of Macadamia plantations in October 2007 The tour will include visits to a number of research plantings and nurseries as well as some private commercial nurseries and plantations in October 2007 Introduction & Background The following are the project objectives with comments on progress towards achieving these during this month period: Objective - Bring all the stakeholders together to work toward a sustainable high value Macadamia industry for Vietnam A number of meetings and communiqués were undertaken during this period in Vietnam and Australia with Collaborators, past and potential workshop participants including new farmers to the project The relationship with Chinese and Thai colleges was strengthened by way of one visit each by project leaders to the respective countries In addition to this an ongoing dialogue has been maintained via phone and email Invitations to the Ba vi Training Workshop have been given to these and other Chinese Macadamia Industry stakeholders Objective - Strengthen the capacity of existing nurseries Once again additional Australian scion wood was delivered to all existing nurseries including the following varieties 246, 344, 741, 814, 816, 842, 849, A4, A16, A38 (Annex 1&2) Training sessions were delivered at all nurseries along with additional samples of nursery equipment and demonstration DVD’s and CD’s (Annex 3) Objective - Establish a new model nursery to demonstrate Australian nursery practice To provide opportunity for investment and to ensure adequate supply of stock The new nursery was visited by Kim Wilson and considered to be ready to scale up production It has already propagated over 6000 macadamia nut seedlings which have now been potted up and housed in the new shaded area The sand bed propagation of nut seed from China has been very successful at Yen Thuy with only 300 losses out of 6400 from 100 kg of nut as compared with Lang son which has 4200 seedling trees from 100 kg and Ba vi 2400 seedling trees from 100 kg Potted tree growth also appears to be better that the other nurseries as a result of a better potting mix with less soil and larger pots, based on the Australian experince (Annex 2) Road access to the nursery is still a problem with the local government delaying promised road works Further promises have been made to complete the work within the next months Objective - Trial at least 10 varieties of Macadamia in difference provinces Ba vi, Hoa binh and Lang son of Vietnam The Van Dinh trial in Lang son has been mostly planted Site has close to 400 grafted trees of all the selected varieties planted Site the smaller site is fully prepared with 178 planter holes ready for planting shortly Most of the planted trees look good with the odd one off color and small There is evidence of canker in some older trees at the Station so advice was given that a few may need to be replaced and older trees need to be treated for canker (Annex 1) At the Ba vi Trial site hectares have been planted including A4, 344, 900, 246, A16, 695, 814, OC, 800, 849, A38, 741, 816, 842 However it does not appear that the original trial design for this site has been followed There is some confusions as to whether this is the trial since MARD has contributed to the cost of planting A site plan has been promised but as yet has not been received The quality of the trees appear to be good, although more fertiliser and weeding was recommended by Kim Wilson (Annex 2) The Yen Thuy trial site has been set aside but not yet planted It will require fencing because of cattle in the area The main reason for the delay is because of the prolonged procedure to gain government approval for the land lease terms The Australian Team leader met with the local government official and part of the explanation given was that the village farmers not have certification to use this land but have been dependent on it for some time and will need compensation So half of the lease money is to go to them making the process complicated Assurance was given that all would be finalised within the year at the latest Objective - Undertake a fact finding study tour of South China 10-12 key project participants, including trainers and researchers The final reports, one from the Vietnamese team leader and an English version from the Australian Team leader, on the successful Macadamia Study Tour Of China, which took place in March/ April of 2006 was delivered to all participants of the Lang son Training workshop A copies were provided with the previous report (Annex 3) A Video DVD and Photo CD was also provided and further copies are available from CETD Objective - Assess Macadamia developments in Thailand Project leaders to undertake the assessment Following political instability due to the coup last year and also because of an extended Horticultural Show in Chiang mai visits were postponed until this year In March during the Vietnam visit, the Australian team leader made a stop over in Bangkok to meet with Prof Choob, Prof Bunvong and Prof Monton of Kasetsart University, who are helping to arrange a tour of Macadamia plantations in October 2007 The tour will include visits to a number of research plantings and nurseries as well as some