The growing area code is a valuable asset
Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Director of Quang Tien Durian Agricultural Production Service Cooperative (Cu Ni commune, Ea Kar district, Dak Lak), said that the unit has just been granted a durian growing area code by China.
This is the result that he and the cooperative members have long expected, because the growing area code is considered a "utility certificate" or "passport" for durian to be eligible for official export to the Chinese market.
To achieve this certification, the cooperative has made efforts over the years: from building production linkages, strictly following the farming process, to using pesticides in the permitted list.
Mr. Quang said that this is also a way for farmers to make the production process transparent and clearly trace the origin of products, in line with modern consumption trends.
"After being granted a growing area code, we are very conscious of preserving it, considering it a valuable asset that needs protection. Recently, there have been cases of planting area codes being stolen. When the Chinese side discovered and reclaimed it, the people would know, but it was too late, it could not be restored anymore, Mr. Quang shared.
Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Duc Dien - Director of Thien Phu Agricultural Service Cooperative (Cu Pong Commune, Krong Buk District, Dak Lak) - also said that the unit has just been recognized with 3 growing area codes for more than 77 hectares of durian with the participation of 44 members.
According to Mr. Dien, people are increasingly aware of the value of the growing area code - not only a certificate but also an "asset" that needs to be preserved.
Therefore, people are determined to protect their codes, take care of their gardens in accordance with standards, ensure product quality to aim for sustainable export and build a durian brand in Dak Lak to reach far.
Strictly handle fraudulent behavior
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuc, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Auto Agri Software Technology Joint Stock Company, said that there are still many farmers who do not pay due attention to the growing area code, leading to the situation of being stolen or having their land revoked. Meanwhile, people need to understand that the growing area code is a valuable asset that needs to be strictly preserved and protected.
During a field trip to the durian growing area in Krong Pac district (Dak Lak) in May 2025, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy said that the Ministry had advised the Government on solutions to improve the quality of durian, focusing on reviewing and perfecting regulations on management of growing area codes and traceability, in order to control quality right from the growing garden.
The Ministry has also directed localities to strengthen inspection and supervision of the management of growing area codes, packaging, purchasing, preliminary processing, processing and consumption facilities for durian.
In particular, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will promote decentralization and delegation of authority to local authorities in quality management. At the same time, it is required to strengthen inspection, examination and strictly handle acts of using the wrong purpose of growing area codes, packaging facility codes as well as fraud in export records.
According to statistics from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the whole Dak Lak province currently has 38,800 hectares of durian.
To date, the province has had 266 growing area codes with a total area of about 7,400 hectares, accounting for nearly 33% of the durian area for harvest (out of a total of 22,600 hectares) and about 74% of the durian area for pure cultivation.
