Awarding OCOP stars: a passport for agricultural products from Lao Cai.

From familiar products in daily life, when production processes are standardized, brands are built, and OCOP stars are awarded, many agricultural products from Lao Cai have "put on a new look," gaining a "passport" to penetrate modern domestic distribution systems and gradually reach the global market.

From a fruit that was once grown only on a small scale in home gardens, the royal banana has become a staple crop, bringing high income to the people of Xuan Ai commune. This achievement is closely linked to the fact that the royal banana product of Cuong Vui Cooperative has been recognized as a 3-star OCOP product.

According to Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Director of Cuong Vui Cooperative, recognizing the economic potential of the "royal banana" variety, he boldly converted unproductive garden land and low-yield rice fields into banana plantations. Starting with just a few acres, he gradually expanded the area, linking with other households to form a cooperative, developing the planting area to over 10 hectares throughout the commune, bringing in an average income of approximately 180 million VND per hectare.

In addition to expanding its scale, the cooperative also focuses on building a safe and standardized production process, from seed selection, care, organic fertilization, pest and disease control to harvesting. As a result, the royal banana product achieves consistent quality and attractive appearance, meeting the increasingly stringent requirements of the market. With the support of the government and local organizations and associations, the cooperative has invested in perfecting its process, building its brand, and achieving OCOP 3-star certification.

Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong shared: "Previously, before the OCOP program, it was very difficult for our products to enter supermarkets and restaurants. Since 2021, when our 'royal bananas' achieved 3-star OCOP status, the market has become much more stable. The OCOP star rating is not only a 'passport' to modern distribution systems but also forces us to strictly adhere to technical procedures, prioritizing quality and the long-term reputation of our products."

Not only the royal banana, but also bamboo shoots – a traditional dish of the highland people – are undergoing a strong transformation thanks to the OCOP program. At Yen Thanh Joint Stock Company, the bamboo shoot processing process has been modernized to meet the stringent standards of the Japanese and Taiwanese markets.

Leaders of the Provincial Cooperative Union inspect the production situation at Yen Thanh Joint Stock Company.

Mr. Tran Duy Hung, Deputy Director of Yen Thanh Joint Stock Company, said: Currently, the company has 5 products that have achieved OCOP 3-star rating and is planning to upgrade to 4-star. Applying OCOP standards along with a closed production process not only helps bamboo shoots retain their distinctive flavor but also qualifies them for export markets, increasing the economic value of the raw material area.

Thanks to the OCOP (One Commune One Product) certification, bamboo shoots have been processed into a variety of products such as ready-to-eat bamboo shoots, crispy chili bamboo shoots, shredded bamboo shoots, etc., increasing their value and competitiveness.

Ms. Tran Thi Dinh, a worker in the instant bamboo shoot production team, affirmed: To achieve OCOP certification, all stages are carried out according to Japanese standards, with absolute emphasis on food safety and hygiene.

Production of Muong Khuong chili sauce at Hoa Loi Cooperative, Lao Cai Ward.

With over 20 years of experience in chili sauce making, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Loan - Director of Hoa Loi Cooperative (Canh Chin residential area, Lao Cai ward) - has collaborated with households in Muong Khuong commune to build a raw material area, perfect the production process, and bring the chili sauce product to OCOP 3-star status.

Thanks to a focus on food safety, innovative packaging and labeling, and active trade promotion, the product is now available at many retailers, expanding its market.

Ms. Loan said: "Over the years, the province has always paid attention to supporting cooperatives in brand building and trade promotion. We have participated in many trade fairs, connected with domestic consumers, and gradually brought our products to foreign markets. This is a driving force for cooperatives to boldly invest, improve quality, and expand markets."

Leaders from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lao Cai province and Central Retail Group visited the province's OCOP (One Commune One Product) products.

From the royal bananas of Xuan Ai to processed bamboo shoots and chili sauce bearing the OCOP brand, it is evident that brand building, traceability, and OCOP star ratings have helped Lao Cai's agricultural products increase in value, expand markets, and affirm the right direction in restructuring the agricultural sector towards sustainability, modernization, and connection with local identity.

Mr. Jose Mestre, Director of Food Industry at Central Retail Group, commented: "Lao Cai's agricultural and food products are very diverse and have been recognized as meeting OCOP standards, such as dried bamboo shoots, buffalo meat, Dai Minh pomelo, dried meat, etc. This is an advantage for these products to enter our supermarket system nationwide, helping consumers easily trace their origin and build trust."

According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huy, Head of the Quality and Rural Development Sub-Department of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lao Cai province, the OCOP star rating system is not simply about affixing labels to packaging, but rather a rigorous evaluation process involving many specialized departments and agencies from the commune level to the central government. This is a "premium passport" that helps local agricultural products elevate their position in the market.

"OCOP products may not be the tastiest, but they are of the highest quality. The important thing is that OCOP products have earned a star rating in the hearts of domestic and international consumers," Mr. Huy affirmed.

After 7 years of implementing the OCOP Program, Lao Cai province has 623 products achieving 3-5 stars, including: 2 5-star products; 54 4-star products; and 567 3-star products. These products have been supported in being listed on e-commerce platforms such as laocaitrade.vn, Lazada, Shopee, Voso, postmart.vn, and ttmnongnghiep.laocai.gov.vn, contributing to expanding distribution channels, increasing value, and gradually bringing Lao Cai agricultural products to a wider market.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/gan-sao-ocop-tam-ve-thong-hanh-cho-nong-san-lao-cai-post893130.html