Circular No. 25/2017/TT-BNNPTNT guiding the management of central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks

CIRCULAR

GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND TASKS

Pursuant to Decree No. 15/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 17, 2017 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

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

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

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular to guide the management of central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular guides the following contents:

a) Construction, review, approval, implementation, adjustment, inspection, summary, and evaluation of central agricultural extension programs managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

b) Construction, review, approval, implementation, adjustment, inspection, acceptance, and settlement of accounts for central agricultural extension projects and tasks managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

2. This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to the management and implementation of central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks throughout the country.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

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

1. Central Agricultural Extension Program(abbreviated as program) is an agricultural extension program implemented over a period of five or ten years approved by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (abbreviated as Minister), including: name of the program; general objectives; main agricultural extension activities; implementation area; expected results by sector and key products.

2. Central Agricultural Extension Project(abbreviated as project) is an agricultural extension project consistent with the central agricultural extension program, with an implementation period of one to three years approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (abbreviated as Ministry), including: name of the project; objectives; expected results; implementation area and time; name of the organization entrusted to lead the project or selection through bidding of the leading organization and project funding; scope of the project implemented in two provinces or more, except special cases decided by the Minister.

3. Annual Agricultural Extension Plantoyearis a collection of agricultural extension activities to be carried out in the planning year, approved by the Ministry.

4. Demonstration Model(abbreviated as model) is a component of the agricultural extension project aimed at applying technological advancements and management improvements, with a suitable scale to serve as a template for wider application.

5. Demonstration Siteis a specific implementation of the demonstration model concentrated at a production site with a scale appropriate to each project.

6. Regular Agricultural Extension Tasksare agricultural extension tasks carried out annually to support the overall operation of the national agricultural extension system and common tasks of the Ministry and sectors (excluding contents within approved agricultural extension programs and projects), including the following groups of tasks:

a) Information dissemination: competitions, fairs, forums, seminars, publicizing through mass media; news and electronic information pages of Agricultural Extension Vietnam; database and extension materials construction;

b) Training: professional training for agricultural extension staff at all levels and units participating in extension activities; development of extension learning materials; domestic and international study tours;

c) National, regional, and provincial agricultural extension conferences;

d) International cooperation in agricultural extension;

đ) Procurement and repair of assets and equipment directly serving agricultural extension activities;

e) Management, inspection, and evaluation of agricultural extension activities.

Article 3. Criteria for selecting the leading organization and the head of the project

1. The leading organization of the project must meet the following criteria:

a) Possess functions and tasks related to agricultural extension, technology transfer, or have a specialized department for agricultural extension activities that are appropriate to the field and products of the project;

b) In the two years prior to the submission of the application, it does not fall into any of the following cases: having led an agricultural extension project with a final acceptance result rated as "unsatisfactory"; delivering products late without approval from the Ministry; using project funds improperly according to the law.

2. The head of the project must meet the following criteria:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher; have at least five years of experience working in a relevant professional field corresponding to the content of the project; have at least three years of experience in agricultural extension and technology transfer;

b) In the two years prior to the submission of the application, they do not fall into any of the following cases: leading a scientific and technological task at the ministerial or state level, or an agricultural extension project with a final acceptance result rated as "unsatisfactory" or having committed violations leading to termination of the contract for implementing the task or project;

c) Each individual can only be the head of one agricultural extension project at the same time; if there are two or more projects, this decision will be made by the Ministry.

3. In necessary cases, the Ministry may decide to select the leading organization and the head of the project even if they do not fully meet the criteria set out in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 4. Administrative Expenses for Agricultural Extension Programs, Projects, and Regular Tasks

1. The content of expenses shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions 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, and in accordance with the regulations approved by the competent authority.

