Recognizing the need for increased vegetable production and consumption in the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore moved to institute a collaborative network on vegetable research and development in the region. Subsequently, the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) at the 20th meeting, held in Hanoi, Vietnam last September1998, approved Singapore's initiative in establishing the ASEAN-AVRDC Regional 
Network on Vegetable Research and Development. AARNET will promote sustainable and improved production of good quality and safe vegetables for consumption and trade. The Network will also enhance vegetable R&D cooperation as well as the development of indigenous vegetable-related industries within ASEAN.
