Lam Dong's OCOP program still lacks major players.

A booth displaying agricultural products from Lam Dong province.

The OCOP program has been promoted by local Party committees, governments, and mass organizations, making a significant contribution to the development of agricultural economy and many criteria for new rural areas. Overall, it can be affirmed that the number and types of OCOP products in the three regions – the provincial center, the Southeast, and the West – have all developed, each with its own unique characteristics. However, many businesses remain small-scale, and their products lack investment after certification.

According to a producer of OCOP 3-star powdered coffee in Nhan Co commune, after receiving the certification, their product has certain advantages in entering the market. However, the reality has not yet met expectations, as the scale of production, linkages, and processing has not increased significantly. This producer believes that there is still a lack of sustainable linkages with some large processing and purchasing enterprises.

As a newly recognized entity with 3 OCOP 4-star provincial-level products, including freeze-dried green peppers, freeze-dried fruits, and roasted salted cashews, a representative from a company in Dong Gia Nghia ward stated that, for freeze-dried fruits, the company has dried many different types of fruits, including some products characteristic of other regions such as strawberries and dragon fruit.

The unit has invested in building a 1,000 ^m² factory and many advanced equipment serving the preliminary processing and processing of agricultural products, such as raw material storage, peeling machines, drying machines, seed sorting machines; and a freeze-drying system capable of drying 5 tons per batch. The unit's products are currently exported to some foreign markets, however, the production volume is still small.

This representative stated that while the opportunity to expand raw material areas is significant, increasing the value of OCOP products also means improving quality by meeting standards and regulations from the growing region and factory to the final product reaching the customer – a considerable challenge. However, collaboration with leading businesses would undoubtedly lead to breakthroughs.

Speaking at the recent conference on studying and understanding the Resolution of the 1st Provincial Party Congress, term 2025-2030, when discussing the implementation of targets and solutions for agriculture and new rural areas, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Ho Van Muoi stated: “After the merger, with the advantage of a new spatial area, the development of OCOP (One Commune One Product) is posing several major requirements and issues for mutual growth. Among them, the requirement to find outstanding characteristics, on a larger provincial and regional scale, is both a challenge and an opportunity for Lam Dong's OCOP to reorganize and connect, forming new strengths. The provincial OCOP entities, at all levels and sectors, will have to mobilize, connect, and attract investment better from large, leading enterprises. When many large enterprises participate in the OCOP value chain, it will greatly facilitate the increase of scientific and technological factors and brand recognition, not only in the domestic market but also internationally.”

By the end of November 2025, Lam Dong province had 914 OCOP products, including 839 3-star products and 75 4-star products. While the number of OCOP products in the province is quite substantial, none have yet achieved national-level recognition (5 stars). According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, OCOP products make a significant contribution to the rural economy, creating new industries and added value for agriculture, farmers, and rural areas.

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