2. The levels of expenditure shall be governed by the following provisions:

a) Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC dated April 28, 2017, issued by the Ministry of Finance, stipulating the travel expense system and conference expense system;

b) Article 1, 2, and 3 of Circular No. 102/2012/TT-BTC dated June 21, 2012, issued by the Ministry of Finance, stipulating the travel expense system for civil servants and employees of the State going on short-term missions abroad funded by the State budget;

c) Other current laws and regulations.

Article 5. Economic and Technical Standards for Agricultural Extension

1. The National Agricultural Extension Center leads and collaborates with relevant units to draft economic and technical standards for agricultural extension and sends them to the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment.

2. The Department of Science, Technology, and Environment submits to the Ministry for the establishment of an Appraisal Team, consisting of representatives from the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment, the Financial Department, the General Administration, the Specialized Bureau, the National Agricultural Extension Center, and experts (if necessary).

3. Based on the appraisal results, the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment submits to the Ministry for approval of the economic and technical standards for agricultural extension.

Chapter II

CONSTRUCTION, APPRAISAL AND APPROVAL OF CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND PLANS

Article 6. Construction, Review, and Approval of the Central Agricultural Extension Program

1. Based on the policy orientation for development of the sector and practical production needs, at the time of developing the medium-term plan of five or ten years for the sector or when there is urgent guidance, the General Department and specialized Departments propose the central agricultural extension program by field or key products (model 01 issued together with this Circular) to the National Agricultural Extension Center.

2. The National Agricultural Extension Center compiles and proposes the central agricultural extension program, organizes solicitation of opinions from Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, and sends it along with a report on the construction process and opinion solicitation to the Science, Technology and Environment Department.

3. The Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for the establishment of a Review Team consisting of representatives from the Science, Technology and Environment Department, the Finance Department, the Planning Department, the General Department, specialized Departments, the National Agricultural Extension Center, and experts (if necessary).

4. Based on the review results, the Science, Technology and Environment Department leads and collaborates with the National Agricultural Extension Center to finalize the program and submit it to the Minister for consideration and approval. In cases where necessary, the Minister may commission certain central agricultural extension programs.

5. The central agricultural extension program shall be published on the electronic information website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Science, Technology and Environment Department, and the National Agricultural Extension Center.

Article 7. Construction, Review, and Approval of the Project ListFor coal-fired thermal power plants where the enterprise holds 100% of the registered capital and uses 100% of its own capital to invest in the project approved by the competent authority, E is determined as 100%;list of projects

1. Based on the approved agricultural extension program and practical production needs, the provincial agricultural extension centers and organizations or individuals meeting the criteria stipulated in Article 3 of this Circular propose projects and register as the main organizer (model 02 issued together with this Circular) to the National Agricultural Extension Center before April 30 each year.

2. The National Agricultural Extension Center compiles and builds the project list and sends it to the Science, Technology and Environment Department before May 30 each year.

3. The Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for the establishment of a Review Team consisting of representatives from the Science, Technology and Environment Department, the Finance Department, the General Department, specialized Departments, the National Agricultural Extension Center, and experts (if necessary).

4. Based on the review results, the Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for consideration and approval of the project list before August 31 each year. In cases where necessary, the Minister may commission certain central agricultural extension projects.

5. Within five working days from the date of approval, the Science, Technology and Environment Department shall publish the project list on the electronic information website of the Ministry, the Science, Technology and Environment Department, and the National Agricultural Extension Center.

Article 8. Construction, Review, and Approval of Directly Assigned Projects

1. Preparation of Project Documentation

a) The National Agricultural Extension Center announces and guides the organizing body in preparing the project documentation;

b) The project documentation includes: summary of activities of the organizing body (model 03 issued together with this Circular); scientific curriculum vitae of the project leader (model 04 issued together with this Circular); project description (model 05 issued together with this Circular); confirmation letter for project implementation cooperation (model 06 issued together with this Circular); local implementation deployment confirmation document (model 07 issued together with this Circular); commitment to contribute matching funds (if applicable);

