SEARCA unveils future-focused initiatives at 2025 X Agriculture Forum in Taipei

TAIPEI, Taiwan—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), led by Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, highlighted its pioneering initiatives in smart agriculture, carbon neutrality, One Health, and biotechnology at the 2025 X Agriculture Forum. The prestigious event was held on 2 December 2025 and hosted by the National Taiwan University (NTU) College of Bioresources and Agriculture.

During the forum, Dr. Sombilla presented SEARCA’s 12th Five-Year Development Plan: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia). This plan positions SEARCA at the forefront of accelerating the transformation of regional agriculture from subsistence farming to modern, high-productivity enterprises by integrating science, policy, and practice.

Dr. Sombilla showcased key programs under SEARCA, including the NTU-SEARCA Joint Scholarship Program, which supports postgraduate studies in Global Agriculture Technology, Genomic Science, Biodiversity, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience. She also underscored the impact of the Rice Straw Biogas Hub—a climate-mitigation initiative in the Philippines funded by Innovate UK—which converts rice straw into biochar and compost for soil regeneration, clean energy, and value-added products, further supporting regenerative agriculture.

In support of ongoing capacity building, Dr. Sombilla announced upcoming SEARCA training programs in digital agriculture and precision farming, aimed at fostering transformational agricultural innovations across Southeast Asia.

Flagship initiatives were also highlighted, such as the Erasmus+-funded Postgraduate Micro-Credentials in Food Security and Climate Change (PMC FSCC), delivered via the SEARCA-established Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources. These flexible, digital learning modules are designed to reskill and upskill workers to meet the evolving needs of the labor market.

SEARCA’s collaborative projects with the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development (CIRAD) were spotlighted, including the Partnership for Sustainable Aquaculture in ASEAN (AquASEAN)—which advocates for resilient, sustainable aquaculture through circular economy principles—and the ASEACA project, geared toward strengthening One Health strategies. Further, biotechnology initiatives like the Strengthening the Enabling Environment for the Development and Uptake of Modern Agricultural Biotechnology Project focus on enhancing biosafety governance across the region.

Additionally, Dr. Sombilla emphasized SEARCA’s commitment to supporting innovative research through its Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions, funding breakthroughs in digital agriculture, biotechnology, and waste decarbonization.

“Together with our partners, SEARCA is helping to drive Southeast Asia’s transformation towards smart, sustainable, climate-resilient, and innovation-driven agricultural systems. By bringing together science, policy, and practice, we are empowering communities, strengthening governance, and shaping a future of resilience and prosperity for generations to come,” stated Dr. Sombilla.

Serving as a preparatory meeting for the upcoming 2026 Agriculture Summit, the 2025 X Agriculture Forum focused on the themes of smart agriculture, carbon neutrality, One Health, and biotechnology. The forum also provided a valuable platform for SEARCA to share best practices, foster alliances, and remain attuned to emerging trends, further strengthening its mission to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.