Lam Dong, 11 September 2026 – Today, the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment, with support from the European Union-funded iLandscape project implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a workshop to launch the Lam Dong Agricultural Commodity Forum. The Forum aimed to establish a multi-stakeholder dialogue and coordination mechanism to promote commodity value chain development and mobilize resources for sustainable agricultural development.

The workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, UNDP, international organizations and development partners; provincial departments, agencies and local authorities; as well as commodity associations, businesses, cooperatives, research institutes, universities, experts and producers.

Establishing a regular dialogue and coordination mechanism

At the workshop, Lam Dong Province announced Decision No. 3666/QD-UBND dated 22 July 2026 of the Chairperson of the Provincial People's Committee and launched the Coordination Board of the Lam Dong Agricultural Commodity Forum. The Forum was intended to serve as a regular coordination mechanism among government agencies, local authorities, associations, businesses, cooperatives, producers, and partners to identify on-the-ground needs, determine priority issues, connect resources, and follow up on results.

The mechanism focused on four of the province's high-potential and high-value commodities: coffee, pepper, durian, and macadamia. Efforts to increase the value of these commodities will be linked to the management of production areas, quality, and traceability; the sustainable use of land and water resources; forest protection; climate change adaptation; and the safeguarding of producers' interests.

Prioritizing coffee and pepper during 2026–2027

Participants discussed the Forum's organizational and operational mechanisms; identified bottlenecks in each value chain; and explored the need for public-private cooperation, investment opportunities, and stakeholders' responsibilities for implementation and for monitoring results. On this basis, the workshop provided direction for developing an action plan for 2026–2027, with in-depth consultations initially focusing on the coffee and pepper sectors.

For coffee, priorities include improving data on production areas, strengthening traceability, supporting adaptation to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), improving the quality of primary processing and storage, and strengthening market linkages. For pepper, priorities include integrated pest management, responsible use of agricultural inputs, residue control and food safety, post-harvest quality, and market linkages. For durian and macadamia, stakeholders will continue to identify appropriate focal points and priorities for production area management, varieties, technical practices, processing, and markets.

From dialogue to concrete action

The workshop agreed that each issue brought to the Forum should be linked to a designated focal point, lead and coordinating entities, expected outputs, a timeframe for action, and anticipated resources. Cooperation needs related to production areas, technical practices, processing, marketing, and value chain finance will continue to be developed into implementable proposals aligned with relevant functions, mandates, and practical conditions.

The Forum also emphasized the participation and interests of smallholder farmers, women, ethnic minority communities, and groups with limited access to information, technical support, and markets. The development of production areas will be linked to strengthening cooperatives' capacity, providing practical, easy-to-apply guidance, and establishing transparent mechanisms for linking producers and businesses.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Vu Dinh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the importance of coordination among government agencies, businesses, cooperatives, producers, and partners to ensure the Forum mechanism operates effectively in practice.

"The Department of Agriculture and Environment looks forward to continued close coordination among provincial departments, agencies and local authorities; proactive engagement from associations, businesses, cooperatives and producers; and continued support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, UNDP, SNV, IDH and other partners. We will work together to receive and consolidate proposals and facilitate their consideration and resolution within our respective functions and mandates, gradually translating the Forum mechanism into practical action."

At the end of the workshop, participants registered to become members of the Forum and thematic technical groups, providing a basis for maintaining dialogue and implementing priorities following the event.

The Forum mechanism aims to translate proposals into specific tasks with clearly designated focal points, outputs, and timelines. Issues raised by businesses, cooperatives, producers, government agencies, and partners will be consolidated, with approaches to coordination and implementation agreed upon, and results subsequently communicated to stakeholders.

"The value of the Forum lies not in the number of meetings or events organized, but in its ability to turn dialogue into action, commitments into cooperation, and cooperation into investment. Success should be measured by concrete results – from investment opportunities and partnership models being developed, to the expansion of sustainable production, improved market access, and tangible benefits for people, businesses and local communities," emphasized Mr. Vu Thai Truong, Head of the Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit at UNDP Viet Nam.

The project "Integrated Sustainable Landscape Management through Deforestation-Free Jurisdiction Approach in Lam Dong, Viet Nam" (iLandscape) is funded by the Delegation of the European Union and implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, and partners.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Phan Huong Giang
UNDP Media and Communication Analyst, Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit, 
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org; Tel: 0948466688