c) Agricultural extension activities carried out within the project include: model construction; model replication (training, information dissemination, field meetings, seminars); project management. Model construction activities in projects led by central agencies or enterprises must involve participation from the provincial agricultural extension center. Model replication activities are coordinated by the organizing body with the General Department, specialized Departments, the National Agricultural Extension Center, or the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the area of implementation;

d) The organizing body of the project prepares one set of project documentation and sends it to the National Agricultural Extension Center within twenty working days from the date of receipt of the notification letter. The date of receipt of the documentation is the date stamped by the post office or the received stamp of the National Agricultural Extension Center's administrative office. The National Agricultural Extension Center guides the organizing body to send eight complete sets of documentation to the Science, Technology and Environment Department for review of the project documentation.

2. Review of Project Documentation

a) The Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for the establishment of a Review Team consisting of representatives from the Science, Technology and Environment Department, the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Finance Department, the General Department, specialized Departments, and experts (if necessary) to review the project documentation;

b) The organizing body of the project completes the project documentation and sends it to the Science, Technology and Environment Department within fifteen working days from the date of the review meeting.

3. Approval of the Project

a) The Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for approval of the project before October 31 each year;

b) Based on the approval decision of the Ministry, the Science, Technology and Environment Department leads and collaborates with the Finance Department and the National Agricultural Extension Center to approve the project description.

Article 9. Bidding for Agricultural Extension Projects

The National Agricultural Extension Center shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to organize bidding for projects. The bidding procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on bidding.

Article 10. Construction, Review, and Approval of Regular Agricultural Extension Plans and Tasks

1. Construction of Regular Agricultural Extension Plans and Tasks

a) Each year, provincial agricultural extension centers under the central government and organizations shall submit their regular agricultural extension plans and tasks proposals (model 08 issued together with this Circular) to the National Agricultural Extension Center before July 31;

b) The National Agricultural Extension Center shall compile and construct regular agricultural extension plans and organize opinions from the General Department and specialized bureaus before August 30;

c) The National Agricultural Extension Center shall finalize the regular agricultural extension plan and send it to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department along with a report on the construction process and opinion solicitation before September 30.

2. Review of Regular Agricultural Extension Plans and Tasks

a) The Science, Technology, and Environment Department shall propose the establishment of a review team consisting of representatives from the Science, Technology, and Environment Department, the Finance Department, the General Department, related specialized bureaus, and the National Agricultural Extension Center;

b) The National Agricultural Extension Center shall finalize the regular agricultural extension plan according to the review comments and send it to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department within 15 working days from the date of the review meeting.

3. The Science, Technology, and Environment Department shall take the lead and coordinate with the Finance Department to submit the regular agricultural extension plan for approval by the Ministry before October 31.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND REGULAR AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION TASKS

Article 11. Notification of Assignment of Tasks, Signing of Contracts for Project Implementation, and Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks

1. Annually, based on the decision approving the project and the budget allocation plan for agricultural extension by the Ministry, the Science, Technology, and Environment Department shall notify the assignment of tasks to the organizations under the Ministry and the National Agricultural Extension Center (for projects led by non-Ministry organizations).

2. The National Agricultural Extension Center shall sign contracts with organizations leading projects that are not directly under the Ministry.

3. Based on the decision approving the regular agricultural extension tasks plan, the National Agricultural Extension Center shall notify and guide participating organizations to develop detailed plans and sign contracts for implementation in accordance with current laws.

Article 12. Adjustment of Programs, Projects, and Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks

1. Program Adjustment

a) During implementation, when adjustments or supplements to the program are necessary, the National Agricultural Extension Center shall propose and send them to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department;

b) The Science, Technology, and Environment Department shall propose the establishment of a review team consisting of representatives from the Science, Technology, and Environment Department leading and coordinating with the Finance Department, Planning Department, General Department, specialized bureaus, and the National Agricultural Extension Center to conduct reviews and submit to the Minister for approval.

