Supporting OCOP product development

Home to a wide range of distinctive agricultural products, Dong Nai has many advantages in developing products under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program. However, many farmers remain hesitant because of requirements related to procedures, paperwork, and quality standards.

The survey team from the Farmers' Affairs Department under the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, in coordination with the Dong Nai City Farmers' Union, surveys a suong sam (Cyclea barbata) cultivation model in Xuan Loc Ward to provide advice on preparing applications for OCOP product recognition.

Greater support, consultation, and assistance for farmers from farmers' unions at all levels in developing OCOP products are opening up more opportunities for agricultural products to be standardized and branded, enhanced in value, and given wider market access.

Building OCOP brands

After about four years of developing a hydroponic vegetable cultivation model, the business household of Thanh Tam Hydroponic Clean Vegetable Farm in Long Thanh Ward has long sought to build a brand and have its products participate in the OCOP program. However, this aspiration has yet to be realized.

Do Thi Dinh, owner of Thanh Tam Hydroponic Clean Vegetable Farm, said she identified OCOP certification as an important step toward enhancing the value of her hydroponic vegetable products when the facility was established. However, limited economic conditions and stringent requirements concerning documentation, procedures, and production processes have made her hesitant.

The Dong Nai City Farmers' Union will continue to serve as a bridge, creating conditions for entities with potential products to access support programs, receive consultation, and learn from effective models. This will gradually lead to the formation of more quality OCOP products characteristic of the locality, contributing to increasing members' income and promoting Dong Nai agricultural product brands.

Nguyen Van Giang, Vice Chairman in charge of the Dong Nai City Farmers' Union

New opportunities emerged when the business household received support from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union and the Dong Nai City Farmers' Union during a survey and consultation session on OCOP product development in the area. In addition to receiving specific guidance on registration procedures, she was advised on refining the production process and gradually standardizing the necessary conditions for participation in the program. This support gave her the confidence to undertake tasks she had previously hesitated to pursue.

In Gia Kiem Commune, Tran Minh Duc also hopes to build a brand for his family's avocado products. His nearly 10-year-old avocado orchard is entering a period of care in preparation for the new season. After many years of nurturing the orchard and improving product quality, Duc hopes not only to sell avocados but also to gradually establish a name for the product.

Duc's family has primarily sold their avocado products to traders for many years. This method of consumption helps address immediate sales needs but limits product value and market autonomy. He therefore hopes that, after meeting production requirements, his avocado products will be branded and participate in the OCOP program.

"I realize that OCOP will help my avocado products gain a brand and a clearer development direction. When farmers work together to produce clean, quality products, this collaboration will create a ripple effect. Branded products will also be more favorable for consumption, helping producers be more proactive about their output," said Duc.

Supporting OCOP product development

Nguyen Tien Cuong, Member of the Standing Board and Deputy Head of the Farmers' Affairs Department under the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, said that in recent days, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union has assigned the Farmers' Affairs Department to coordinate with the Dong Nai City Farmers' Union in conducting surveys to support OCOP product development in the city.

The survey team from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union and the Dong Nai City Farmers' Union surveys Thanh Tam Hydroponic Clean Vegetable Farm in Long Thanh Ward. Photo: To Tam

Based on the field survey, Nguyen Tien Cuong assessed that Dong Nai has rich potential for OCOP product development, with many valuable products and great potential for widespread impact. The support aims not only to help a product complete its OCOP application but also to encourage people to confidently start businesses and develop production and business activities, thereby attracting more farmer members to participate. In this way, OCOP development will not be limited to a few individual products but can form a movement for producing quality, standardized goods.

"The Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union is determined not only to propagate and mobilize through traditional methods but also to strengthen support and accompany members in developing production, business, and OCOP products," said Cuong.

Tran Kien, who holds a master's degree and is Director of Duoc Khoa Development Joint Stock Company and an OCOP consulting expert in Dong Nai, said surveys indicate that many people have potential products and wish to receive support in completing their applications, procedures, and the necessary conditions for OCOP product recognition. However, one of the biggest barriers at present is that farmers are not fully aware of legal regulations and registration requirements. Meanwhile, for a product to be recognized, the entity must gradually standardize all aspects, from the production process, quality, and food safety to packaging, branding, and traceability.

Therefore, communication, guidance, and direct support play a crucial role. When consultation is closely aligned with actual production, people will better understand what they lack and what needs to be improved, enabling them to gradually develop products in accordance with market requirements.

"OCOP helps products increase in value and encourages entities to standardize food safety, quality, and traceability. This is an important foundation for local agricultural products to build brands and confidently access larger markets," remarked Tran Kien.

According to Tran Kien, as more products are standardized, branded, and brought into the OCOP program, there will be more opportunities to increase the value of Dong Nai agricultural products. Producers will have more advantages in consumption, while consumers will have a stronger basis for choosing quality-assured products. The locality will have more distinctive products to promote its image and develop the rural economy in a sustainable direction.

By To Tam – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha