Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BNNPTNT provides for the implementation of certain provisions of Government Decree No. 02/2010/NĐ-CP dated January 8, 2010 on agricultural extension.

CIRCULAR

Provisions for Implementation of Certain Articles of Decree No. 02/2010/NĐ-CP

dated January 8, 2010 of the Government on Agricultural Extension

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On the basis of Decree No. 01/2008/NĐ-CP dated January 3, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Decree No. 75/2009/NĐ-CP dated September 10, 2009 of the Government amending Article 3 of Decree No. 01/2008/NĐ-CP dated January 3, 2008;

Pursuant to Decree No. 02/2010/NĐ-CP dated January 8, 2010 of the Government on Agricultural Extension;

On the basis of Circular Joint No. 183/2010/TTLT-BTC-BNN dated November 15, 2010 of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the management and use of state budget funds allocated for agricultural extension activities;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment,

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular to provide for implementation of certain articles of Decree No. 02/2010/NĐ-CP dated January 8, 2010 of the Government on agricultural extension, as follows:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope and Applicability

1. This Circular provides for the content and methods of agricultural extension activities; management of programs and projects funded from the central agricultural extension budget managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

2. This Circular applies to organizations and individuals involved in implementing central agricultural extension activities throughout the country.

3. Based on the contents of this Circular, provinces and centrally-administered cities shall study and apply it to local agricultural extension activities.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Central Key Agricultural Extension Programs are a collection of long-term tasks and agricultural extension projects related to agriculture and rural development fields, consistent with the long-term goals, tasks, and strategies of the Ministry and sector. The duration of implementation of key agricultural extension programs is at least five years.

2. Central Agricultural Extension Project are specific tasks within key agricultural extension programs, independent projects with clear objectives implemented at regional, provincial, and national scales, specifically involving three or more provinces or cities. The implementation period of projects ranges from one to three years.

3. Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks are specific agricultural extension tasks carried out annually.

4. Demonstration Model is a component of an agricultural extension project aimed at applying scientific and technological advancements or management improvements at an appropriate scale to serve as models for wider dissemination.

5. Demonstration Site is the detailed implementation of a demonstration model at a concentrated location with a defined scale.

6. Leading organization is an organization directly assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to implement projects or contracted with units to carry out agricultural extension projects.

7. Project Leader is the person directly organizing the implementation of agricultural extension projects. The project leader must be affiliated with the main organizing body, and each individual may not lead more than two central agricultural extension projects simultaneously.

8. Advisory Council Advisory Council

9. is a council established by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development tasked with advising the Minister on determining the list of agricultural extension programs and projects; selecting and evaluating the main organizing bodies and project leaders; and reviewing the results of project implementation. Agricultural Extension Forum @ Agriculture

10. is an event organized to gather managers, scientists, businesses, and farmers to exchange information, share experiences, provide advice, and answer questions to help farmers and producers resolve difficulties and challenges during production and business operations. Agricultural Extension Competition

11. is an event organized in the form of a competition to promote technical advancements and agricultural products in agricultural extension activities. Agricultural Fair

12. is an event organized to promote and facilitate agricultural trade through the introduction and display of livestock breeds, crop varieties, agricultural supplies, equipment, machinery, technology, and agricultural products; creating opportunities for producers to connect with markets. Agricultural Extension Seminar on Radio and Television

Chapter II

is an event organized for managers, scientists, businesses, and outstanding farmers to exchange experiences, provide advice, and answer farmers' and producers' questions online via radio and television.

Article 3. Training, instruction, and education

1. Recipients

a) Producers as defined in point a, Clause 2, Article 1 of Decree No. 02/2010/NĐ-CP dated January 8, 2010, of the Government, who have not participated in vocational training programs supported by the State;

b) Agricultural extension workers as defined in point c, Clause 2, Article 1 of Decree No. 02/2010/NĐ-CP dated January 8, 2010, of the Government.

