Expanding the model of "multi-functional" agricultural cooperatives.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - In recent times, many cooperatives operating in the agricultural sector in the province have focused on investing in production development while expanding into other industries. This dynamism has not only created multi-functional cooperatives with high revenue and profits but also contributed to the innovation, development, and improvement of the efficiency of the collective economy and cooperatives.

Technical staff of Thieu Do Agricultural Service Cooperative (Thieu Hoa commune) inspect electrical safety. Photo: Le Thanh

Originally a traditional agricultural cooperative, the Thieu Do Agricultural Service Cooperative in Thieu Hoa commune previously focused primarily on providing public services such as agricultural extension, crop protection, and irrigation for its members. After transitioning under the 2012 Cooperative Law, the cooperative has streamlined its leadership and significantly reformed its operational model. In addition to its traditional activities, the cooperative has boldly introduced new business lines to meet the needs of its members.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Them, director of Thieu Do Agricultural Service Cooperative, said: Currently, the cooperative operates in a multi-sectoral manner with public services in the agricultural sector and some non-agricultural services, such as environmental sanitation, electricity, internal credit... The cooperative has closely coordinated with relevant departments and units to send staff to participate in training and transfer of high-tech agricultural techniques; training on electrical grid safety, accounting skills... to maximize the efficiency of its service activities.

Reportedly, the Thieu Do Agricultural Service Cooperative has invested over 4 billion VND in building two transformer stations with a capacity of 560 KVA each and upgrading over 35km of power lines to ensure safe and efficient electricity supply for more than 2,400 local customers. In addition, since 2021, the cooperative has proactively learned and transferred technology, investing in the development of a 1,000m2 greenhouse for producing safe vegetables and fruits along the value chain. As a result, the cooperative's total revenue reaches 25 billion VND per year, achieving sustainable production and business, and building trust with its member households.

As one of the agricultural production cooperatives applying high technology and achieving high economic efficiency, in recent years, Mai An Tiem Agricultural Cooperative (Nga Son commune) has become a familiar address for transferring technology and digital equipment in the agricultural sector. Since its establishment in 2022, the cooperative has chosen high technology as its development direction. Therefore, along with investing in technology, the cooperative has proactively researched and creatively applied it to production to minimize costs and increase economic efficiency. Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, director of the cooperative, said: “After purchasing technology and directly producing, the cooperative has learned and innovated to develop a production formula suitable for the conditions of each region. In addition, we also test digital equipment in our production area to transfer technology to households and agricultural production units in the area.”

Currently, with 3.5 hectares of high-tech production, Mai An Tiem Agricultural Cooperative supplies the market with approximately 100 tons of products annually. In addition, the cooperative develops honeybee farming, processes honey products, links and markets vegetable and fruit products, and transfers production technology to local people and neighboring areas. Thanks to the multi-value development in agricultural production, Mai An Tiem Agricultural Cooperative's revenue in 2024 reached over 6 billion VND per year.

According to statistics from the Provincial Cooperative Union, as of June 2025, Thanh Hoa province had 857 cooperatives operating in the agricultural sector. Although the agricultural sector has relatively "weak" resources, an increasing number of agricultural cooperatives are developing stably, effectively fulfilling their function as "facilitators" for household economic development, and making positive contributions to local socio-economic development. Many cooperatives are dynamic and boldly invest in machinery, equipment, and infrastructure, becoming "multi-functional" cooperatives, developing in many industries and fields. A prime example is the Dong Tien Agricultural Mechanization Service Cooperative (Dong Son ward), which simultaneously develops high-tech agriculture and provides consulting services for agricultural production and product consumption. The Quang Chinh Aquaculture Service Cooperative is involved in both the production and trading of aquatic animal breeds, as well as the cultivation and consumption of products. Thanks to these "multi-functional" cooperatives in the agricultural sector, the revenue and profits of the collective economic sector have been increased, meeting the expectations of members and workers.

Mr. Le Hong Hai, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Cooperative Union, affirmed: “To encourage more agricultural cooperatives to develop in a multi-sectoral direction, the Provincial Cooperative Union has organized many training courses to build a team of enthusiastic, dynamic, united, and responsible cooperative officials who prioritize the common good. At the same time, in the coming time, we will continue to apply policies to support cooperatives in expanding their service types and transferring science and technology; acting as a bridge for agricultural enterprises to form joint ventures and production linkages along the product chain, so that cooperatives can increase in scale, scope, and improve operational efficiency.”

Le Thanh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhan-rong-mo-hinh-nbsp-htx-nong-nghiep-da-zi-nang-254030.htm