Cooperatives play a fundamental role in promoting the strong development of OCOP products.

With more than 50% of OCOP products originating from cooperatives, the collective economy is demonstrating the power of association, where each small household together creates great value, so that OCOP products are not only agricultural products, but also "local brands" with long-term vitality. From there, it contributes significantly to promoting the rural economy associated with new rural construction.

More than 50% of OCOP products come from cooperatives

Not only reviving seemingly forgotten traditional occupations, the “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) program is also creating a new revolution in rural development. With more than half of OCOP products originating from cooperatives, the collective economic model is increasingly proving its pioneering role in developing advanced, exemplary new rural areas.

According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment , by the end of September 2025, the whole country had 17,400 OCOP products with 3 stars or more from more than 9,300 entities, an increase of 8,400 products compared to 2022, far exceeding the target set by the Prime Minister in Decision 919/QD-TTg. It is worth mentioning that more than 50% of OCOP products come from cooperatives. This figure not only shows the improved production capacity, but also reflects the central role of cooperatives in transforming the rural agricultural development model, from fragmentation to linkage, from production to commodity economy.

The OCOP program not only created a leap in product quantity, but also brought about a “revolution” in production, management and business thinking in rural areas. If in the past farmers only sold raw agricultural products, now they know how to process, design packaging, register trademarks, and even participate in e-commerce. Products such as ST25 rice, roasted coffee, cashew nuts, cinnamon essential oil, wild honey, and herbal tea are now present in more than 60 countries, affirming the brand position of Vietnamese agricultural products.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Linh, Vice President of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, said that in recent times, the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance has actively organized training courses, provided guidance, and provided consultation to help cooperatives develop products, build brands, access credit, and expand markets. The Cooperative Development Support Fund is currently providing loans at lower interest rates than commercial banks, helping many units invest in machinery, packaging, and standardize products to achieve 4-5 star OCOP certification.

The Vietnam Cooperative Alliance also coordinates with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to organize fairs, exhibitions, and promote OCOP products. In addition, the Cooperative Alliance has signed cooperation agreements with many international organizations to support trade promotion and bring Vietnamese cooperative products abroad.

OCOP helps cooperatives expand their scale, access capital, and increase the value of the production chain.

A typical example of the success of OCOP associated with cooperatives is the honey product of Phuong Di Bee Honey Cooperative (Gia Lai). This is the first product of Gia Lai province to be recognized as a 5-star OCOP at the national level and also the first honey product in the country to be recognized as a 5-star OCOP.

Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Anh, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and Director of Phuong Di Bee Honey Cooperative, said that Gia Lai has a large area of ​​raw materials for coffee, rubber, cashew and fruit trees, which is favorable for developing honey beekeeping. Taking advantage of these advantages, the Cooperative has linked up with member beekeepers to create a large, sustainable raw material area for beekeeping and honey extraction according to VietGAP standards, achieving high quality, supplying to demanding markets such as Japan, the US and European countries.

Currently, the cooperative manages about 10,000 honey bee colonies in Gia Lai and neighboring provinces, achieving an output of 1,000 tons of raw honey/year. In 2025, Phuong Di honey products will be officially recognized as 5-star national OCOP. Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Anh said, from the family's traditional profession, we want to create products that are not only of high quality but also associated with Vietnamese brands. OCOP has helped the cooperative expand its scale, access capital and increase the value of the production chain.

Honey products of Phuong Di Bee Honey Cooperative are national 5-star OCOP products. Photo: VT

Mr. Tran Nguyen Hoi (member of Phuong Di Bee Honey Cooperative) informed that his family has been a member of the Cooperative since its establishment. He currently raises 400 bee colonies to collect honey according to VietGAP standards. If the weather is warm and sunny, he harvests honey once every 8-10 days. Each batch, Mr. Hoi collects about 3 tons of raw honey and brings it back to the Cooperative's workshop to separate the components to ensure standards and bottle them. On average, each year, he earns a profit of more than 200 million VND, Mr. Tran Nguyen Hoi added.

The story of Phuong Di Bee Honey Cooperative is one of the typical examples, promoting the important role of the collective economic model to promote strengths and increase the value of agricultural products in localities.

Promoting rural economy associated with new rural construction

The OCOP program has stimulated creativity and changed people's production thinking. Many cooperatives not only focus on improving product quality but also pay attention to packaging, design, and cultural stories associated with the origin of the products. Thanks to that, products with a strong hometown flavor have gradually affirmed their position in the market, opening up a new direction for the rural economy, contributing to the success of building new rural areas.

The cellophane noodles product of Tan Viet A Agricultural Cooperative (Minh Tam commune, Cao Bang province) is a 4-star OCOP product. Photo: DL

From a traditional agricultural product, Tan Viet A cassava vermicelli of Tan Viet A Agricultural Cooperative (Minh Tam commune) has become a typical OCOP product of Cao Bang province. Starting production and building the brand since 2017 with products made 100% from locally grown cassava flour, by 2020, Tan Viet A cassava vermicelli was certified to meet 3-star OCOP standards. 3 years later, the product continued to be upgraded to 4-star OCOP, demonstrating the right direction in investing in quality, packaging, traceability and brand promotion.

Mr. Tran Duc Hieu, Director of Tan Viet A Agricultural Cooperative, said that in early January 2025, the first batch of 4 tons of Tan Viet A vermicelli was exported to the US market through a partner in Ho Chi Minh City. According to the contract, the cooperative will continue to supply 4 tons to the partner each month. The product's recognition as meeting the 4-star OCOP standard is not only a "passport" to help Tan Viet A vermicelli easily access large markets, but also a commitment to quality, safety and traceability, opening up opportunities to promote the Cao Bang agricultural product brand to the world.

Currently, many OCOP products of Cao Bang are available at a number of supermarket chains, agents, and retail stores in the market inside and outside the province. Products with large production capacity and stable consumption such as: sausages, smoked meat of Tam Hoa Cooperative; dried vermicelli products of Ba Sach Hung Dao Cooperative...

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/hop-tac-xa-dong-vai-tro-nen-tang-thuc-day-san-pham-ocop-phat-trien-manh-me-10399338.html