2. Forms

a) Through demonstration models;

b) Organizing short-term classes combining theory with practice;

c) Through communication media: newspapers, radio, leaflets, materials (books, CDs-DVDs);

d) Through remote learning programs on radio and television channels, establishing dedicated agricultural television channels for farmers and rural areas; prioritizing farmer training through television;

đ) Through agricultural extension information websites on the Internet;

e) Organizing surveys and study tours both domestically and internationally.

3. Level of support

a) For trainees: according to current regulations of the State;

b) For lecturers and practical instructors: according to guidelines set out in point 1.3, Section c, Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular Joint No. 183/2010/TTLT-BTC-BNN dated November 15, 2010, of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the management and use of state budget funds for agricultural extension activities.

4. Issuing certificates

Trainees participating in courses of five days or more and meeting requirements shall be issued certificates by the organizing agency.

Article 4. Information and propaganda

1. Mass media

a) Establishing agricultural extension channels, programs, columns, and web pages on newspapers, central and local television and radio stations;

b) Electronic information sites, libraries, and email boxes for agricultural extension.

2. Publishing agricultural extension publications

Agricultural extension magazines, newsletters, leaflets, posters, tapes, discs, handbooks, technical books, directories of agricultural extension addresses serving the needs of different groups of farming households and agricultural extension workers.

3. Organizing agricultural extension events

Organizing information and propaganda activities through event formats such as: Agricultural Extension Competitions; Agricultural Fairs; Agricultural Extension Forums; Agricultural Extension Roundtables on Radio and Television.

4. Budget allocation for agricultural extension information and propaganda activities according to current regulations of the State.

Article 5. Demonstration and replication of models

1. Content of demonstration and model replication

a) Building demonstration models on scientific and technological progress suitable for each locality, producers' needs, and industry directions, including good production practices linked to product sales;

b) Building models applying high technology in agriculture;

c) Building models of effective and sustainable agricultural production organization and management;

d) Transferring scientific and technological results from demonstration models and exemplary production models to wider application.

2. Models and number of demonstrations

a) Each province and centrally-administered city implements no more than one model per year within the scope of the project; a model has no more than five demonstration points except for some special models: aquaculture exploitation models, high-tech agricultural application models, hybrid seed production models;

b) Each demonstration point is implemented a maximum of two times for model cycles of six months or less; once for model cycles over six months, but not exceeding the project implementation period;

c) Demonstration models applying machinery and equipment are implemented a maximum of three models per year in each province and centrally-administered city.

3. Support level for demonstration models and participating households

a) Annual demonstration models of annual crop plants are supported with a maximum of 400 million VND for model costs and essential supplies, and 30 million VND per household;

b) Annual demonstration models of perennial industrial crops, fruit trees, and forestry crops are supported with a maximum of 600 million VND for model costs and essential supplies, and 50 million VND per household;

c) Annual demonstration models of livestock breeding are supported with a maximum of 700 million VND for model costs and essential supplies, and 50 million VND per household;

d) Annual demonstration models of aquaculture are supported with a maximum of 800 million VND for model costs and essential supplies, and 100 million VND per household;

đ) For demonstration models in other fields, support levels are determined according to point 3.2, Clause 3, Article 5 of Circular Joint No. 183/2010/TTLT-BTC-BNN dated November 15, 2010, of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

e) For special demonstration models, specific support levels will be decided by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for each project.

Chapter III

DEVELOPMENT, REVIEW, AND APPROVAL OF CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Article 6. Construction and Approval of the List of Key National Agricultural Extension Programs

1. Basis for constructing key national agricultural extension programs

a) The Party's and State's policies on agricultural and rural development and the industry's development strategy;

b) Proposals from localities (Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development);

c) Scientific research results and practical production outcomes;

d) Contents of international cooperation in agricultural extension.

