The 17th ASEAN Technical Working Group on Agricultural Research and Development (ATWGARD) convened on 5 April 2023 to discuss the progress of different implemented agricultural R&D programs and activities by the member states. OIC-director DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and ATWGARD chair Joell H. Lales facilitated the said meeting.

The discussion focused on sustainable agricultural practices, food security and safety, climate change resiliency, and livelihoods of farmers in the SEA nations.