2. Project Adjustment

a) Based on the proposal of the project leading organization, the General Department, specialized bureaus, annual inspection results, the National Agricultural Extension Center shall consider and approve annual changes in content without altering the approved total budget, including time, demonstration location (within the province or city), training and information dissemination scale increase or decrease; report to the Ministry (through the Science, Technology, and Environment Department) within five working days from the issuance of the adjustment document;

b) The Science, Technology, and Environment Department shall consider and adjust the model location (between provinces or cities) and model scale between central cities but not change the project's objectives, results, and total budget compared to the approved project decision;

c) The Science, Technology, and Environment Department shall consider and submit to the Ministry for approval adjustments regarding objectives, implementation time, results, leading organization, principal investigator, and total project budget;

d) The adjustment completion time shall be before November 30.

3. Adjustment of Regular Agricultural Extension Tasks

a) The National Agricultural Extension Center shall compile and propose adjustments to content, budget, and results among the groups of tasks specified in Clause 6, Article 2 of this Circular, send them to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department, and the Finance Department for review and submission to the Ministry for approval;

b) The National Agricultural Extension Center shall make adjustments to other contents not covered by point a, Clause 3 of this Article and send the adjustment document to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department and the Finance Department for reporting.

Article 13. Inspection of agricultural extension projects and tasks

1. Project inspection

a) The National Agricultural Extension Center proposes the inspection plan to be submitted to the Science, Technology and Environment Department for approval by the Ministry. The frequency of inspections shall be conducted at least once for each project during its implementation period.

b) The National Agricultural Extension Center submits to the Ministry for the establishment of an inspection team; it organizes the project inspection according to the plan, prepares the project inspection record (Form 09 issued together with this Circular). The inspection team consists of representatives from the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Science, Technology and Environment Department, the Financial Department, the General Department, the Specialized Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development where the project is implemented. In cases deemed necessary, the National Agricultural Extension Center may organize unscheduled inspections of project implementation as prescribed.

c) At least five working days before conducting the inspection, the National Agricultural Extension Center notifies the time and location of the inspection to the main organizing body and members of the inspection team. The project leader submits a progress report on the implementation of the project to the National Agricultural Extension Center via email: [email protected].

d) The National Agricultural Extension Center compiles and reports to the Ministry (through the Science, Technology and Environment Department) the results of regular inspections every six months (before June 30 and December 25 each year) or unscheduled inspections as required by the Ministry.

2. The main organizing body conducts self-inspection of the project and submits the inspection result report to the National Agricultural Extension Center before June 15 and December 15 each year or as required by the Ministry.

3. The Science, Technology and Environment Department establishes and submits to the Ministry for approval the inspection plan for regular agricultural extension tasks, supervising the implementation of regulations on agricultural extension activities; it leads and coordinates with relevant agencies to implement the plan after its approval.

Article 14. Final acceptance and recognition of results of regular agricultural extension projects and tasks

1. Annual Project Acceptance

a) The National Agricultural Extension Center leads and collaborates with the Science, Technology and Environment Department, the Financial Department, the General Department, and the Specialized Bureau to establish an acceptance team and organize the final acceptance of project results before December 25.

b) The acceptance dossier includes: the request for acceptance letter from the main organizing body; the annual project implementation result report (Form 10 issued together with this Circular); contracts and acceptance records with cooperating units; inspection records, related documents, and products (if any).

c) The National Agricultural Extension Center compiles and reports the annual project acceptance results to the Science, Technology and Environment Department and the Financial Department before January 15 of the following year.

d) The acceptance results and project inspection results serve as the basis for settlement and the development and adjustment of the next year's plan.