2. Procedures for constructing and approving the List of Key National Agricultural Extension Programs

a) At the end of each five-year plan period (or annually during the plan period when there is a need from practical production or leadership directives), based on assigned functions and tasks, the General Departments and specialized Bureaus propose key national agricultural extension programs for each five-year phase and submit them to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department for consolidation;

b) The Science, Technology, and Environment Department submits to the Ministry a decision to establish an advisory council to determine key national agricultural extension programs; the advisory council consists of representatives from the Science, Technology, and Environment Department, relevant General Departments and specialized Bureaus, the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Planning Department, and the Finance Department;

c) The advisory council is responsible for advising on determining key national agricultural extension programs;

d) Based on the advisory council's results, the Science, Technology, and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for approval the List of Key National Agricultural Extension Programs;

đ) The Science, Technology, and Environment Department widely publicizes the List of Key National Agricultural Extension Programs for organizations and individuals to participate in proposing lists of central agricultural extension projects.

Article 7. Basis for Determining the List and Requirements for Central Agricultural Extension Projects

1. Basis for Determining the List of Central Agricultural Extension Projects

a) The key national agricultural extension programs already approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

b) Tasks assigned by the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

c) Annual allocation of central agricultural extension funds;

d) Proposals from organizations and individuals participating in agricultural extension activities.

2. Requirements for Central Agricultural Extension Projects

a) Clear and specific objectives, yielding economic and social benefits, with minimal or no negative environmental impact, increasing producers' income, and having potential for replication at regional, provincial, and national levels;

b) Technologies transferred in central agricultural extension projects must be recognized by competent authorities;

c) Project funding should be appropriate to the project's content, progress, and outcomes, including state budget funds, contributions from beneficiaries, and other sources;

d) Each central agricultural extension project's structure includes the following components: demonstration model construction (at least 70% of the project's budget); training and capacity building for farmers linked to the model (up to 20% of the project's budget); information dissemination and promotion (up to 7% of the project's budget); project management (up to 3% of the project's budget; for projects in difficult areas or poor districts, up to 4% of the project's budget).

Article 8. Procedures for building and approving the list of central agricultural extension projects

1. Annually, before March 15, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall notify organizations and individuals to propose lists of central agricultural extension projects that are consistent with the contents of the key central agricultural extension programs of the Ministry. Proposals from organizations and individuals must be submitted to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment before April 15.

2. By no later than May 5 each year, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to submit to the Ministry a Decision to establish an advisory council to review the list of central agricultural extension projects. Based on the results of the advisory council, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall compile and submit to the Minister a Decision to approve the list of central agricultural extension projects for the following years before May 31.

3. In cases where necessary, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development may directly decide on some central agricultural extension projects.

Article 9. Procedures for selecting and reviewing organizations and individuals responsible for projects

1. Publishing the list of projects

Within three (3) days from the date of the Decision approving the list of central agricultural extension projects, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall cooperate with the National Agricultural Extension Center to publish the list of central agricultural extension projects and the conditions and procedures for registration on the electronic information website of the National Agricultural Extension Center and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

2. Registering to participate in agricultural extension projects

The registration dossier includes a project description as stipulated in Appendix 1 attached to this Circular. The dossier consists of nine (9) copies, including one (1) original dossier enclosed in one (1) sealed envelope, clearly marked with the name of the project; the name, address of the organization registering as the main responsible party; the full name of the individual responsible and the list of participants. The dossier can be sent through postal service or directly to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment.

3. Receiving registration dossiers for project participation

The registration period for receiving dossiers to participate in projects is forty-five (45) days from the date of publication. Immediately after the registration period ends, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall prepare a summary record of the number of registration dossiers received.

4. Evaluating Dossiers, Selecting and Reviewing Organizations and Individuals Responsible for Projects

The evaluation of dossiers, selection, and review of organizations and individuals responsible for projects shall be conducted in two forms: Advisory Council or soliciting opinions from independent experts.

a) Evaluation of Dossiers, Selection and Review of Organizations and Individuals Responsible for Projects through the Advisory Council Form

- The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to submit to the Ministry a proposal to establish an advisory council for the selection and review of organizations and individuals responsible for agricultural extension projects. The council shall consist of seven members, including representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, General Departments, specialized agencies, the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Financial Department, and related field experts. The number of members from the organization responsible for the project participating in the council shall not exceed one (1) person and shall not be the Project Leader or a key participant in the project being selected;

- The advisory council shall operate according to the regulations of scientific and technological advisory councils established by the Minister; the council shall convene two sessions: Session 1 to open the dossiers to check their validity; Session 2 to evaluate the dossiers to select and review organizations and individuals responsible for projects based on the criteria set out in Appendix 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Evaluation of Dossiers, Selection and Review of Organizations and Individuals Responsible for Projects through Soliciting Opinions from Independent Experts

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall invite two (2) independent experts who have deep knowledge of the project's field to evaluate the project dossiers; the project will be rated as "satisfactory" if both independent experts rate it as "satisfactory" according to the criteria set out in Appendix 2 attached to this Circular.

c) Approving the Results of Selection and Review of Organizations and Individuals Responsible for Agricultural Extension Projects

Based on the minutes of the advisory council or the opinions of independent experts, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development a decision to approve the results of the selection and review of organizations and individuals responsible for agricultural extension projects before August 30 each year and notify the selected organizations and individuals to complete the project descriptions.

Article 10. Reviewing, Approving Agricultural Extension Projects, Assigning Tasks, Signing Contracts to Implement Agricultural Extension Projects

1. The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall organize the review of the content and finance of the overall agricultural extension project proposal with the participation of representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, the Department of Finance, and the National Agricultural Extension Center.

2. Based on the results of the review, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the Department of Finance shall approve the overall agricultural extension project proposal of organizations and individuals directly under the Ministry's main department; the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, the Department of Finance, and the National Agricultural Extension Center shall approve the overall agricultural extension project proposal of organizations and individuals not directly under the Ministry's main department.

3. Based on the approved overall agricultural extension project proposal, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for a decision to approve the overall agricultural extension project, to be completed before September 30 each year.

4. Based on the project approval decision of the Ministry, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall sign contracts to implement projects with organizations directly under the Ministry, and the National Agricultural Extension Center shall sign contracts with organizations not directly under the Ministry.

5. Approval of the proposal and budget estimate of the annual central agricultural extension project

The project main organization shall review the content, budget estimate, and approve the annual project proposal (in accordance with the model prescribed in Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular), and send it to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, the National Agricultural Extension Center, and the Department of Finance; the completion time must be before October 30.

6. Notification of Assignment of Tasks to Implement Agricultural Extension Projects

Annually, based on the project approved by the Ministry and the Ministry's plan to allocate funds, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall notify the assignment of tasks for central agricultural extension (content and funding) to organizations directly under the Ministry and to the National Agricultural Extension Center (for projects managed by organizations outside the Ministry).

Article 11. Procedures for Building, Reviewing, and Approving Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks

1. Building, Reviewing, and Approving Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks

a) Annually, based on actual needs and the anticipated agricultural extension budget allocation, the National Agricultural Extension Center shall build a plan for regular agricultural extension tasks, to be sent to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, and the Department of Finance before September 30;

b) The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall lead, coordinate with the Department of Finance, General Departments, and related specialized Bureaus to review the content and budget estimate, and submit to the Ministry for approval before October 31.

2. Notification of Assignment of Tasks

Annually, based on the regular agricultural extension tasks approved by the Ministry, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall notify the assignment of regular agricultural extension tasks to the National Agricultural Extension Center.

Article 12. Adjusting Central Agricultural Extension Projects

1. Adjusting Overall Agricultural Extension Projects

a) The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall lead the examination and submit to the Minister for approval of adjustments to changes in objectives, main implementing organizations, principal leaders, implementation periods, outcomes, and total project funding compared to the overall project approval decision;

b) The adjustment approval of overall agricultural extension projects must be completed before October 30 each year.

2. Adjusting Annual Agricultural Extension Projects

a) Organizations directly under the Ministry managing the project shall examine and adjust annual changes in each content without altering the objectives, outcomes, and total funding compared to the approved project proposal and report to the Ministry (Department of Science, Technology and Environment);

b) The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall examine and adjust annual changes in each content without altering the objectives, outcomes, and total funding compared to the approved project proposal of organizations managing the project not directly under the Ministry;

c) The adjustment of annual agricultural extension projects must be completed before October 30 to implement for subsequent years.

