SEARCA Strengthens Policy Research Agenda to Advance Sustainable Agricultural Transformation

he Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is reinforcing its
policy research agenda under its 12th Five-Year Development Plan, SUSTAIN Southeast Asia (Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia). Recognizing that technological innovations alone cannot transform agriculture, SEARCA is placing greater emphasis on evidence-based policymaking to bridge science, policy, and practice and accelerate sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems across the region.

Guided by its vision of improving the welfare of agricultural families, the Center's policy research agenda supports four strategic outcomes: higher farmers' incomes (Pocket), improved food and nutrition security (Plate), stronger climate resilience (Place), and empowered farmers and institutions (People). To achieve these goals, SEARCA will advance science-based research, strengthen human and institutional capacities, promote regional policy dialogue, and generate evidence that informs responsive and forward-looking agricultural policies.

Among SEARCA's flagship initiatives are the Consortium for Agricultural Policy Research Initiatives (CAPRI), which fosters collaboration among leading policy research institutions in Southeast Asia, and the Southeast Asia Agricultural Outlook Series, which provides comprehensive analyses and actionable policy recommendations to support governments in addressing emerging agricultural challenges. Together, these initiatives reflect SEARCA's commitment to strengthening the science-policy-practice interface and driving sustainable agricultural transformation throughout Southeast Asia.