Pham Van Muoi, Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, announced this information on 9/7. According to Muoi, Toan Cau Organic Clean Agriculture Group Co., Ltd., headquartered in Rach Gia ward, An Giang province, is gradually repaying the money for rice to cooperatives and farmers.

"Due to financial difficulties, the company has not set a deadline for completing payments, but is trying to pay farmers as quickly as possible," Muoi stated.

According to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, Toan Cau Company previously signed contracts to purchase and guarantee the output of rice with several cooperatives and households in Tri Phai, Vinh Phuoc, Ninh Thanh Loi, and Ninh Quoi communes. Initially, the company purchased and paid according to the agreement, but from late 2025, it began delaying rice payments.

Farmers harvest rice in Ca Mau. Photo: An Binh

A review of the 2025-2026 rice-shrimp crop revealed that Toan Cau Company partnered with 37 cooperatives across an area of over 800 hectares. However, during implementation, the company delayed payments for rice purchases from five cooperatives and one household, totaling over 14 billion VND.

Following numerous meetings with authorities and local officials, the company made a partial payment, with approximately 11,3 billion VND still owed. The cooperatives and households have worked directly with the company to confirm the remaining amount and continue to urge the company to expedite payments.

Several cooperatives reported that according to their contracts, the company was supposed to pay immediately after purchase, either in cash or via bank transfer; however, payments were not made as committed. The prolonged debt has left many households short of capital for replanting, forcing them to find their own buyers and sell rice to traders during harvest season.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment stated that the partnership between Toan Cau Company and the cooperatives was initiated based on a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the company and the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee. The Department subsequently issued a plan to support the company in linking production and rice consumption, while also coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the company's operations.

Given the company's delayed payments, the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee repeatedly directed authorities and local officials to work with the parties involved to resolve the issue. On 27/3, Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, signed a document requiring Toan Cau Company to complete rice payments to the cooperatives and households as committed.

Toan Cau Company reported facing difficulties in rice sales due to market fluctuations and international impacts. The company stated that large inventory and a lack of new export orders have affected its cash flow. It committed to making gradual payments of 50-100 million VND each week and to continue payments upon receiving new orders.

The Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment advised cooperatives and households to liquidate their contracts with the company, demand payment as committed, and complete relevant documents and records. The agency is also coordinating with local authorities to monitor payment progress.

Chuc Ly