2. Final Project Acceptance

a) Before March 31 of the following year, the main organizing body directly or through postal service sends the final project acceptance dossier (one original copy and eight copies) to the Science, Technology and Environment Department. The dossier includes: the request for acceptance letter from the main organizing body; the project summary report (Form 11 issued together with this Circular); the annual project acceptance record; inspection records, related documents, and products (if any).

b) The Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for the establishment of the final project acceptance team consisting of seven members: representatives from the Science, Technology and Environment Department, the Financial Department, the General Department, the Specialized Bureau, the National Agricultural Extension Center, and some experts (if necessary).

c) The acceptance team works when at least five out of seven members are present. The acceptance team evaluates the project implementation results at two levels: "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" (Form 13 issued together with this Circular). The project is proposed for acceptance if at least five out of seven members evaluate it as "satisfactory".

d) Within fifteen working days from the date of the acceptance meeting, the main organizing body is responsible for completing the final project acceptance dossier and submitting it to the Science, Technology and Environment Department for submission to the Ministry to recognize the project results.

3. Acceptance of regular agricultural extension tasks

a) Before March 31 of the following year, the National Agricultural Extension Center sends a document and eight sets of acceptance dossiers (one original copy and seven copies) to the Science, Technology and Environment Department.

b) The acceptance dossier includes: the summary report; the acceptance record with cooperating units; inspection records, related documents, and products (if any).

c) The Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for the establishment of the regular agricultural extension task acceptance team consisting of seven members: representatives from the Science, Technology and Environment Department, the Financial Department, the General Department, the Specialized Bureau, and some experts (if necessary).

d) Within fifteen working days from the date of the acceptance meeting, the National Agricultural Extension Center completes the regular agricultural extension task acceptance dossier and submits it to the Science, Technology and Environment Department for submission to the Ministry to recognize the project implementation results.

4. Recognition and handling of acceptance results

a) The Science, Technology and Environment Department submits to the Ministry for approval of the decision to recognize the results of regular agricultural extension projects and tasks or handle projects and tasks that are evaluated as "unsatisfactory" before June 30 each year.

b) The results of regular agricultural extension projects and tasks are published on the electronic information page of the Science, Technology and Environment Department and the National Agricultural Extension Center.

Article 15. Settlement

1. The basis for reviewing settlement is the acceptance file specified in Article 14 of this Circular and the report on the settlement of central agricultural extension funds.

2. Annually, the National Agricultural Extension Center settles the funds for implementing projects led by organizations not directly under the Ministry and units participating in regular agricultural extension tasks as prescribed.

3. The Finance Department takes the lead and coordinates with the Science, Technology and Environment Department and the National Agricultural Extension Center to settle the central agricultural extension funds for projects led by organizations directly under the Ministry.

4. The Finance Department takes the lead and coordinates with the Science, Technology and Environment Department to settle the funds allocated to the National Agricultural Extension Center (regular agricultural extension tasks and projects led by organizations outside the Ministry).

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 16. Responsibilities of 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; responsible before the law and the Minister for state management according to the division of labor;

b) Take the lead in reviewing, submitting to the Minister for approval and adjustment of programs; approving and adjusting projects, tasks, economic and technical norms on agricultural extension (except cases stipulated in point a, Clause 2 and point b, Clause 3 of Article 12 of this Circular);

c) Guide, inspect, supervise, and accept the implementation of agricultural extension activities as prescribed;

d) Take the lead in accepting, submitting to the Minister for recognition of results of regular agricultural extension projects and tasks;

đ) Coordinate with the Finance Department to settle the central agricultural extension funds annually;

e) Take the lead in organizing the summary and evaluation of the central agricultural extension program.

Article 5. Responsibilities of the Department of Finance

a) Guide the management and use of central agricultural extension funds; responsible before the law and the Minister for state management according to the division of labor;

b) Review the budget estimate, submit to the Ministry for allocation and settlement of central agricultural extension funds as prescribed;

c) Participate in reviewing projects, tasks, economic and technical norms on agricultural extension; inspect, accept, interim review, and summarize agricultural extension programs and projects.

