Improving the quality of agricultural cooperatives through organic production and high-tech applications

The Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance held a thematic conference on the morning of October 29 to discuss solutions to improve the quality of agricultural cooperatives' operations, with a focus on organic farming and the application of high technology in production.

Nguyen Thanh Hien, Vice Chairwoman in charge of the Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance, speaks at the conference. Photo: Vuong The

At the conference, delegates discussed trends in the development of organic agriculture and the application of high technology in the collective economic sector, as well as mechanisms and policies to support the development of concentrated production areas, the transition to organic farming, the issuance of growing-area codes and product standardization. They also exchanged views on solutions for technology transfer, innovation, QR code-based traceability and access to preferential financing.

In practice, the shift towards organic agriculture and the application of high technology are placing increasing demands on cooperatives' capacity to organize production, manage operations and establish market linkages. However, many organizations continue to face constraints related to financial resources, production scale, infrastructure, and access to appropriate technologies. The costs of quality certification and establishing traceability systems, along with the challenge of finding stable outlets for products, also require attention.

Leaders of the Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance chair the conference. Photo: Vuong The

Against this backdrop, the application of science and technology must be tailored to the actual conditions and production and business plans of individual cooperatives. Selecting appropriate technologies, effectively managing costs, standardizing production processes, and improving agricultural product quality are key factors in strengthening competitiveness.

A representative of Long Thanh Phat High-Tech Agriculture Cooperative shares experience in livestock farming for export. Photo: Vuong The

The conference also provided an opportunity for agricultural cooperatives to share practical experience in automated livestock farming, biosecurity measures, standardization of growing areas, traceability, circular economy development, deep processing and the application of technology in production. These models demonstrate the potential to increase the value of agricultural products by introducing innovations in production methods, strengthening quality control, and diversifying business activities. However, to ensure the sustainable development of these models, cooperatives need to strengthen ties with processing, distribution and export enterprises, from production planning and the selection of quality standards to arrangements for product sales.

Products from cooperatives are displayed at the conference. Photo: Vuong The

According to Nguyen Thanh Hien, Vice Chairwoman in charge of the Dong Nai City Cooperative Alliance, Dong Nai aims to use the conference to strengthen connections between cooperatives and management agencies, research institutions, technology transfer organizations, credit institutions and businesses. It also seeks to record difficulties and proposals raised at the grassroots level, consolidate the information and coordinate efforts to address the issues or refer them to competent authorities for consideration.

By Vuong The – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho