Expectations for developing key agricultural products from the OCOP program

Expectations for developing key agricultural products from the OCOP program - Photo 1.

More than 142 OCOP centers and points of sale have been established nationwide.

Launched in 2018, OCOP is not only an economic initiative but also a comprehensive strategy integrating economics, culture, society and environment. By the end of 2024, the country had more than 13,000 OCOP products with 3 stars or more, an increase of more than 4,000 products compared to 2022. More than 5,600 OCOP entities, including cooperatives, enterprises and production facilities, have participated in the program, creating a widespread production and consumption network. Notably, the selling price of OCOP products increased by an average of 17%, with more than 50% of products having higher prices than before certification, reflecting improvements in quality and market value.

To support OCOP development, more than 142 OCOP centers and points of sale have been established, along with more than 10,000 booths at provincial and regional fairs and exhibitions. These efforts help OCOP products access the market more easily, thereby improving competitiveness. The total capital mobilized for the program reached VND 22,845 billion, accounting for 51% of the plan, of which more than 93% came from OCOP and credit organizations, demonstrating proactiveness and creativity in resource mobilization.

The core of OCOP is to unleash internal potential, focusing on typical indigenous products owned by local communities. The program not only helps increase income but also creates jobs and retains workers in rural areas. For example, in Ba Vi district ( Hanoi ), products such as fresh milk, Minh Hong vermicelli, and Ba Trai tea that meet 3-4 star OCOP standards have dominated the domestic market and are gradually being exported. The income of households making OCOP vermicelli in Minh Quang commune is 15-20 times higher than that of traditional rice cultivation, demonstrating the ability of modern farmers to stand on their own two feet.

OCOP also opens up opportunities for key agricultural products to develop sustainably. Products such as Can Gio mango (HCMC) or roasted bean tea from Huong Bot ( Quang Nam ) that meet 3-star OCOP standards not only affirm their economic value but also become "cultural ambassadors", bringing local stories and quintessence to consumers. Preserving and developing typical products, from cuisine, handicrafts to traditional medicinal herbs, helps preserve intangible cultural heritage in the era of globalization.

The program also created a boost for rural entrepreneurship. Many farmers, especially women and ethnic minorities, have boldly built brands for their products. According to statistics, 40% of OCOP subjects are women and 17% are ethnic minorities, mainly in mountainous and disadvantaged areas. OCOP has helped them escape poverty, stabilize their lives and become masters of the local economy.

Focus on quality and product integration

According to the Central Office for New Rural Area Coordination, in order for OCOP to maximize its potential and meet expectations for developing key agricultural products, it is necessary to synchronously implement many strategic orientations. First of all, it is necessary to focus on improving product quality instead of chasing quantity. Some localities are currently chasing achievements, registering too many OCOP products but lacking depth in quality, design and competitiveness. To overcome this, it is necessary to organize training courses and seminars to foster knowledge and skills in production management, product development and branding for OCOP entities.

Second, it is necessary to improve the support policy system. Policies on preferential credit, technology transfer, trade promotion and product promotion need to be built flexibly, closely following reality and easy to access. Local authorities should facilitate procedures, land and production premises, and at the same time encourage businesses to participate in investing and developing the OCOP product value chain. The application of transparent quality control and traceability processes is also a key factor in creating consumer trust and affirming the brand.

Third, OCOP needs to take advantage of digital transformation to expand the market. The presence of OCOP products on e-commerce platforms such as Voso, Postmart, Lazada, Shopee has demonstrated the integration potential of the rural economy. Localities need to continue to strengthen the connection of OCOP products with major distribution channels such as supermarkets, clean agricultural product chains, and organize regional and national OCOP fairs to expand domestic and foreign market share. Building product display points in urban centers and tourist areas is also an effective way to promote local cultural values.

Finally, it is necessary to enhance the management and coordination role of local authorities. Close support from Party committees and authorities will help the program avoid following trends and formalities, ensuring sustainable and effective development. Building a closed value chain and strengthening regional linkages are also important factors to prevent OCOP products from being "broken" halfway.

OCOP does not only stop at developing the rural economy but also has great expectations in bringing Vietnam's key agricultural products to the international market. In a world that increasingly values indigenous values, sustainable development and traceability, OCOP has all the elements to become a national brand not only for products but also for people, culture and the spirit of self-reliance of the Vietnamese people.

If one day, Can Gio mango, Minh Hong vermicelli or roasted bean tea appear in a supermarket in Tokyo, on a dining table in Paris or at a food fair in Berlin, it will be a testament to the success of OCOP in bringing Vietnam’s key agricultural products to the world. This is not only a victory for farmers but also a success of a people-centered development strategy, harmoniously combining economy, culture and environment.

Do Huong

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/ky-vong-phat-trien-nong-san-chu-luc-tu-chuong-trinh-ocop-102250422173954646.htm