Contributing to building the brand of local agricultural products.

Recognizing the development of OCOP products as a crucial economic program, Cam Thuy district has effectively carried out propaganda and mobilization efforts over the years to ensure that people understand and participate in building the OCOP program. This has contributed to improving product productivity and quality, building local agricultural product brands, and bringing higher incomes to the people.

Contribute to building local agricultural product brands OCOP products from Cam Thuy district are displayed, introduced, and promoted at many trade fairs.

One of the pioneering producers in developing OCOP products in Cam Thuy district is Hong Ecofarm, which has successfully developed its Hong Ecofarm freeze-dried rose tea product, achieving a 3-star OCOP rating. Ms. Tran Thi Hong, the owner of the facility, stated: “Currently, the quality of agricultural products and food safety are major concerns for consumers, especially organic products and beauty-enhancing teas… Therefore, since 2018, my husband and I have leased a 6,000m2 plot of land in Cam Binh commune to build a rose farm. After research and obtaining permits from competent authorities, our farm has launched a beauty-enhancing tea product under the brand name Hong Ecofarm freeze-dried roses.”

It is known that, on average, Hong Ecofarm supplies the market with about 60kg to 80kg of tea, thousands of bottles of rose water, rose essence massage oil, etc., each year. In addition, utilizing its readily available rose garden, Hong Ecofarm has also explored new avenues such as experiential tourism , contributing to product promotion, attracting consumers, and promoting the local tourism potential. Currently, after deducting production costs, the farm earns a profit of over 100 million VND per year. In 2023, Hong Ecofarm's freeze-dried rose tea product received a 3-star OCOP certification. Through the OCOP program, the facility's products are proven in terms of quality and origin, widely promoted, and gain an advantage in improving product quality and competitiveness in the market.

To date, Cam Thuy district has 11 OCOP products. These OCOP products have contributed to promoting production towards increased scale and value chains, raising income for rural people. Sales of products after OCOP recognition have grown by an average of 15-20% compared to before recognition. This has initially unlocked the potential and strengths of local products, raw materials, and labor. Localities have recognized the advantages and opportunities to develop and exploit the value of OCOP products in conjunction with rural economic development, such as: Son Thanh fragrant sticky rice wine (Phong Son town); Huong Dieu Son leaf-wrapped cakes (Cam Van commune); Thuan Tam vermicelli (Cam Lien commune); and Dat Cam forest honey (Cam Ngoc commune). Sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes from Suoi Ngoc stream (Cam Luong commune)... To leverage the advantages of this product in the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, Cam Thuy district has supported and guided businesses in preparing application documents, advising on packaging, and providing training on safe production processes and compliance with food safety regulations. Simultaneously, the district offers a reward of 100 million VND for a 3-star OCOP product, 200 million VND for a 4-star OCOP product, and 300 million VND for a 5-star OCOP product. Most businesses participating in the OCOP program in the district have extensive production experience, are enthusiastic participants, and have basically grasped the necessary steps to improve their products and complete the required documentation for evaluation.

To continue supporting people in effectively implementing the One Commune One Product program, Cam Thuy district is focusing on directing communes and towns to coordinate with specialized agencies of the district and relevant units to guide and support businesses in upgrading new products; providing consulting services to improve products on production processes, quality management, labeling, packaging, and product documentation for evaluation at the district and provincial levels. At the same time, it is strengthening coordination with provincial departments and agencies to promote trade of OCOP products, creating conditions to support businesses, cooperatives, and production and business households participating in the program in introducing, promoting, selling, and connecting supply and demand through various forms, such as: displaying OCOP products at conferences; community tourism destinations; connecting with e-commerce systems, etc. This will contribute to improving the effectiveness of the OCOP program and accelerating the process of building new rural areas in localities.

Article and photos: Khanh Phuong

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