This information was provided by Pham Van Muoi, deputy director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, at a Quarter I press conference on April 9.

According to the department's leadership, during the process of linking agricultural product consumption, Toan Cau Global Organic Clean Agriculture Group Co., Ltd. (Toan Cau Company), headquartered in Rach Gia Ward, An Giang Province, signed contracts to purchase and procure rice from several cooperatives and households in Tri Phai, Vinh Phuoc, Ninh Thanh Loi, and Ninh Quoi communes.

Initially, the enterprise purchased and paid according to the agreement. However, from late last year until now, the company still owes money for rice to many cooperatives and households, totaling approximately 14 billion dong. A cooperative representative stated that three households alone are owed about 95 million dong since December 2025.

Pham Van Muoi, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, provides information at the press conference. *Photo: Chuc Ly*

Under the contract, the enterprise was required to pay immediately after purchase by cash or bank transfer, but it has not fulfilled this commitment. The delayed payments have left many cooperative households without capital for tai san xuat (re-production), forcing them to find their own markets and sell rice independently at harvest time.

In response to this situation, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has coordinated with relevant units and local authorities to work with Toan Cau Company to review and find solutions for the debt. All parties agreed to guide the cooperatives and households in creating contract addendums and signing agreements on a payment roadmap.

Toan Cau Company stated it is facing difficulties in rice consumption due to market fluctuations and international impacts, leading to large inventory, no new export orders, and affecting its financial resources.

The enterprise committed to gradually repaying the debt, approximately 50-100 million dong each week, and will continue to pay when new orders are secured, ensuring full payment to all cooperatives and households.

Previously, on March 27, Le Van Su, vice chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, signed a document urging accelerated debt resolution, requesting Toan Cau Company to complete all payments by March 2026 as committed.

According to the Provincial People's Committee, the implementation of rice purchase and sale contracts between the enterprise and some cooperatives and households has not fully complied with legal regulations; contract terms were unclear, leading some cooperatives to not participate in the lien ket (linkage program). The enterprise repeatedly postponed payment deadlines and failed to offer feasible, definitive solutions, causing frustration among residents.

The provincial government requires functional agencies to continue monitoring and supervising the enterprise's fulfillment of payment commitments, business operations, and the signing of rice export contracts; they are to report promptly if any difficulties arise, to ensure appropriate action.

Chuc Ly