Xuan Bac Commune: Focusing on development of circular and organic products

No longer limited to traditional farming methods, Xuan Bac Commune is gradually transforming, marked by a clear shift in farmers’ mindset toward clean, safe, and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Swiftlet nest production at Duong Vu Clean Swiftlet Nest Facility. Photo: To Tam

Models such as the application of biological products, the development of closed-loop production systems, and the One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme not only help control quality at the source but also enhance added value, gradually building a sustainable, modern brand for local agricultural products.

Changing production mindset

Truong Dinh Minh is known as a “grassroots inventor” in Xuan Bac Commune for his biological products serving safe agricultural production. Walking through his lush 6-rod garden, he shared his persistent journey of self-research. His garden is arranged with diverse crops, serving both as a production site and as a “real-life laboratory” to test the biological products he has created. Each product is applied directly and carefully monitored for pest control effectiveness as well as its impact on plant growth and product quality.

Minh said his idea originated from concern over farmers’ heavy exposure to harmful chemicals.

“Sometimes farmers have to crawl under trellises to spray pesticides, with chemicals covering their bodies, it’s very dangerous. If the producer is the first to be affected, the product cannot be considered safe,” he explained.

Through self-study and experimentation, he has developed around 10 biological products for pest and disease control, especially fungal diseases. His efforts have earned him numerous awards for outstanding agricultural production.

Initial results show healthier crops, fewer pests, and significantly reduced chemical use. Although challenges remain in transferring and commercializing these products, this approach represents a new direction toward safe production from the very beginning.

At the same time, more methodical closed-loop production models are also emerging in Xuan Bac Commune. Duong Vu Clean Swiftlet Nest Facility is a typical example. A visit to the facility's swiftlet houses and processing area makes clear that the entire process operates in a tightly linked circular chain, from breeding and caring for the swiftlets and harvesting nests to cleaning, processing, and packaging the products.

Duong Van Du, owner of Duong Vu Clean Swiftlet Nest Facility, said the facility prioritizes quality above all and refuses to cut costs at the expense of product standards. According to him, maintaining quality requires strict control from input to output through a closed process. Thanks to this approach, the facility now has seven products recognized with a 3-star OCOP rating, gradually building a strong reputation in the market.

Developing the economy in a sustainable direction

According to Truong Quang Ha, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Xuan Bac Commune, the commune has strong agricultural potential with diverse production models. However, instead of following traditional methods, the locality is shifting toward sustainable agriculture, emphasizing organic, safe, and environmentally friendly practices.

A notable feature is the emergence of circular production thinking, from using biological products to reduce chemicals to establishing closed-loop systems in farming and processing. Together, these efforts are forming a safe agricultural ecosystem.

From this foundation, the OCOP program is seen as a key “lever” to standardize local products. Xuan Bac is not only increasing the number of products but also improving quality, building brands, and ensuring clear traceability. Each OCOP product thus represents not just a commodity but also a commitment to safety and credibility.

Truong Quang Ha added that although OCOP awareness was previously limited, local authorities are now strengthening communication efforts to encourage greater participation. In the future, the Economic Department will review key products and support organizations and individuals in completing processes to meet OCOP standards aligned with cleanliness, safety, and sustainability.

In addition, support for capital, science and technology, promotion, and market linkage will be enhanced to encourage producers to invest with confidence. Building brands tied to local characteristics will help Xuan Bac products better position themselves in the market.

It is clear that Xuan Bac is gradually charting a path toward sustainable, organic, and circular agricultural development. From changing farmers' production mindsets to supporting and closely accompanying local authorities, all these efforts are helping steer agriculture toward a modern, safe, and sustainable long-term future.

At present, Xuan Bac has nearly 30 cooperative groups and cooperatives operating stably in line with local conditions. Local authorities regularly engage in dialogue with these cooperatives and listen to their feedback to help resolve difficulties and bottlenecks. In doing so, they are strengthening linkages and working alongside them to build an organic and circular agricultural economy that develops along a sustainable value chain.

By To Tam – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho