Patent protection plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and facilitating the application of technology in agricultural production. In Vietnam, where agriculture remains a vital sector in the national economy, the development and implementation of technologies related to plant breeding, propagation, cultivation, harvesting and postharvest processing are of strategic importance – particularly in the context of accelerating digital transformation. However, the current legal framework primarily focuses on plant variety protection for newly created varieties, while the protection of technological processes associated with plant variety development through patent law has not been fully utilized. This underutilization limits the incentives for innovation and weakens the link between research outcomes and practical applications in the agricultural sector. Drawing on international experiences from countries such as Israel and China, where patent systems are effectively integrated into agri-tech development policies, this study examines the role of patent protection in enhancing the technological capacity of Vietnam’s agricultural sector. The analysis highlights how the combination of strong intellectual property regimes, increased investment in research and development, and effective collaboration among the state, research institutions, and enterprises can serve as a catalyst for agricultural digitalization. The paper concludes by proposing legal and institutional reforms to improve the patent protection of plant-related technological innovations, aiming to promote sustainable, innovation-driven growth in Vietnam’s agriculture and contribute to a successful digital transformation of the sector.