private commercial nurseries and plantations The Thais have been involved with the growing of Macadamia for over 20 years and have supplied seed to WASI last year They have undertaken research in propagating and growing macadamia in tropical high elevation areas which will have relevance to highland areas in central and south Vietnam Objective - Undertake participatory training for technicians, extension officers, nursery staff and workers, farmers and farm workers Training was delivered during the Australian teams visit in February and March of this period in all the nurseries and trial sites, similar to previous visits Ongoing informal training also continues in all of the participating nurseries especially since staff and technicians are gaining knowledge and confidence as the project progresses Objective - Support the formalisation of a Macadamia industry network Based on the successful Australian model (AMS) and other models in Vietnam and elsewhere A Macca Club of Vietnam meeting was held during the Australian team leaders visit on the 10 March Presentations and speeches were given by Mr Tan, Mr Loc, Hoang Hoe and Martin Novak (Annex 1) Mr Tan in his speech emphasised the importance of a strategic approach involving research in the development of Vietnams Macadamia industry Mr Loc gave an introduction and overview of plantings in Vietnam Prof Hoe presented figures on the world production of Macadamia and possible financial returns Martin Novak gave a PPT presentation on the development of the project including challenges, especially in terms of quality of nursery production The importance of better potting mixes and the need to select out poor trees Grafting still needs to improve Nurseries are being pressured to privatise and hence they try and sell everything including the poor stock Nurseries want new graft material but have not yet perfected their techniques The meeting concluded with agreement that the Club would try and involve more interested parties work with the project towards the next Training Workshop at Ba vi in October this year Objective - Assist and share information, experience and data with existing Macadamia researchers in Vietnam in particular with FSI The proceedings of the Lang son Workshop contain information for all the key project participants including an informative presentation by FSI and this has been distributed all the Training Workshop participants and others (Annex 3) The FSI Nursery was visited by the Australian Team and Vietnam Team Leader (Annex & 2) Further meetings were held with Dr Kha , Dr Thinh and Dr Hai The Role of FSI in sharing data, receiving scion wood, seed and samples of equipment and taking part in training continued FSI has requested scion-wood of varieties which they not have and other than that identified for the trials Both Kim Wilson and Martin Novak advised FSI that the trial at the Nursery site needed more fertiliser and some watering They also pointed out that nursery macadamia tree production would benefit from better potting mixes and larger bags This is especially important in the light of FSI status as principal research body for Macadamias and also since they were now selling large qualities of grafted trees to commercial farmers In addition WASI, CASI, RIFV, ThaiBinh Foods and others including smaller farmers, continue to exchanging information and experience with the project team and each other Objective 10 - Collect data from existing and new trial plots and nurseries and undertake evaluation and analysis Now that a significant amount of data has been collected by the project team and other participants, work has been able to start on the Nursery Tree Movement and Sales Model XL Spread sheets and the Macadamia Capital Development & Financial Projections Model XL Spread sheets This a key part of the Milestone report utilising the relevant baseline data collected to date There have been some delays with regard to the delivery of data from the nurseries, partly because of the incompatibility of data formats and partly because of funding limitations This is being addressed both by the project team and by the nurseries Project participants have been requested to present relevant data in their presentations at the coming Ba vi Training Workshop in October Objective 11 - Inform stakeholders and others and promote the objectives of the project specifically and the benefits of a Macadamia industry generally The network of stakeholders and others has grown significantly since the start of the project at the beginning of 2006 All relevant government agencies and all known participants in macadamia initiatives have been informed of the project role and activities and invited to Training Workshops The publicity generated by the Workshops, particularly, the Lang son Workshop, has helped to promote macadamia generally in Vietnam This has raised the interest of farmers and investors resulting in the planning and start up of a number of new macadamia plantations Objective 12 - Strengthen extension capacity by linking it to research and the practitioners Communication has been maintained with extension and technical staff from all participating agencies and companies