The “key” to help elevate local brands

Thanh Hiep - Ba Lang traditional fish sauce products are affixed with traceability stamps.

According to statistics, the whole province currently has nearly 900 products at 650 establishments that have been affixed with electronic TXNG stamps, showing the strong transformation of localities, units and enterprises in applying technology to product management. In particular, on the national system of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment , Thanh Hoa has 355 establishments with 750 agricultural products approved for information update. These are remarkable numbers, showing the proactive and serious level of localities in integrating data and making information transparent. These numbers are even more meaningful when the majority of the subjects are cooperatives and small establishments, which have now accessed digital technology to increase the competitiveness of traditional products.

To achieve the above results, on the basis of Plan No. 227/KH-UBND and Decision No. 1221/QD-UBND of the Provincial People's Committee on "Approving the Plan for implementation, application and management of traceability of products and goods in Thanh Hoa province until 2025", departments and branches, especially the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality have proactively developed detailed plans, coordinated the implementation of steps to guide, inspect and provide technical support for production and business establishments. Along with that, localities have also promptly issued directive documents, assigned specific tasks and organized training and guidance on the implementation of affixing traceability stamps and integrating product information into the data system. Thanks to the synchronous coordination between management agencies and enterprises, a traceability network is gradually being formed and operated in an increasingly professional and in-depth direction.

It can be said that TXNG is not only a management tool but also directly creates added value for the product. For example, the Thanh Hiep - Ba Lang traditional fish sauce production facility, located in Hai Thanh ward (Nghi Son town). With a long tradition, Ba Lang fish sauce is famous for its rich flavor, naturally fermented from anchovies and clean salt for a long time, without using additives or preservatives. To maintain the traditional brand in the digital age, the facility has proactively applied QR code electronic stamps on each product, helping consumers easily check information about the origin, production date, expiry date and processing process.

At fairs and agricultural exhibitions, Thanh Hiep fish sauce booth always attracts a large number of consumers thanks to its diverse products and professional display. Products such as fish sauce essence, fish sauce, squid sauce... are all bottled according to standards, with clear TXNG stamps. This not only creates trust for domestic customers but also opens up opportunities to access markets outside the province and aim for export...

Or the One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program cannot be successful without the support of the TXNG tool. Localities have integrated TXNG content into the process of building and evaluating OCOP products, making product transparency an important criterion in the ranking. This both improves product quality and encourages production facilities to change their management thinking towards modernity. Specifically, districts such as Nhu Xuan, Vinh Loc, Ngoc Lac... have supported QR code stamps and instructed OCOP subjects to record and update information on the system. Thereby, the products are not only beautiful in form and standard in content, but also easily access the electronic market, gradually affirming the brand of local agricultural products.

Despite many positive results, in reality, the TXNG operation still faces some barriers. Many small-scale production facilities still take lightly the recording and updating of data, or just stick stamps to deal with the authorities. Furthermore, investing in equipment, software, and human resources to operate the TXNG system is still a burden for small-scale facilities, especially in mountainous and remote areas. Some localities still lack specialized staff to provide technical guidance...

In order for the TXNG activities to be truly effective, all levels, sectors, localities, units and enterprises need to clearly identify this as a long-term task, of a "root" nature in improving product capacity. In the immediate future, it is necessary to strengthen communication, combine training at the grassroots level to raise awareness and skills in operating the TXNG system. In addition, it is necessary to soon complete the integrated software system, unify a database management focal point, and ensure that information is updated synchronously and consistently between sectors and localities. At the same time, there should be a financial support mechanism such as sponsoring electronic stamps, software or hiring experts to guide OCOP establishments and small enterprises. Strengthening periodic monitoring and having sanctions when detecting data discrepancies are also things that need to be taken into account to ensure the substance of TXNG activities.

Article and photos: Tran Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/chia-khoa-giup-nang-tam-thuong-hieu-dia-phuong-247824.htm