"5 Together" - a new driving force for the rural economy.

From individual farmer groups, the model of professional farmers' associations and branches based on the "5 Together" principle (together in the same field of production, together in concern, together in sharing, together in responsibility, together in benefiting) is creating significant changes in many localities in the province. This model opens up a sustainable link from production to product consumption, contributing to increased income for farmers and the effective development of the agricultural economy.

Quy Mong commune currently has over 5,746 hectares of cinnamon, of which more than 2,000 hectares are cultivated organically. This is a key crop, providing livelihoods for thousands of households. Recognizing this potential, the commune's Farmers' Association has established professional branches and groups linked to cinnamon production to bring members together for economic development. Currently, the locality has two professional branches/groups with 124 members participating, linked with five cooperatives.

In early June, the atmosphere on the vast green cinnamon hills of Tan Thinh village, Quy Mong commune, was bustling with activity. Members of the professional cinnamon farming association exchanged experiences in organic cinnamon cultivation and supported each other in their work. The choice of cinnamon as the crop for building the professional association model stemmed from the local government's orientation towards green agriculture development.

Most importantly, people have shifted from a mindset of individual production to a mindset of value chain integration. The formation of a closed production-processing-consumption ecosystem is helping to increase the value of cinnamon, create more jobs, and increase income for the people.

Mr. Vu Viet Dong - Vice Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Quy Mong Commune.

By joining the association, households not only produce according to common procedures but also gain access to new techniques, digital technology applications, traceability, and product consumption linkages with businesses.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thoa, head of the Tan Thinh village's cinnamon-growing professional farmers' association, said: "Previously, each household worked independently based on their own experience. Now, all difficulties are discussed during association meetings. During the care or harvesting season, households exchange labor, share quality seedlings, and provide guidance on organic farming techniques and safe pest and disease control."

Not only in Quy Mong, the spirit of cooperation based on the "5 Together" principle is also proving effective in many other localities in the province. Currently, the Farmers' Association of Bao Thang commune has 4 branches and professional groups. These models are all formed on the basis of members with the same profession and the same goals for production and economic development.

Mr. Nguyen The Truong, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Bao Thang commune, said: "The difference of the '5 Together' model is that it creates cohesion among members. People in the same profession are brought together to exchange techniques, find markets together, and share responsibility for product quality. This makes the association's activities practical, members participate actively, and the community spirit stronger."

At the An Tien Village Commercial Free-Range Chicken Farming Association, the effectiveness of the model has been proven in practice. Ms. Tran Thi Lan, the head of the association, said: “After joining the professional association, members have formed a fairly effective network of mutual support. From sharing experiences in selecting breeds and caring for the flock, to supporting with feed, labor, and warning about diseases, everything is done regularly. When households face difficulties with capital or disease outbreaks, the association members all pitch in to help. We unanimously apply safe farming practices to ensure product quality and work together to find markets for consumption. As a result, production efficiency has increased significantly.”

Mr. Do Minh Huan, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Farmers' Association, said: “Professional branches and groups are not only places to disseminate policies and guidelines, but also become spaces for economic activities. There, members receive support with input materials, production techniques, brand building, and product sales. The benefits of participating in professional branches and groups have become a driving force for sustainable cohesion among members.”

From branches and professional associations, many models have developed into cooperatives and agricultural cooperatives. To date, the Farmers' Association at all levels in the province has supported the establishment of over 430 cooperatives and 109 agricultural cooperatives, creating conditions for farmers to participate in the commodity production value chain. Many models of organic production, VietGAP, digital transformation, and traceability are being implemented, helping to improve product quality and competitiveness in the market.

In the coming period, the Provincial Farmers' Association will continue to focus on improving the quality of activities of its branches and professional groups; promoting digital transformation; supporting access to capital; developing production according to market standards; building agricultural product brands; and strengthening links with businesses to consume products.

We believe that the "5 Together" model is not only an innovative solution for the Association's activities but also a crucial driving force for increasing farmers' income and promoting sustainable rural economic development.

Mr. Do Minh Huan - Vice Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial Farmers' Association.

With the support of the association and the determination of its members to innovate their thinking, the "5 Together" model is gradually asserting its role as a "bridge" linking production, enhancing the value of agricultural products, and creating a solid foundation for rural economic development in the new era.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/5-cung-dong-luc-moi-cho-kinh-te-nong-thon-post900833.html