involved with the macadamia industry including all those that attended the Lang son Training Workshop that included researchers and practitioners from China, Vietnam and Australia The project work continues to strengthen the capacity of the technicians and extension personnel of the principal nurseries and trial plot participants Progress to Date 5.1 Implementation Highlights It was encouraging to see the data collected to date produced positive returns when run through the Macadamia Capital Development & Financial Projections Model Vietnams new macadamia industry now has a comprehensive body of information with the final version of the Lang son Workshop Proceedings, and the soon to be released, Macadamia Nursery Manual and the first Issue of the Macadamia Newsletter, for all plantation industry stakeholders 5.2 Smallholder Benefits There has been a significant interest shown by smallholder farmers since the Lang son workshop Enquiries and orders for trees at Lang son and FSI Ba vi nurseries has significantly increased to the point where FSI has reported not being able to meet the demand for grafted trees Interest in the October Ba vi workshop by farmers is a further indication of farmer involvement 5.3 Capacity Building Significant capacity building continues to be achieved via the project training and information delivery mechanisms particularly during the Australian team visit in March The activities at the nurseries and the trial sites, demonstrates participants skills and increasing knowledge levels 5.4 Publicity No specific publicity was undertaken during this period However plans for promoting the October Ba vi workshop including media coverage have been developed The nurseries undertake their own promotion 5.5 Project Management Management activities in Vietnam and Australia have continued along the lines of the first 12 months, this has included oversight of implementation at nurseries and trial sites, extension work, translation of documents, arrangement of ongoing meetings, responses to design issues, purchasing of equipment, editing of information documents and video Also further ongoing communication relating to the trial sites and nursery activities between participants and collaborators continues 6.1 Report on Cross-Cutting Issues Environment So far there continue to be no evident negative environmental impacts Participants have been monitoring and reporting on any environmental impacts FSI has the longest history of research into macadamia in Vietnam So far they have not found any significant problems relating to the impact on the environment A more comprehensive study into environment issues is being undertaken and will be report on at the October workshop 6.2 Gender and Social Issues As stated in earlier reports approximately half of technicians and workers in the nurseries are women They play an equal role to that of the men both in terms of work and capacity building A female staff of CETD will the principal organizer of the Ba vi Training Workshop and she was given high commendation from the participants and project leaders for her successful work at the Long son Training Workshop A female translator, Dieu Thuy Dang, continues to undertake English translations of research and progress reports including that of FSI The project leaders continue to encourage participating organizations to utilize the role of woman, on their staff in the project 7.1 Implementation & Sustainability Issues Issues and Constraints With regard to the project the main issues and constraints relate to the apparent inability of some of the key participants to communicate data and information regarding their activities and to fully implement, on time, their side of the project milestones The principal reason for this appears to be the lack of funds available to them to undertake the role Lack of funding is also hampering the projects team to assist additional farmers and government agencies, particularly those outside of the provinces directly targeted by the project A proposal to CARD via an EOI (Annex 5) to support an expansion of the project to assist with this situation has been submitted The minister Mr Bong has also been approach regarding support from MARD to utilise the project to assist in developing stronger links with commercial interest and provide materials and extension to WASI and Central Highlands interested stakeholders With regard to the bigger picture and the fledgling Macadamia industry in Vietnam there still remains an issue of quality stock from the nurseries and adequate data to make accurate projections on the financial viability of the industry as a whole Although the project is attempting to come up with financial modelling in this regard the limited data available limits the accuracy of projections and delays the delivery of such projections Additional input from agencies and/or funding is required to address the limited scope of the data Again the EOI if successful, will assist in this regard as will the ongoing duration of the project 7.2 Options Additional support will continue to be sort from the participating agencies and private companies The role of the Macca Club will be vital in taking