Solve the consumption problem before production.

In Lao Cai, the successful establishment of 159 safe agricultural product chains and the introduction of 605 OCOP-certified products to the market is vivid evidence of a shift in economic thinking, where farmers know to sign contracts for the consumption of agricultural products before production.

Previously, farming practices were often small-scale and fragmented, with each person working independently. As a result, agricultural products were difficult to sell and their quality was inconsistent. However, market pressure and decisive government direction have created a catalyst for change.

According to the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, in 2025 alone, the entire province converted 1,850 hectares of low-yield crops to key crops with higher economic value.

Since boldly converting 1,000 square meters of unproductive corn land to chili cultivation, the family economy of Ms. Ha Thi Toan in Cau Thia ward has developed steadily. In recent years, Ms. Toan has earned approximately 50 million VND per harvest, with a net profit of about 40 million VND after deducting expenses.

Ms. Toán happily stated: "Compared to growing corn, growing chili peppers is more economically efficient."

It's not just about income; farming practices have also changed. Ms. Toán and other farmers now know to use plastic sheeting to cover the planting beds to control weeds and absolutely avoid using herbicides.

All pesticides used are biological products with short withdrawal periods (only 2-3 days), ensuring absolute safety for both growers and consumers. The mindset of "clean" production is spreading, with over 1,224 hectares of crops throughout the province having met organic standards.

However, the biggest change, upon assessment, lies in the way production is organized: from fragmented to integrated, closed-loop supply chains. Behind the vast chili fields and bamboo groves lies the leading role of cooperatives and businesses.

A prime example is the model of the GOC Agricultural Production and Processing Export Cooperative. This unit has pioneered the transformation of chili peppers into a "commercial crop".

The unit is working closely with local people to build a stable export-oriented raw material area. In Cau Thia ward alone, about 300 households have participated in the model. Throughout the province, there are between 500 and 600 households linked to production with cooperatives.

Mr. Tran Minh Chien - Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of GOC Agricultural Products Export Production and Processing Cooperative

Thanks to this collaboration, chili yields reach 6-7 tons/ha, and even up to 10 tons with good care, generating significantly higher income compared to traditional crops.

Beyond chili peppers, the collaboration between farmers and businesses has also spread to the bamboo and rattan growing areas in Hung Khanh and Quy Mong communes. The participation of businesses such as Van Dat Co., Ltd., Yen Thanh, and YAMAZAKI has resulted in the formation of a raw material area spanning over 2,000 hectares.

Businesses provide seeds and fertilizers; the government promotes trade; and farmers can produce with peace of mind. Bamboo, once a means of "poverty alleviation," has now become a sustainable source of wealth.

If supply chain linkages are the foundation, then deep processing is the lever to enhance value. Lao Cai is witnessing the formation of industrial-scale closed-loop supply chains. 37 enterprises and cooperatives have invested in building new or upgrading processing facilities, achieving over 90% of the target set in the processing network development plan.

A prime example is the silk industry. Within the province, a network of 19 cooperatives and 133 cooperative groups specializing in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing has been established, playing a strong bridging role.

In particular, since 2022, Yen Bai Silk and Mulberry Joint Stock Company has invested in a modern automated silk reeling factory in Lang Qua village, Tran Yen commune, covering 25,000 m², with a capacity of 150 tons of silk per year. The factory is committed to purchasing all cocoon products (approximately 1,200 tons/year) through cooperatives.

This helps farmers avoid being subjected to price manipulation, while also affirming the local agricultural sector's shift from exporting raw materials to processing refined products.

According to experts, efforts ranging from restructuring crop patterns to linking the four stakeholders (farmers, businesses, scientists, and the government) have culminated in the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program.

As of December 2025, the entire province had evaluated and classified 605 OCOP products, including 2 products achieving 5 stars, 52 products achieving 4 stars, and 551 products achieving 3 stars. Notably, 352 product lines have transparent origin information, and 512 products have been uploaded to software supporting trade promotion.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Lam, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Cooperative Union, stated: "Cooperatives play a leading role in guiding farmers to strictly adhere to standardized processes. When products have labels and clear traceability, we are not just selling raw agricultural products, but also selling the cultural story and reputation of the Lao Cai region."

Solving the problem of consumption before production is an essential direction for sustainable agricultural development in Lao Cai. Models of collaborative chili pepper cultivation for export, the thousands of hectares of Bat Do bamboo shoot cultivation, and the lush green mulberry plantations are not only economic highlights.

When the people's production mindset "meets" the market mindset of businesses, the rice fields will truly become "factories" producing high-value goods, bringing sustainable development to agricultural production in Lao Cai.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/giai-bai-toan-tieu-thu-truoc-khi-san-xuat-post891279.html