Bright spot of innovation in collective economy

From traditional model to new type of cooperative

Established in 1988, Thuy Ba Tay is one of the pioneering cooperatives in Quang Tri to convert its operating model according to the new Cooperative Law. With more than 300 members and over 600 hectares of production land, the cooperative has built a professional and systematic management system.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Lam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative, the sustainable development of Thuy Ba Tay starts with the mindset of "taking services as the foundation, taking members as the root". "The cooperative operates in the true sense as a "midwife" for farmers, a place to gather, support, connect and share. We advocate not only production but also organizing services, helping members feel secure in farming, ensuring stable input-output and together benefit from the sustainable agricultural value chain".

Thuy Ba Tay Agricultural Production, Business and Service Cooperative won the "Cooperative Star" award in 2025 - Photo: NVL

The development of the Cooperative is built on two strategic spearheads: Application of science and technology and value chain linkage. From planning organic rice areas, high-quality rice (26 hectares), to rice seed production areas (27 hectares) in association with Quang Tri Seed Company, the Cooperative has created a brand of clean, safe agricultural products with stable output.

Each year, the Cooperative sells 400-500 tons of rice seeds to its members, and allocates over 50 million VND from the production development fund to support people in upgrading their seed sets and mechanizing production. The Cooperative currently owns 2 combine harvesters and dozens of seeders for simultaneous planting, helping to save hundreds of millions of VND in costs each year. Intercropping models of cassava, corn, and short-term crops on hilly areas also contribute to an additional 1.5-2 billion VND each year.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Party Secretary and Chairwoman of Vinh Thuy Commune People's Council, commented: "Thuy Ba Tay Cooperative is the nucleus promoting the rural economic development of the commune. Not only producing effectively, the unit is also the core force in building advanced new rural areas. All policies and resolutions of the Party are vividly materialized through the activities of the Cooperative, bringing a better life to the people."

Linking economics with social responsibility

Thuy Ba Tay Cooperative's revenue in 2024 reached nearly 6 billion VND, an increase of more than 1.5 billion compared to the previous year; after-tax profit was more than 220 million VND, average income of employees reached 70 million VND/person/year. In particular, material and fertilizer services are the spearhead, accounting for nearly 50% of total revenue, thanks to the policy of "buying at the source, selling to members", supporting deferred payment for households in difficulty, ensuring competitive prices and product quality. The Cooperative is currently effectively implementing internal credit services, helping members access circulating capital to develop production; maintaining 5 rat extermination teams, exterminating more than 22,000 rats each year, protecting crops for people.

Mr. Nguyen Van Lam added: “We determine that the effectiveness of the cooperative is not only measured by the profit figure, but also by the people's benefits, the fields are protected and the community enjoys the results. It is that spirit that makes people agree, attached and proud to be members of the cooperative.”

Organic rice field of Thuy Ba Tay Agricultural Production, Business and Service Cooperative - Photo: TT

Along with production development, Thuy Ba Tay Cooperative pays special attention to social security activities. Every year, the Cooperative allocates 30-40 million VND from the welfare fund to support poor households, single people, give Tet gifts, celebrate longevity of the elderly, and reward excellent students. From this fund, the Cooperative also invests in 3.4 km of rural road lighting system, builds 10 waste collection points, contributes to environmental protection and creates a new rural appearance.

Since converting its operating model to the 2023 Law on Cooperatives, Thuy Ba Tay Cooperative has reorganized its working apparatus, applied transparent and professional regulations and remuneration regimes. All staff and employees are fully covered by all types of insurance as prescribed.

In particular, this cooperative is also a pioneer in applying technology in agricultural production, using drones to spray pesticides, contributing to saving costs, reducing environmental pollution and increasing labor productivity. The production-consumption linkage with Quang Tri Seed Company helps members' agricultural products have stable output, avoiding the situation of traders forcing down prices. Thanks to that, the cooperative is recognized and commended by all levels.

Mr. Le Minh Hanh (36 years old), a member of the cooperative, shared: “I clearly see the difference when joining the cooperative. From materials, seeds, fertilizers to harvesting, the cooperative supports us wholeheartedly. Now, we no longer worry about crop failure or being forced to lower prices by traders. With the cooperative, farmers have a solid foundation.”

Entering the 2025-2030 period, Thuy Ba Tay Cooperative will continue to invest in in-field infrastructure, expand high-quality rice material areas, increase the rate of mechanization, and at the same time strengthen human resource training and digital transformation in management and business. Mr. Nguyen Van Lam affirmed: "We believe that, with its relentless efforts, Thuy Ba Tay Cooperative will continue to be a shining star of the collective economy in Quang Tri province, contributing to enriching the homeland and affirming the position of Vietnamese agriculture in the integration period".

Tran Tuyen

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202511/diem-sang-doi-moi-trong-kinh-te-tap-the-7e3752a/