MAE demands fast issuance and strict post-audits for Dak Lak

Aligning regulations with reality

Ahead of the 2026 durian season, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is urgently finalizing proposed amendments to Decree No. 38/2026/ND-CP, aiming to reduce administrative procedures, make compliance easier for farmers and businesses, while maintaining regulatory oversight and product traceability.

Speaking to VAN News, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasized the positive results achieved under Decree 38 after more than six months of implementation. Despite that, it has also revealed several problems, as some provisions are not well suited to practical conditions. Following the Prime Minister's directions and feedback from local authorities, the Ministry is now preparing proposed revisions.

According to the Deputy Minister, one of the key changes will be a new approach to issuing growing area codes and packing facility codes. The Ministry will review minimum area requirements, clarify regulations governing specialized orchards and intercropped production areas, and establish a simpler, more transparent issuance procedure that minimizes compliance costs.

"Farmers and businesses will only need to submit declarations online through the national information portal. The entire process, from registration and review to the issuance of growing area codes, will be handled digitally, shortening processing times and reducing paperwork while still meeting the requirements of importing markets," Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said.

The MAE also plans to shift its regulatory approach from pre-approval inspections to post-approval audits. Once codes are issued, growing areas and packing facilities will undergo regular inspections to ensure continued compliance with technical standards. Regulatory agencies will not only inspect but also provide guidance and support to help farmers and businesses follow proper production procedures, while strictly dealing with fraudulent practices that could damage the industry's reputation.

Accelerating preparations for the harvest

Dak Lak currently has roughly 41,000 hectares of durian, of which nearly 30,000 hectares are already in production. Output for the 2026 season is estimated at approximately 500,000 metric tons. With the main harvest only weeks away, completing the export infrastructure has become an urgent priority.

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep, the MAE will soon work with importing authorities to accelerate approval of the growing area and packing facility code applications submitted by Dak Lak. If approved, more than half of the province's durian-growing area will become eligible for official export.

"The Ministry encourages Dak Lak to strengthen trade promotion, diversify export markets, expand deep processing and frozen product development to reduce pressure on fresh fruit sales during the peak harvest period. We cannot rely on a single market. Diversifying export destinations will help the industry better withstand market fluctuations," the Deputy Minister said.

From the Deputy Minister’s perspective, the key to building the long-term reputation of Vietnamese durian lies in responsible production, full traceability, and food safety.

“Consumers must know who and how every product is produced. If a problem arises, there should be means to trace it immediately and address it. Only by building trust can Vietnamese agricultural products achieve sustainable growth,” he said.

One initiative receiving strong support from the ministry is Dak Lak's proposed 30-day campaign to simultaneously issue growing area codes. The ministry will coordinate with the province to complete a digital platform, move the entire application process online, and mobilize personnel to help farmers submit electronic declarations.

According to the plan, a fully digital administrative system is expected to become operational by mid-July, significantly shortening the time required to issue growing area codes. Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep also expressed hope that Dak Lak would capitalize on its strengths in developing land databases, establishing large-scale production zones, standardizing technical procedures, and strengthening production linkages.

These efforts, he said, will provide a solid foundation for the ministry to continue negotiations with importing partners, develop production areas that meet international standards, and enhance the competitiveness of durian industry.