Multiple Growing Area Codes Restored for Export

Identifying Root Causes, Implementing Effective Solutions

Recently, the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment announced the restoration of a durian growing area code in Quang Khe Commune assigned to Toan Hang Private Enterprise in Nhan Co Commune for exports to China.

Truong Cong Toan, owner of the enterprise, stated that inspections revealed a 1.5% infestation rate of Planococcus minor mealybugs, primarily found in fruit crevices or on stems and leaf stalks. These pests likely oppened during cultivation, harvesting, or post-harvest cleaning. Due to their minute size, these mealybugs are difficult to detect with the naked eye without carefully inspecting each fruit.

According to Hoang Ngoc Duyen, Deputy Head of the Plant Production Division under the Lam Dong Plant Protection Sub-Department, the enterprise strictly adhered to regulations and eliminated the mealybugs prior to re-inspection. The business completed its 2026 growing area monitoring, fully satisfying the requirements to maintain its code.

Similarly, the export growing area code was reinstated for nearly 20 hectares cultivated by nine member households of the Thinh Phat Dinh Trang Thuong Durian Cooperative in Dinh Trang Thuong Commune. The area is expected to produce approximately 680 metric tons of durian in 2026.

Tran Minh Hao, Director of the cooperative, noted that recognizing the critical importance of maintaining agricultural credibility and international phytosanitary compliance, the cooperative immediately formed an inspection team to execute a four-stage emergency remediation plan. Consequently, pest presence was reduced to 0% across all orchards upon re-inspection. “We deeply regret the occurrence of non-compliance in our shipment and have taken rigorous corrective measures to ensure food safety and eliminate quarantine pests specified by importing countries,” Hao added.

In another instance, B’LaoFood Joint Stock Company, located in Loc Son Industrial Park in B’Lao Ward, had its export operations restored for 70 hectares across 14 partner households, with an estimated yield of 2,100 metric tons. The company had previously received a warning from Chinese customs over mealybug detection in an export consignment.

Tightening Management Controls

Beyond durian codes, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment announced the reinstatement of the dragon fruit packing facility code for Van Thinh Business Household in Ham Tan Commune for exports to China. Earlier, the provincial Plant Protection Sub-Department reviewed archived records, operational logs, and corrective actions, confirming that the equipment and workshop met all required standards.

Lam Dong currently holds approximately 961 growing area codes covering nearly 39,360 hectares, along with 362 export packing facility codes. Durian ranks second only to dragon fruit in scale and pace of export-code standardization. Specifically for durian, Chinese authorities have approved approximately 346 growing area codes across roughly 13,297 hectares for official export. The province also maintains 70 licensed durian packing facility codes, ensuring processing, sorting, and packing capacity for official exports.

Occasional oversights during operations are difficult to avoid entirely. However, local agricultural exporters have demonstrated accountability by thoroughly correcting deficiencies. This reflects strict state management over growing area and packaging facility codes, helping satisfy traceability demands, boost export capacity, and reinforce the reputation of local agricultural produce internationally.