on the responsibilities to help overcome some of these developmental issues The project continues to encourage the Club to broaden and formalise its role and take on the leadership in the development of the industry 7.3 Sustainability The basic information as well as good quality suitable varieties are now available to the industry to provide a solid foundation for a viable and sustainable industry Progressively over the next 18 months it will depend on stakeholders within Vietnam to take up the challenge of developing the industry Lessons from Australia need to be taken on board particularly with regard to a communicative and open approach to industry development To date there not appear to be any serious environmental or social obstacles to the development of the industry Next Critical Steps The Ba vi Training Workshop is planned to be the next major project event to held in October Prior to this event the Nursery manual and the first macadamia newsletter for Vietnam will be produced and distributed to all known stakeholders and workshop participants If the EOI is approved the project team will provide extension to the additional provinces as mention earlier Also plans for training in Australia will be finalised and implemented within the next six months In addition the first financial projects for the macadamia plantation industry in Vietnam will be completed The existing nurseries now have the 14 varieties that they can provide to complete the trial plantings Conclusion The 18 months of the project have been completed successfully with virtually all planned activities implemented 10 11 Project Progress Against Proposed Objectives, Outputs, Activities And Inputs 1st month period of 2007 Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Project Title: Vietnamese Implementing Institution: Centre for Environment, Tourism and Development (CETD), Vietnam Forestry Science & Technology Association (VIFA) Narrative OBJECTIV E1 PROPOSAL Information Required Bring all the stakeholders together to work toward a sustainable high value Macadamia industry for Vietnam Beneficiaries include farmers, nursery and farm workers, technicians, extension staff, state and private companies, government agencies, other businesses and house holds Performance Measures Majority of stakeholders are now involved in the project Assumptions That all stakeholders will become meaningfully involved in the project and take part in the capacity building endeavour Progress Report Information Required All known stakeholders are being invited to the Ba vi Training Workshop This includes the participants of the Lang son Training Workshop totalling 44 In addition training was conducted at Yen Thuy involving village farmers and workers Also a visit to the Ba vi and FSI nurseries involving an exchange of information month report on activities and outcomes OUTPUT 1.1 Activity 1.1.1 Prepare the agenda for the design process Input from all stakeholders Chains of responsibility collaboratively designated It is too early to judge if there is a balance of competing interests Activity 1.1.2 Hold workshop sessions in Vietnam workshops each year in Vietnam bring stakeholders together That stakeholders will implement skills and information delivered The key stakeholders continue to exchange data and progressively implement aspects of information, equipment and skills gained in training Training session were held at Lang son, and Yen Thuy Feed back continues to indicate there is a high level of implementation with a reasonable degree of success Planning of the Ba vi Workshop were undertaken with all key participants 12 Activity 1.1.3 Hold several workshop sessions in Australia with collaborators workshops each year for design, capacity gap strategies and scientific review That the outcome of these sessions will be effective in Vietnam Activity 1.1.4 Regular and ongoing communication with stakeholders Phone, Newsletter and Email Bulletin reporting project activities and progress That results activity Strengthen nurseries Production of good stock of suitable varieties of Macadamia Nurseries are capable of improved performance based on Australian experience That good data be provide by the nurseries OBJECTIV E2 the capacity of existing communication in improved OUTPUT 2.1 monthly report Seedling germination, stock quality and survival Activity 2.1.1 Collaborative preparation of information and training material Information on nursery design for existing nurseries On potting mixes, grafting materials, propagation and management techniques That there is compatibility Australian Vietnamese systems and nursery needs Activity 2.1.2 Deliver information, and training workshops each year Australian trainers Vietnamese and on-going training for Technicians and staff supported by IT communiqués and Vn expertise visits each year That delivery has been structured to allow for skills and knowledge variations between workers and technicians in Australia and Vietnam suitable between and existing that of Two planning meetings were held during this period to review project development Noted problems were assessed and recommendations have been passed on Regular and ongoing communication