In the context of increasingly deep international economic integration, protecting intellectual property rights for agricultural products is no longer a encouraged option, but has become a mandatory "passport" if localities want to enhance value, expand markets, and assert their competitive position. Recognizing this trend, Lao Cai province has recently intensified efforts to build and manage intellectual property assets for its distinctive products, creating an important foundation for developing agriculture in a modern and sustainable direction.
To date, the province has over 160 products granted protection certificates in the form of geographical indications, certification marks, and collective marks. This is an impressive number, reflecting the strong involvement of localities, cooperatives, and the science and technology sector in establishing, preserving, and promoting the value of local agricultural products.
Within the group of geographical indications, many products have become prestigious brands such as Van Yen cinnamon, Muong Lo rice, Mu Cang Chai honey, and Shan Phinh Ho tea…
In particular, geographical indications with indefinite validity, such as Khau Tan Don sticky rice, Seng Cu rice "Muong Khuong - Bat Xat", Muong Lo rice, and Van Yen cinnamon, all possess superior quality, retaining their distinctive flavors, opening up great prospects for consumption and export. Beyond economic value, geographical indications also contribute to defining regional identity and enhancing the image of Lao Cai agricultural products in the market.
The group of certified trademarks currently accounts for a large number with 50 products, typical examples include Bac Ha plums, Mu Cang Chai black-boned chickens, Muong Khuong pineapples, Thac Ba lake fish, Tram Tau upland taro, Lam Thuong Muscovy ducks, etc.
Certification helps products fully comply with production and traceability processes, building credibility in the market, especially in supermarket and e-commerce channels.
Mr. Le Xuan Thanh, Deputy Director of the Center for Science, Technology and Innovation of Lao Cai province, commented: “Certification marks are an important tool to standardize production processes and enhance the reputation of agricultural products. With certification, products are more easily sold, especially in trade promotion with large enterprises. This is an inevitable direction to increase added value.”
The most diverse group is the collective trademark category, encompassing over 90 products, ranging from rice wine, corn wine, cassava vermicelli, Shan tea, specialty sticky rice, smoked meat, flowers, vegetables, black pigs, free-range chickens, cold-water fish… to community-based tourism services such as Khau Pha and Nghia Do. Many products have demonstrated clear economic benefits after being granted protection.
In Muong Khuong, collective trademarks such as Muong Khuong yellow cattle, Muong Khuong tangerines, Muong Khuong soybeans, Muong Khuong black pigs, and Muong Khuong sausages have become a foundation for expanding production scale.
Mr. Trang Trong Long, who has been making sausages for over 20 years in Pho Cu village, shared: “Before the collective trademark was established, it was very difficult for our products to compete. Now that we have a trademark and standardized packaging, consumers trust us more and no longer have concerns about the origin, so sales are smooth and production has increased significantly.”
Many geographical indications, certification marks, and collective trademarks, after being protected, have been systematically managed and developed, such as Mu Cang Chai honey, Bat Do bamboo shoots, and Tram Tau chili bamboo shoots. At the same time, the province is continuing to establish protection for potential products such as Ta Thang tea, Muong Khuong peanuts, and Y Ty tourism.
Brand building is just the first step. More importantly, it's about managing and maintaining quality according to standards. We are supporting localities in applying QR codes, electronic logs, traceability, linking them with OCOP (One Commune One Product) and community tourism to enhance product value.
Mr. Le Xuan Thanh - Deputy Director of the Provincial Center for Science, Technology and Innovation
Simultaneously, the province has implemented many comprehensive solutions such as opening training courses, transferring technology, supporting packaging and traceability labels, building websites, and listing products on e-commerce platforms… helping Lao Cai's agricultural products keep pace with the digital economy trend and expand their consumer market.
Geographical indications not only bring economic value but also contribute to defining regional identity and enhancing the image of Lao Cai agricultural products in the market.
In the coming period, Lao Cai aims for each commune to have at least one OCOP product associated with a collective trademark or certification mark; to expand production areas according to linked chains and VietGAP organic standards; to strengthen quality control, prevent counterfeit and imitation goods, and promote digital traceability.
Each brand is not just a "name," but also a commitment to quality, a source of pride for the people, and the value of products created by the hands and dedication of the ethnic communities in the province.
With the support of management agencies and the efforts of businesses, cooperatives, and people, agricultural products from Lao Cai are gradually asserting their position, expanding their reach, and developing sustainably in domestic and international markets.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ho-chieu-nang-tam-nong-san-post887622.html
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