The OCOP program has been implemented in the province since 2019. To date, the entire province has 231 products that have been evaluated and classified (21 4-star products, 210 3-star products), of which 72 products have expired and will not be re-evaluated.
The subject is not yet enthusiastic.
However, the upgrades to star ratings for these products have been modest. From 2019 to the present, only 2 products have been upgraded from 3 stars to 4 stars, and no products have achieved 5 stars at the national level. Specifically, from the beginning of 2025 to the end of June 2025, 2 products have applied to be upgraded from 3 stars to 4 stars (their dossiers have been submitted to the Provincial OCOP Evaluation and Ranking Council).
Mr. Hua Quoc Cong, Director of Dong Banh Agricultural Production and Service Cooperative in Chi Lang commune, said: "At the end of 2021, under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Chi Lang district (formerly), the cooperative registered its custard apple product to participate in the OCOP program and achieved a 3-star OCOP rating. Recognizing the important role of upgrading OCOP ratings in increasing competitiveness in the market, we implemented solutions such as improving product packaging and enhancing product quality. By 2022, after re-evaluation and classification, our product achieved a 4-star rating. As a result, the product price increased, the market expanded to provinces and cities nationwide, and it was introduced into supermarket systems in Hanoi. In the past three years, the cooperative's custard apple production has reached approximately 200 tons, with a value of 7 billion VND."
According to Decision No. 148/QD-TTg dated February 24, 2023, of the Prime Minister on approving the set of criteria and procedures for evaluating and classifying products under the OCOP Program, and Decision No. 1489/QD-TTg dated July 6, 2025, of the Prime Minister on amending and supplementing some contents of Decision 148/QD-TTg dated February 24, 2023, on approving the set of criteria and procedures for evaluating and classifying products under the OCOP Program, the ranking of OCOP products is based on the product evaluation results according to the OCOP criteria. The total evaluation score for each product is a maximum of 100 points and is divided into 5 categories, in which: 5-star category has an average total score of 90 to 100 points, representing a distinctive product with high quality standards and meeting the conditions for export. A 4-star product has an average score of 70 to under 90 points, is a distinctive product that meets quality requirements and has good market access, and has the potential to be upgraded to a 5-star rating. |
However, alongside the benefits of upgrading OCOP (One Commune One Product) ratings, there are still many difficulties and limitations that prevent OCOP businesses from showing genuine interest and proactively implementing this process. Specifically, to upgrade their ratings, businesses need to improve production and packaging processes, as well as perfect packaging designs to meet high standards. They also need food safety certifications, test results, traceability documents, environmental records, etc. Implementing these measures requires a relatively large amount of capital. Therefore, despite understanding the benefits of upgrading their ratings, OCOP businesses are still hesitant to invest.
Mr. Hoang Van Viet, Director of Ba Son Investment and Development Joint Stock Company in Tan Doan commune, said: "In 2023, our company's cassava vermicelli product was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product, which has led to very good sales. Through research, I learned that upgrading the star rating of an OCOP product will significantly increase its competitiveness in the market. However, to upgrade the star rating, the facility needs to improve its production and packaging processes, as well as perfect the packaging design to meet high standards and scale up production to meet market demands. But cassava vermicelli production is mainly seasonal (primarily during the Lunar New Year), so we cannot meet the requirements. Furthermore, the costs of implementing the necessary equipment, traceability labels, etc., are relatively high, so the company faces many difficulties in achieving this."
We need to invest boldly.
Furthermore, OCOP (One Commune One Product) entities operate individually and on a small scale, lacking cooperation and linkages between businesses, cooperatives, and farmers. Consequently, production capacity is unstable, making it difficult to fulfill large, long-term orders; and there is a lack of trade promotion and product marketing activities in larger markets.
In implementing the OCOP Program, every year, the specialized departments and the People's Committees of the (former) districts maintain the practice of classifying and evaluating OCOP products. This includes OCOP products that register for evaluation to upgrade from 3 stars to 4 stars. However, some products still have limitations and do not meet the criteria such as production organization, product development, and export potential.
In light of this situation, the relevant departments have actively implemented solutions. Mr. Hoang Van Chieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said: To meet the criteria for upgrading OCOP products, the provincial agricultural sector has implemented many solutions such as: propaganda, training, partial financial support for labels, packaging, and traceability stamps… The Department also coordinates with relevant units to encourage businesses to proactively upgrade their OCOP products, and directs specialized departments to develop a plan to review products with the potential for upgrading to focus on providing support.
Accordingly, after reviewing the situation, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has directed its subordinate departments and units to guide and support Duc Quy Production and Investment Import-Export Co., Ltd. in upgrading its black jelly powder product to 5 stars. Currently, the relevant units are advising and assisting the company in completing the dossier to submit to the Provincial OCOP Evaluation and Ranking Council for assessment and further submission to the Central OCOP Evaluation and Ranking Council.
To achieve a higher star rating, the most important factor remains the initiative, determination, and willingness to invest of the individual. Upgrading a star rating isn't just about "a prestigious title"; it also helps elevate the brand image and conquer a wider market.
Upgrading OCOP products is not just about adding stars to the evaluation list, but also a measure of the product's comprehensive development in terms of quality, design, branding, and market reach. To achieve this, in addition to support and guidance from relevant agencies, proactive action from the product owners is crucial. When quality and branding go hand in hand, OCOP products will truly become a driving force for sustainable rural economic development.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/bai-chinh-kho-nang-sao-ocop-5053399.html
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