continues to take place between all involved in Vietnam Regular email communication is ongoing with the Australian team The Macadamia Newsletter final draft is completed It should be published July 2007 Over 1000 pieces of graft wood have been distributed to the nurseries of 10 varieties including 246, 344, 741, 814, 816, 842, 849, A4, A16, A38 Data has been provided, regarding germination and graft success rates by the nurseries progressively, Training and information delivery has been undertaken involving Australian trainers and Vietnamese technicians at all the principal nurseries This information was delivered as verbal and hands on presentations, powerpoint, photos and DVD Video , similar to previous training sessions In addition to the training sessions above preparation for the Ba vi Training Workshop scheduled for October has commenced during this period 13 Ba vi, Lang son, FSI and Yen Thuy nurseries received over 300 sticks of graft wood from the 10 Australian varieties Plans are under way to obtain seed from Long Zhou China Each nursery received additional samples of grafting tape Formulae for the potting mix that has been presented previously is being trialed now at all nurseries Nurseries were once again encouraged to omit soil from the mixes Of the 6000 seedlings which were potted up 5600 have survived and look very good quality The potting mix trials indicate low soil levels and high organic mixes are proving the best The germination area has been expanded with improved shading ( recommended 20%) and drainage Activity 2.1.3 Deliver seed and graft stock of at least 10 best bet Varieties Each nursery to receive 100 kg seed nut, 1000 sticks of graft and bud wood from the 10 varieties each year plus replacement stock That Australian varieties will result in significantly better performance in Vietnam Activity 2.1.4 Deliver samples of nursery equipment, including grafting planes, tape, wounds dressing, propagation and potting mix, and potting bags Each nursery is to receive of each for trials and if successful then more can then be sourced from Vn or China That Au equipment and materials will result in better performance Establish a new model nursery to demonstrate Australian nursery practice To provide opportunity for investment and to ensure adequate supply of stock Production of good stock of suitable varieties of Macadamia Producing at least 3000 grafted seedlings of a minimum of 10 Varieties Refurbishment progress Seedling germination, stock quality and survival Nursery based on Australian design is capable of improved performance That there will be suitable compatibility between existing material and systems and that need for this project and that this can be addressed That standard and speed of local workers is good Data on nursery costs has been provided to the project This is been incorporated into early drafts of the Nursery financial models and will be reported on in Milestone and the Ba vi Training Workshop The site now includes a building which acts as a training centre and small accommodation facility The nursery is completed That delivery can be structured to allow for skills and knowledge variations between workers and technicians Onsite training has taken place at the new nursery including one session with Kim Wilson during this period OBJECTIV E3 OUTPUT 3.1 monthly report Activity 3.1.1 Collaborative preparation of information relating to refurbishment and training materials Prepare Nursery business plans records and accounts Information on nursery design for the new nursery On potting mixes, grafting materials, propagation and management techniques Business plans Activity 3.1.2 Refurbish and restore nursery in Hoa binh Yen Thuy ( It has been decided to build a totally new facility.) Clean up site Repair and rebuild structures Prepare seed beds, shaded areas Introduce propagation mixes and seed Activity 3.1.3 Deliver information, and training workshops each year Australian trainers Vietnamese and on-going training for Technicians and staff supported by IT communiqués and Vn That good data be provide by the nursery staff 14 expertise visits each year That Australian specifications will result in significantly better performance in Vn The new nursery received100 kg of seed nut in September 06 (from China) in this period Graft wood will be delivered in October 07 Deliver samples of nursery equipment, including grafting planes, tape, wounds dressing, propagation and potting mix, and potting bags The nursery to receive 400 kg seed nut, 2000 sticks of graft and bud wood from the 10 + varieties year 06 & again in 07 + replacement stock The nursery to receive of each for trials and if successful the remainder can then be sourced from Vn or China That Au equipment and materials will result in better performance The nursery received of each sample grafting planes, tape, 10 potting bags for trials in 06 Additional tape and potting bags were delivered in March 07 Operate nursery for production, demonstration and training purposes Follow business plans, propagation & training schedules That years is sufficient for business to become sustainable Trial at least 10 varieties of macadamia in difference