Article 13. Adjustment of Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks

The National Agricultural Extension Center shall submit proposals to adjust the activities of regular agricultural extension tasks to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the Department of Finance for consideration and submission to the Ministry for decision.

Chapter IV

INSPECTION, EVALUATION AND COMMISSIONING OF CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Article 14. Inspection and Evaluation of Central Agricultural Extension Projects

1. Inspection and Evaluation of Agricultural Extension Projects

a) The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant General Departments, Specialized Bureaus, the Department of Finance, the National Agricultural Extension Center, and related units to periodically or urgently organize inspections and evaluations of the progress of central agricultural extension projects; on-site inspections shall be conducted at least once for each project during its implementation period;

b) Annual or urgent inspection and evaluation plans shall be developed by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment taking the lead and coordinating with the National Agricultural Extension Center;

c) The main organizing body of the agricultural extension project shall be responsible for self-inspection and annual evaluation of the implementation of the agricultural extension projects of their unit and report the results of the inspection to the Ministry (Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the National Agricultural Extension Center).

2. Inspection and Evaluation of Agricultural Extension Projects after Commissioning

The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant General Departments, Specialized Bureaus, the Department of Finance, and the National Agricultural Extension Center to organize post-commissioning inspections and evaluations of key central agricultural extension projects. Specific objects, locations, times, and members of the inspection and evaluation team shall be established by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment.

Article 15. Commissioning of Central Agricultural Extension Projects

1. Annual Project Acceptance

The main organizing body of the project shall organize the commissioning of the project's results annually; submit the project implementation report and the commissioning minutes to the Ministry (Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the National Agricultural Extension Center) before December 25th each year.

2. Commissioning upon Completion

a) Organizational Level Commissioning

- The main organizing body of the project shall establish an Advisory Commission for organizational level commissioning to inspect and evaluate the results when the project ends; the completion time for organizational level commissioning shall not exceed 30 days after the project ends;

- The Advisory Commission for organizational level commissioning shall be decided by the head of the main organizing body; the Commission consists of five members, including the Chairman who is a leader of the main organizing body, representatives from management units regarding expertise and finance of the main organizing body, and some experts (inside or outside the main organizing body); the Project Leader and primary implementers shall not participate in the Commission; the Commission operates based on majority rule, evaluating according to two levels: "pass" and "fail";

b) Ministry Level Commissioning

- Ministry level commissioning is carried out in two forms: Advisory Commission or independent expert evaluation;

- The Ministry level commissioning dossier includes: request for commissioning letter; final project report (in accordance with the model prescribed in Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular); organizational level commissioning minutes; dossier made into nine sets, of which one set of original documents shall be directly sent or mailed to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment; the dossier submission deadline for Ministry level commissioning shall not exceed 45 days after the project ends;

- Criteria for evaluating the project implementation results are stipulated in Appendix 5 issued together with this Circular;

- Commissioning through Advisory Commission form

The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall take the lead in proposing the establishment of a Ministry level Advisory Commission for project commissioning; the Commission consists of seven members, including representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, General Departments, Specialized Bureaus, the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Department of Finance, and experts in related fields; the number of participants from the main organizing body shall not exceed one person and must not be the Project Leader or project staff;

- Commissioning through independent expert evaluation form

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall invite two independent experts with deep knowledge of the project field to evaluate the commissioning dossier; the project will be commissioned if both independent experts rate it at the "pass" level or higher; if one expert rates it at the "pass" level or higher and another rates it at the "fail" level, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall invite a third independent expert to evaluate; if the third expert rates it at the "pass" level or higher, the project will be commissioned, otherwise it will not be commissioned at the Ministry level;

c) Approval of Project Implementation Results

Based on the evaluation and commissioning results of the Advisory Commission or independent evaluators, within 15 days from the date of receiving the independent evaluator's results, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall propose the Ministry to approve and recognize the project commissioning results.

Article 16. Acceptance of Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks

1. Acceptance at the grassroots level

The National Agricultural Extension Center establishes an advisory board for the acceptance of regular agricultural extension tasks; submits reports on the implementation results and acceptance minutes to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department before December 25th each year.

