New features in the development of OCOP products.

Over the past period, the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program has been effectively implemented in the province with many impressive achievements. After the two levels of local government came into operation, the OCOP program has taken on many new features.

Dong Nai province has many agricultural products, especially fresh fruits, that have received OCOP certification. In the photo: An OCOP product display area in Xuan Loc commune. Photo: B. Nguyen

Previously, the evaluation and recognition of OCOP products were carried out at three levels: central, provincial, and district. The role of the ward and commune level was almost absent, but now it is very important in implementing and expanding the program in the new phase.

Enhancing the role of the commune level

The most significant new feature of the OCOP program after the two-tiered local government system came into operation is the significant changes in the evaluation and classification of OCOP products. Specifically, the evaluation and recognition of OCOP products now only has two levels: the central level evaluates 5-star OCOP products; and the provincial level evaluates 3-star and 4-star products.

According to the new regulations, the role of the commune level has been enhanced and clearly defined in the implementation of the OCOP Program. Most notably, they are now responsible for several important criteria in the evaluation of OCOP products, such as: product origin, use of local labor, product concept, and cultural identity of the product…

As a presenter at the recent training conference on the implementation of the OCOP Program in the province, Mr. Tran Kien, representative of DK Development Joint Stock Company ( Hanoi ) - the consulting unit for the OCOP Program, stated: Raising awareness among commune and ward officials about the OCOP Program, OCOP products, OCOP entities, and equipping them with knowledge about the OCOP criteria, OCOP star ranking, product stories, product quality declaration dossiers, product evaluation processes, etc., is very important. This is because they are the local force directly involved in disseminating information, supporting OCOP entities in preparing effective dossiers, reviewing potential products, and recording and monitoring OCOP products at the grassroots level.

Plenty of room for growth

According to a report from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, prior to the establishment of a two-tiered local government system, the department issued documents to urge and guide localities and entities to evaluate and recognize 3-star OCOP products at the district level and to propose 4-star OCOP product dossiers to the Department of Agriculture and Environment for evaluation. Accordingly, in the first six months of 2025, localities in Dong Nai province evaluated and recognized an additional 60 OCOP products and re-evaluated 20 expired OCOP products. The Department of Agriculture and Environment also held a consultative meeting to evaluate 7 4-star OCOP products from 3 entities; these entities are currently completing their dossiers.

According to a report from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, it is expected that from now until the end of 2025, the entire province will conduct two rounds of OCOP product evaluation, with an estimated 20 products to be evaluated.

Thanks to this, the province now has 481 OCOP products; of which 11 products have achieved 5 stars, 109 products have achieved 4 stars, and 361 products have achieved 3 stars. The program has mobilized the participation of 304 entities, of which nearly 60% are businesses and cooperatives. Compared to the beginning of 2020, the number of OCOP products has increased sharply, averaging about 50% per year.

Following the merger into the new Dong Nai province, there is significant potential for the development of agriculture in general and the OCOP program in particular in the coming years. This is especially true for OCOP products related to culture, tourism, and distinctive agricultural products of each locality. For example, the entire province currently has 94 fresh fruit products recognized under the OCOP program.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Van Thang, over nearly seven years (2019-2025), the OCOP program has been strongly and thoroughly implemented, becoming a highlight in rural economic development. With the official establishment of a two-tiered local government system, management and program officers at the provincial and commune levels have undergone significant changes in positions and areas of work. Therefore, time is needed for research and adaptation to guide and support businesses. Consequently, the department will organize training and awareness campaigns to equip and supplement the knowledge and professional skills of management and program officers at the provincial and commune levels to assist businesses in completing product dossiers for OCOP product evaluation. The Department also continues to issue documents urging localities to support and guide entities in preparing dossiers for OCOP product certification in 2025.

Plains

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/kinh-te/202508/net-moi-trong-phat-trien-san-pham-ocop-f7529cb/