provinces Ba vi, Hoa binh and Lang son of Vietnam Provide data on the performance of the different varieties in the different sites That 10 + varieties chosen capture the best for Vietnam’s conditions The nursery continues to be used for demonstration and training with increasing effectiveness This involves the local farmers and villages as well as visitors from other regions 14 varieties have been made available, to all 3, including 10 from Australia 246, 344, 741, 814, 816, 842, 849, A4, A16, A38 and from China OC, 695, 788 and QN For the status of planting see Annex & Activity 3.1.4 Deliver seed and graft stock of at least 10 best bet Varieties Activity 3.1.5 Activity 3.1.6 OBJECTIV E4 OUTPUT 4.1 monthly reports 15 Activity 4.1.1 Design and plant 12 trial plots A collaborative decision will be made as to the final design at the start of the project incorporating that of Dr Kha’s work and that of the CSIRO so that benefits flow to all the research bodies and the industry as a whole Compare the growth habit, growth rate, (beyond the project, yield of first grade kernel, kernel quality) of macadamia varieties grown at different densities at various sites in Vietnam Assumption is that all critical variables are constant throughout the trials Activity 4.1.2 Develop formats for comparative data sets collaboratively as above Data must be of value to all stakeholders be they research or production oriented Assumption is that existing data sets are some what comparative Activity 4.1.3 Results will be made available to all stakeholders and published where appropriate A range of publications is to result aimed at the farmers, technicians, the agricultural scientists & investors with some also having a science focus Assumption is that publishers and consumers will be interested sites of approximately each have been designed and selected as the principal trial sites at Ba vi, Lang son, Van Linh, Hoa Binh Yen Thuy 14 varieties are being trailed at each site In addition NESFE, FSI, WASI have 16 plots later ThaiBinh Foods (+Waring) and others will have more Data is being collected from the nurseries and entered in models, a Nursery Tree Flow Model and a Nursery Financial Model (MS and M6) The Lang son Workshop Proceedings are being prepared and have been distributed to all known stakeholders Additional information to be distributed, has been drafted for the Nursery Manual, Ba vi Training Workshop and newsletter 16 OBJECTIV E5 Undertake a fact finding study tour of South China 10-12 key project participants, including trainers and researchers Assess performance of varieties, availability of good seed and graft wood and grafted trees Assume that materials are select and true to designated varieties and free from disease Completed (See the report in the Lang son Training Workshop Proceedings and MS Report.) OUTPUT 5.1 Tour Report prepared and delivered to stakeholders with the first monthly report Report will be based on input from all the participants Assumption that information provided is consistent with accepted international standards Finalise agenda for tour with Chinese counter parts and plan participants roles Develop data formats that relate to required nursery and trial information Each participant will be responsible to gather information in relation to their area of expertise and experience using the formats Assume that the information is relevant and of value to the project The study tour report is completed and is being distributed to all on CD MS Annex 3) A DVD Video and Photo CD have been distributed and are available from CETD or SFFA Completed (Reported in MS2 Report) Undertake tour based on plans and preparation Exchange information in a collaborative fashion Aim at strengthening relations for the future Gather and record information both written and visual Arrange the purchase of required material Assume that Chinese will also value the relationship Assess the tour based on the report and follow up with Chinese counterparts and put final arrangements in place maintain relationships and source materials Implement findings and recommendations of tour team Collect and distribute sourced materials Assume that relationship will sustainable Assess Macadamia developments in Thailand Project leaders to undertake the assessment Review the mistakes of the past development at Ankang and compare it to new initiatives in central Thailand Assume that there are lessons to be learnt and that there will be mutual benefits for both Vietnam and Thailand Activity 5.1.1 Activity 5.1.2 Activity 5.1.3 OBJECTIV E6 OUTPUT 6.1 the be As a result of the tour and the relationships developed a Chinese delegation of took part in the Lang son Workshop and have been invited to the Ba vi Training Workshop An ongoing relationship continues with Chinese counter parts 300 kg of seed purchased have proved successful More seed is on order for 2007 & Martin Novak met with Prof Bunvong , Dr Samart, Prof Choob and Prof Monton Macadamia They made plans for a tour of Macadamia in Thailand in October 2007 Report on the assessment as a part of the first month project report 17 Short visit to Thailand to assess the new development of the Macadamia industry and