2. Acceptance at the Ministry level

a) The Science, Technology, and Environment Department takes the lead in proposing the establishment of an advisory board for the acceptance of regular agricultural extension tasks at the Ministry level; the board consists of seven members, including representatives from the Science, Technology, and Environment Department, General Department, specialized Bureau, Financial Department, and experts in related fields; the number of members from the organizing entity participating in the board shall not exceed one person and must not be the project leader or project staff.

b) The acceptance dossier for regular agricultural extension tasks at the Ministry level includes: the request for acceptance; the final report on the task; the grassroots-level acceptance minutes; the dossier is made up of nine sets, with one original set directly sent or mailed to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department; the submission time for the Ministry-level acceptance dossier must be completed no later than thirty days after the completion of the task.

Article 17. Summary and Evaluation of Central Key Agricultural Extension Programs

After accepting agricultural extension projects at the central level, the Science, Technology, and Environment Department leads and coordinates with the National Agricultural Extension Center to organize summaries and evaluations of central key agricultural extension programs. The summary and evaluation period must be completed no later than six months after the program's conclusion.

Chapter V

MANAGEMENT OF PROGRAM FUNDS

Article 18. Program Management Costs for Central Agricultural Extension Projects

1. Contents of Program Management Costs for Agricultural Extension Projects

a) The contents of management costs for central agricultural extension projects are implemented according to the provisions in point a, Clause 10, Article 5 of Circular Joint No. 183/2010/TTLT-BTC-BNN dated November 15, 2010, issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the management and use of state budget funds for agricultural extension activities.

b) The contents of management costs for agricultural extension projects organized by the main body include: developing project descriptions; organizing reviews of project content and budget estimates; annual inspections, evaluations, and acceptances; writing final reports and grassroots-level acceptance minutes upon project completion; purchasing office supplies, information, and communication services; managing facilities; providing allowances to project leaders; and other expenses.

2. Specific Levels of Program Management Costs for Agricultural Extension Projects are applied according to the levels specified in Decision No. 120/2007/TT-BTC dated October 15, 2007, issued by the Ministry of Finance guiding the management, use, and settlement of funds for surveys from state budget sources, Joint Circular No. 44/2007/TTLT-BTC-BKHCN dated May 7, 2007, issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology guiding the construction and allocation standards for budgets for scientific and technological projects funded by the state budget, Decision No. 97/2010/TT-BTC dated July 6, 2010, issued by the Ministry of Finance stipulating travel expense regulations and cost regulations for organizing meetings for state agencies and public service units, and current regulations.

Article 19. Allocation of Budget Estimates

Annually, based on the decision approving the project and the notification assigning the central agricultural extension mission tasks from the Ministry, the Department of Finance shall allocate budget estimates to the organizations in charge of the projects as follows:

1. Allocate budget estimates for expenses to the organizations under the Ministry that are in charge of the projects.

2. Allocate budget estimates for expenses to the National Agricultural Extension Center for regular agricultural extension expenses and expenses for projects managed by organizations not directly under the Ministry.

Article 20. Finalization and Contract Liquidation

1. Annual Finalization

a) The basis for considering finalization is the annual acceptance report (acceptance minutes and annual implementation results report) and the annual finalization report of the organization in charge; the deadline for submitting the annual finalization report to the Department of Finance is no later than March 31;

b) The Department of Finance shall take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to finalize projects and tasks managed by organizations directly under the Ministry; the Department of Finance shall take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the National Agricultural Extension Center to finalize projects managed by organizations not directly under the Ministry.

2. Finalization at Project Completion

a) Organizations in charge of projects directly under the Ministry shall submit finalization reports for completed projects to the Department of Finance; the National Agricultural Extension Center shall compile finalization reports for projects completed by organizations not directly under the Ministry and submit them to the Department of Finance;

b) The Department of Finance shall consolidate the finalization process for all central agricultural extension projects and tasks upon completion based on the annual finalizations.

