VietGAP Support Policy – Standardizing the Quality of Lam Dong’s Agricultural Products

Targeting key cost barriers

From vegetable fields and fruit orchards to livestock farms and aquaculture facilities, safe production in Lam Dong is no longer a slogan but an essential requirement for maintaining market competitiveness.

In this context, the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee has issued a decision detailing support measures, funding levels and the list of products eligible for VietGAP support for the 2026–2030 period. Replacing previous policies, the decision provides a more practical and updated legal framework.

Beyond VietGAP, the policy expands to include organic production and other recognized GAP standards. Beneficiaries include organizations and individuals engaged in the production and preliminary processing of safe agricultural, forestry and aquatic products.

The supported product list has been broadened to cover many local specialties such as edible mushrooms, sweet potatoes, cocoa, macadamia, cashew, sesame, medicinal plants, chili, as well as livestock including beef cattle and goats, and high-value aquatic species such as sturgeon and salmon.

In terms of support levels, the policy directly addresses cost concerns commonly faced by producers.

Notably, 100% of training and capacity-building costs for staff, technicians and workers are covered. This is considered a key factor, as VietGAP production requires not only financial investment but also changes in mindset and farming practices.

Ensuring quality matches certification

In Quang Son Commune, local pomelo orchards are entering the care stage, with detailed records maintained for each tree, from fertilization to pesticide use, all carried out under strict procedures.

According to farmers, production was previously based largely on experience. However, since adopting VietGAP, clear improvements have been observed. Although the process is more demanding, requiring detailed record-keeping and strict control, it results in higher product value and more stable market access. The cost of certification remains high, making the new support policy particularly practical.

VietGAP is also increasingly applied in livestock and aquaculture. A local enterprise noted that the adoption of VietGAP helps better control water quality, feed and farming processes, thereby improving product quality.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about product origin and safety. With VietGAP certification, products can more easily access supermarkets and restaurants. However, testing and analysis costs remain high, and the support policy is expected to encourage long-term investment.

In the coming time, the province will continue to promote communication, provide technical guidance and develop pilot models for wider replication. At the same time, post-certification inspection and supervision will be strengthened to ensure that product quality truly aligns with certification standards.

The integration of resources from other programs and projects will also be prioritized to provide comprehensive support from production to processing and consumption.

From policy adjustments to changes in production practices, VietGAP is gradually becoming a new standard for Lam Dong’s agriculture.

In an increasingly demanding market, this is not merely an option but an inevitable path for local agricultural products to enhance value, maintain their position and achieve sustainable development.