seek lessons opportunities for Vietnam Assess nursery and varietal performance Note any innovative technologies and creative development aspects Regional variations may be very different to make accurate comparisons The visit is now scheduled for around October 2007 Establish points of contact for the sourcing of seed and graft material and any potentially mutually beneficial activities for the future Assess availability and quality of seed and graft material Prepare report on the above Assumption that Thai counterparts will be willing to work towards mutual benefits This is planned for during the visit OBJECTIV E7 Undertake participatory training for technicians, extension officers, nursery staff and workers, farmers and farm workers Outcomes would include training materials, capacity building amongst trainees and their organisations Assumption that participatory training techniques are suited to previous history and culture of trainees Training was conducted at Ba vi, Van Linh, Lang son and Yen Thuy involving nursery staff, farmers and workers Also a visit to the FSI nursery involved an exchange of information OUTPUT 7.1 Report on the training as a part of the month project reports Deliver information, and training in site assessment, plantation design, establishment, management, and maintenance for small and larger farms Include trial sites and their staff Incorporate information on varietal trials workshops each year Australian trainers Vietnamese and on-going training for Technicians, farmers workers and others supported by IT communiqués and Vn expertise visits each year Assume that delivery can be structured to allow for skills and knowledge variations between workers and technicians Support the formalisation of a Macadamia industry network Based on the successful Au model (AMS) and other models in Vn and elsewhere Review a range of peak body models Report to project stakeholders Risk that this model is not appropriate to current Vietnam governance situation Training was participatory and involved hands on demonstrations of site assessment, trial requirements, grafting techniques and equipment as well as supporting formal presentations incorporating video, PPT and participatory discussions Copies of Lang son presentations are being distributed The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) continues to be favoured at this stage as the most appropriate model for Vietnam Present models, options and recommendations to all stakeholders for discussion and prioritisation Risk that stakeholders will consider own interest against that of the industry as a whole At the Lang son workshop it was agreed that the future Vietnam Peak body would have to be more representative than the Macca Club and other stakeholders would Activity 6.1.1 Activity 6.1.2 Activity 7.1.1 OBJECTIV E8 OUTPUT 8.1 Activity 8.1.1 Report on the progress as a part of the month project reports Arrange a meeting of the existing Macadamia Club of Vietnam ( Mr Tan and associates and other stakeholders) 18 OBJECTIV E9 OUTPUT 9.1 Activity 9.1.1 Activity 9.1.2 OBJECTIV E 10 Detail existing collaborative agreements with these organizations, identifying shared benefits Assumption that any differing interests can find common ground Hold meetings with FSI, CSIRO and others to implement design of the trial models and Data Collection formats and Data Bases so that they are compatible with those used by these organizations and provide the required information Data will include the growth habit, growth rate, (beyond the project, yield of first grade kernel, kernel quality) of macadamia varieties grown at different densities at various sites in Vietnam Assumption is that trial models and data collection can conform to what already exists Provide seed and graft wood to the principal research nurseries and FSI ensuring at least 10 Varieties Provide nursery equipment as detailed in the Annexs Nursery to receive 100 kg seed nut, 1000 sticks of graft and bud wood from the 10 varieties each year plus replacement stock Nursery equipment, including grafting planes, tape, wounds dressing, propagation and potting mix, and potting bags Data will include the growth habit, growth rate, (beyond the project, yield of first grade kernel, kernel quality) of macadamia varieties grown at different densities at various sites in Vietnam That Australian specifications will result in significantly better performance in Vn Assist and share information, experience and data with existing Macadamia researchers in Vietnam in particular with FSI and Dr Kha need to be involved as is the case with the AMS Additional meetings continue to work towards this outcome (Annex 1) Further meetings and communication have been undertaken between project leaders, Dr Thinh and Dr Hai FSI as well as other participants such as WASI, ThaiBinh Foods and Long Phuong Co month reports on progress Collect data for existing and new trial plots and nurseries and undertake evaluation and analysis Assumption is that trial models and data collection can conform to what already exists All key participants are providing reports and relevant data is being entered into the first versions of the spread sheet models