Cooperatives renew themselves to go further

Thai Nguyen province currently has over 600 agricultural cooperatives. While previously these cooperatives primarily acted as "facilitators" for farmers, many have now boldly transformed and are operating as modern rural enterprises. Applying science and technology, building brands, and diversifying distribution channels are gradually becoming essential trends for the development of agricultural cooperatives.

The Tài Hoan Cooperative's greenhouse for drying vermicelli.

There was a period when many agricultural cooperatives faced capital shortages, outdated technology, and uncertain market outlets. However, since the end of 2023, as the restructuring process has been accelerated, many cooperatives have entered a period of rapid growth, daring to invest in technology, improve product quality, and proactively connect with markets.

The Vo Nhai Agricultural Products Processing Cooperative (Nghinh Tuong commune) is a prime example. With an investment of over 3.5 billion VND, in 2023 the cooperative built a 1,000m2 VONACOOP processing plant, equipped with a complete production line meeting international HACCP standards. This systematic production process enables the cooperative to export over 20 tons of finished products annually, serving not only the domestic market but also exporting to Japan and Singapore.

Mr. Le Van Hieu, Director of the Cooperative, shared: "Our two main products, bamboo shoots and dried wood ear mushrooms, have both achieved OCOP 4-star certification, bringing in revenue of approximately 7 billion VND per year. Other products such as dried shiitake mushrooms, soft tofu, soybeans, and local red peanuts are also produced according to safety standards and are selling well."

Not content with just investing in production lines, the Vo Nhai Agricultural Products Processing Cooperative actively participates in e-commerce platforms, trade fairs, and exhibitions to promote its products. As a result, the cooperative currently provides stable employment for over 50 workers and guarantees the purchase of raw materials from more than 200 households.

The production facility is invested in according to the international HACCP standards of the Vo Nhai Agricultural Products Processing Cooperative.

The spirit of innovation is also clearly evident at the Trau Vang Agricultural Cooperative (Vo Nhai commune). After suffering heavy losses due to falling cattle prices during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cooperative shifted its focus to breeding cattle and developing beekeeping for honey production.

Mr. Nong Van Tiep, Director of the Cooperative, said: "Initially, we raised bees to survive during difficult times. But the honey product was well received by the market. Seeing the potential, the Cooperative invested systematically, developed honey products that meet OCOP standards, and considers this one of its key business directions."

To date, the Trau Vang Agricultural Cooperative has developed more than 300 bee colonies and has also linked with several other cooperatives in the area to form a concentrated beekeeping zone, creating a competitive advantage and increasing its ability to fulfill large orders.

Meanwhile, in Con Minh commune, the traditional vermicelli-making craft is also having the opportunity to expand further with the steady progress of Tai Hoan Cooperative. With the goal of expanding the market for Tai Hoan's 5-star OCOP vermicelli product, the cooperative is investing in completing an additional 4,000 m² factory, aiming for a capacity of 2.5 tons per day.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoan, Director of the Cooperative, expressed her expectations: "We aim to expand exports to South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. Especially after the province's merger, the opportunity to connect with cooperatives and businesses in the area will help Tai Hoan vermicelli have more effective distribution and promotion channels."

Looking at successful cooperatives that have undergone innovation, it's clear that a common thread among these models is a modern production mindset, focusing on quality and branding. They dare to change, boldly apply standardized processes, participate in new trade channels, and establish local raw material sourcing areas. This is the path that helps cooperatives both preserve traditional values ​​and adapt to a competitive and integrated market.

However, the path to innovation still faces many challenges. Currently, many agricultural cooperatives lack capital to invest in modern technology lines, young, market-savvy personnel are scarce, and cooperation with large enterprises is not yet strong.

Therefore, in addition to their own efforts, cooperatives urgently need comprehensive support in terms of policies, trade promotion, supply and demand connectivity, and expansion of export markets.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202508/cac-hop-tac-xa-tu-lam-moi-de-vuon-xa-3c403a8/