Unlocking Potential of OCOP Products in Cooperatives

In recent years, cooperatives in Thanh Oai district have actively engaged in the One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program, improving product quality, boosting competitiveness and expanding market access. Many have earned 3- and 4-star OCOP ratings and successfully promoted their products for wider consumption.

Thanh Oai district focuses on developing OCOP products to boost agricultural value and support new rural development

Since its launch, the OCOP program has gained strong participation from cooperatives in Thanh Oai district, with many products achieving 3- and 4-star ratings. These high-quality products are linked to value chains, meeting market demand, creating jobs, and supporting the National Target Program for rural development. An example is Hoang Long Cooperative’s processed pork products, which earned a 4-star rating in 2022. Director Nguyen Trong Long shared that participation in OCOP boosted the cooperative’s trade promotion, leading to a doubling of sales through fairs and e-commerce platforms.

Tam Hung Agricultural Cooperative (Tam Hung commune) is known for its high-quality rice products. Since 2012, the cooperative has participated in Hanoi’s high-quality rice production program, supplying around 7,000-7,500 tons of rice annually. The cooperative uses organic farming methods in line with VietGAP standards. Tam Hung rice stands out for its rich, nutrient-dense lowland soil, producing plumper, more flavorful grains. Notably, the glutinous rice variety is smooth, fragrant and white when cooked.

OCOP product introduction and sales point in Thanh Oai

In 2021, Tam Hung Agricultural Cooperative participated in the district's OCOP Program, with two products earning 4-star ratings. Since joining the program, the cooperative has received strong support for product promotion, leading to increased sales. The cooperative is now preparing documentation to have more products evaluated, aiming to further diversify its range of high-quality rice products.

Vice Chairman of Thanh Oai District People's Committee Nguyen Trong Khien mentioned that the district has developed 57 OCOP products, with 52 receiving 4-star ratings and five receiving 3 stars, primarily from traditional local products and cooperatives, which has increased the value of local rice. To promote and advertise these products, Thanh Oai has established two display and introduction points in Kim Bai town and Bich Hoa commune.

In addition to setting up booths, Thanh Oai district has worked with the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade to organize OCOP product trade promotion programs, fairs and conferences to connect supply and demand. These programs involve enterprises, cooperatives, OCOP producers and local leaders. At these events, nearly 1,000 product lines from localities nationwide are displayed and introduced.

Product packaging at Hoang Long Cooperative, Tan Uoc commune, Thanh Oai district

To boost trade promotion for the district's OCOP products, particularly those from cooperatives and craft villages, Thanh Oai is reviewing land resources to establish product display points and develop craft village tourism routes. The district is also prioritizing product groups for development and brand building, with a focus on expanding production scale, promoting trade and applying high-tech solutions within cooperatives. This approach aims to strengthen product value chains and enhance local brand recognition.

Additionally, Thanh Oai district has established a support mechanism of 2 million VND per star-rated product to help build brands. The district is integrating OCOP development into new rural construction programs, focusing on crop and livestock restructuring, creating production models in value chains and applying high technology. It also provides funding, technical support and production facilities for cooperatives. Notably, the district has partnered with relevant units to create a dedicated e-commerce platform for OCOP products, using digital technology to boost promotion and sales, as affirmed by Mr. Nguyen Trong Khien.

OCOP products of Thanh Oai district

Thanh Oai district will continue to focus on developing OCOP products as a key opportunity to increase the value of agricultural products and drive rural economic growth, supporting the new rural development process. The district will also enhance public awareness of the OCOP Program’s goals and importance, encouraging production establishments to invest in product development. It will prioritize funding from the budget and credit institutions to support those involved in developing products for the OCOP Program. Additionally, the district aims to help businesses apply science and technology to improve product quality, expand market access, and facilitate trade promotion through media, fairs and exhibitions.

By Ngoc Dan, Vietnam Business Forum

The page is coordinated by the Hanoi Office of the Coordination of the New Rural Development Program