These will be made available to participants for comment and use Final validation will occur in the final six month project period Seed scion wood and equipment have been delivered as mentioned above In the future once principal trial needs are met scion of additional varieties will be delivered to satisfy requests If the expansion of the project is approved this will be expanded in quantity and to the any new participants Data with regard to propagation of seed and graft success is being collected Further data with regard to trials is to be collected once trials are fully established Most baseline data is complete and a preliminary analysis is underway 19 OUTPUT 10.1 month reports on progress Activity 10.1.1 Implement compatible data bases for existing and new trial plots and nurseries Data bases to be collaboratively finalised within the first months of the project and based on the above Activity 10.1.2 Undertake measurements every months collection of data every months All other activities are to be recorded as they occur Data to be enter as soon as measurements are taken and copies sent to the science team OBJECTIV E 11 Inform stakeholders and others and promote the objectives of the project specifically and the benefits of a Macadamia industry generally Promotion to target specific audiences with related interest primarily All known stakeholders have been or are being provide with all the reports referred to above and in the Annex’s OUTPUT 11.1 Activity 11.1.1 Report on progress every months Develop newsletter and website both to provide information and promote the project Range of articles to be balance in content based on project objectives Distribution is principally to stakeholders I newsletter every months to include project activities of note and other relevant Macadamia news website to promote the project Activity 11.1.2 Publish training documentation Modules to cover aspect of the project as they arise Training modules to be published progressively coinciding with workshops and aimed at trainees The first Newsletter is in its final form ready to be issued to participants prior to and at the Ba vi Training Workshop in October The website has been deferred until viability of the industry is absolutely certain The first Introductory Training modules have been translated and distributed to technicians and other stakeholders at previous Training sessions and workshops The final draft of the Manual is now complete The Lang son Workshop Proceedings have been finalised and are being distributed to participants Data is being collected in an ongoing fashion and recently it is being entered into the models mentioned earlier Assumption that technicians will be diligent in their role However checks will be made every months Most available data to date has undergone some analysis and reported at the Lang son Workshop More recent analysis will be reported at the Ba vi workshop 20 The project was promoted via the Lang son Workshop was given coverage via newsletter magazine article and TV Activity 11.1.3 Prepare articles and media releases Focus to target specific media and publications presenting notable events and information relating to the project OBJECTIV E 12 Strengthen extension capacity by linking it to research and the practitioners Project leader will need to ensure that there are good communication flows between the scientists and the farmers via the extension staff Extension staff need to feel free in this role The project continues to build on established strong links in regard to research, extension and delivery to key practitioners This was best demonstrated at the Lang son Workshop, including the ongoing relationship with the key Chinese researchers OUTPUT 12.1 month reports on progress Activity 12.1.1 A protocol is to be developed and put in place to ensure responsibility in capacity building is shared between extension staff, researchers, trainers and practitioners This will include IT as much as possible closely associated with practical field work A document is to be presented setting out means and frequency of communication, preparation for training sessions and ongoing training tasks Persons to be involved already have related interest The delivery of presentations and written reports at the workshops and ongoing reports of participants progress in the field, ensures a continuity of capacity building throughout the project 12 Annexure list for the Milestone report: Annex Australian Team Leaders (Martin Novak) Report Annex Australian Extension (Kim Wilson) Report Annex Lang son Workshop Proceedings (The full proceedings has been delivered to CARD office on CD) Annex Ba vi Workshop Invitation list Annex EOI (The full EOI proposal has been delivered to CARD office.) 21 ... Activities And Inputs 1st month period of 20 07 Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam. ..1 Institute Information Project Name Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in provinces of North Vietnam Vietnamese... stop over in Bangkok to meet with Prof Choob, Prof Bunvong and Prof Monton of Kasetsart University, who are helping to arrange a tour of Macadamia plantations in October 20 07 The tour will include