3. Contract Liquidation

Based on the decision approving the project implementation results, the finalization results, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall proceed to liquidate contracts with organizations and individuals in charge of projects directly under the Ministry; the National Agricultural Extension Center shall proceed to liquidate contracts with organizations and individuals in charge of projects not directly under the Ministry.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 21. Responsibilities of Departments and Units Directly Under the Ministry

1. Responsibilities of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment

a) The focal point for state management of agricultural extension work; directly managing central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks;

b) Taking the lead and coordinating with relevant units to develop and submit to competent authorities for issuance strategies for agricultural extension and legal regulations and policies on agricultural extension;

c) Taking the lead and coordinating with relevant units to develop, select, review, and submit to the Ministry for approval key central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks;

d) Taking the lead in organizing inspections, handling complaints and denunciations in agricultural extension activities;

đ) Taking the lead and coordinating with the Department of Finance and the National Agricultural Extension Center to propose the structure of annual central agricultural extension funding allocation;

e) Taking the lead in monitoring, inspecting, evaluating, and summarizing annual agricultural extension activities nationwide and key central agricultural extension programs, regularly reporting to the Ministry and the Prime Minister; urging the inspection, evaluation, and consolidation of project implementation results, and reporting to the Ministry.

Article 5. Responsibilities of the Department of Finance

a) Participating in developing agricultural extension strategies and legal regulations and policies on agricultural extension;

b) Directly assisting the Ministry in managing central agricultural extension funding according to regulations;

c) Participating in inspecting, evaluating, and summarizing central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks.

3. Responsibilities of Sectoral General Directorates and Bureaus

Cooperating with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to implement state management tasks related to agricultural extension within their specialized fields.

4. Responsibilities of the National Agricultural Extension Center

a) Participating in developing agricultural extension strategies and legal regulations and policies on agricultural extension;

b) Guiding the content and methods of agricultural extension activities for participating agencies and units;

c) Directly implementing regular agricultural extension tasks and central agricultural extension projects assigned to manage;

d) Signing contracts to implement central agricultural extension projects with organizations in charge of projects not directly under the Ministry;

đ) Cooperating with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the Department of Finance during the development, selection, review of central agricultural extension projects;

e) Cooperating with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and related units to organize annual inspections, evaluations, acceptances, and finalizations of central agricultural extension projects.

Article 22. Responsibilities of the organizing entity and the project leader

1. The organizing entity of the project

a) To review and approve the annual project description; to organize the implementation, inspection, supervision, and acceptance of the annual project; to accept the final project at the local level when the project ends; if necessary, to propose to the Ministry to adjust the content, budget, and time of implementation and the project leader; to be responsible for managing and using the project budget in accordance with current regulations;

b) To issue a notification to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the province or centrally governed city and the local authority where the project is implemented to coordinate management and monitoring.

2. The project leader

To implement the contents according to the approved project description, to use the budget in accordance with the current regulations of the State; to report periodically every six months and annually on the results and progress of the project's implementation to the organizing entity and the management agency; to propose changes to the content, location, budget, and time of implementation to the organizing entity and the management agency and only to implement such changes upon written approval from the management agency; to enter into contracts with organizations or individuals inside and outside the unit to implement the project contents in accordance with current regulations; to enjoy the allowance according to the current system.

Article 23. Responsibilities and authorities of the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of provinces and centrally governed cities

1. To participate in proposing agricultural extension programs and projects at the central level.

2. To cooperate in monitoring, inspecting, evaluating, and supervising central-level agricultural extension programs and projects implemented locally.

3. To advise and propose to the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed city regarding local agricultural extension work; to report periodically every six months and annually or at any time to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the results of implementing local agricultural extension programs and projects for consolidation and reporting to the Prime Minister.

Article 24. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from April 15, 2013.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 38/2011/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 23, 2011 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the implementation of certain provisions of Decree No. 02/2010/NĐ-CP dated January 8, 2010 of the Government on agricultural extension.

3. In the course of implementation, if there are difficulties, organizations and individuals shall reflect them in writing to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for consideration and resolution./.