3. Responsibilities of General Departments and Sectoral Departments

a) Propose the list of central agricultural extension programs serving the development goals of the Ministry and sector;

b) Participate in providing comments and reviewing regular agricultural extension projects and tasks;

c) Participate in reviewing economic and technical norms on agricultural extension; inspect, accept, interim review, and summarize agricultural extension programs and projects.

4. Responsibilities of the National Agricultural Extension Center

a) Take the lead in compiling and building central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks; adjust agricultural extension tasks and projects as prescribed in point a, Clause 2 and point b, Clause 3 of Article 12 of this Circular;

b) Take the lead in establishing economic and technical norms on agricultural extension;

c) Manage central agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks after approval by the Ministry: sign contracts with organizations leading projects not directly under the Ministry, guide, inspect, accept, settle, and report on the implementation results;

d) Notify the plans for implementing extension projects and tasks to provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development for coordination in monitoring and management;

đ) Take the lead and coordinate with related units to organize inspections of agricultural extension projects;

e) Coordinate with project leaders to organize interim reviews and summaries of agricultural extension projects;

g) Coordinate with General Departments and Sectoral Departments to supplement and perfect technical procedures, guidance, production management organization, and propose research issues to meet production requirements;

h) Responsible before the law and the Minister for assigned tasks.

Article 17. Responsibilities of Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Central Government

1. Participate in proposing and providing comments on the national agricultural extension program; confirm agreement to implement projects at the local level.

2. Direct the provincial agricultural extension centers and local extension systems to participate in implementing agricultural extension projects and tasks.

3. Participate in inspecting, supervising, evaluating, and accepting the results of national agricultural extension projects and tasks implemented at the local level.

4. Participate in summarizing, evaluating national agricultural extension programs, projects, and tasks, and develop plans to expand them in production within their jurisdiction.

Article 18. Responsibilities of organizations in charge of projects and units participating in implementing national agricultural extension projects and tasks

1. Responsibilities of organizations in charge and units participating in implementing national agricultural extension projects and tasks

a) Develop annual plans and budget estimates (Form 12 attached hereto) and submit them to the National Agricultural Extension Center before implementation;

b) Implement national agricultural extension projects and tasks assigned in accordance with regulations; allocate sufficient personnel and ensure necessary technical facilities for implementation;

c) Conduct inspections and acceptances at the site;

d) Report progress and results quarterly, biannually, annually, or at any time to the National Agricultural Extension Center for consolidation and reporting to the Ministry;

đ) Manage and use funds in accordance with regulations; be responsible for the results of national agricultural extension projects and tasks;

e) Summarize, accept results, and settle accounts in accordance with regulations.

2. Responsibilities of project leaders

a) Lead the implementation of project contents according to the approved Project Description and project adjustment documents issued by competent authorities; use funds in accordance with legal provisions;

b) Aggregate and report on project content, progress, products, and fund usage;

c) Be accountable to the leading organization and the Minister for the results of the project.

3. In cases where projects and tasks are affected by force majeure (natural disasters, epidemics), the leading organizations and project leaders must promptly establish records, assess damages confirmed by local authorities, and report in writing to the National Agricultural Extension Center for the Ministry's consideration and handling in accordance with regulations.

Article 19. Transitional Provisions

National agricultural extension projects and tasks for the periods 2016-2018 and 2017-2019, which have been approved, shall continue to be implemented in accordance with Circular No. 49/2015/TT-BNNPTNT dated December 30, 2015, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the management of national agricultural extension tasks and projects until they are accepted as completed.

Article 20. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from January 2, 2018.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 49/2015/TT-BNNPTNT dated December 30, 2015, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the management of national agricultural extension tasks and projects.

3. Repeal Article 17 of Circular No. 11/2017/TT-BNNPTNT dated May 29, 2017, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development amending and supplementing certain articles of related legal normative documents concerning the functions and tasks of units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

4. During implementation, if there are difficulties, organizations and individuals should promptly reflect them in writing to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Science, Technology and Environment Department) for examination and resolution./.