The entire province has more than 350 OCOP products, but only 10 of which are rated as 4-star level. In order to have more OCOP products as well as upgrading recognized products, numerous localities are actively accompanying and having support mechanisms to strongly develop 4-star products in the coming time.

Lotus seed powder products of Hoa Dong Agricultural Service Cooperative (Tay Hoa district) are being assessed for upgrading to 4-star OCOP

Breakthrough in finding ways to upgrade star level

In 2020, when the OCOP (One commune, one product) program was launched, localities in the province have based on their strengths  to quickly find typical products for being oriented and developed into OCOP products.

The birth of OCOP star products has changed the situation of rural economy. Since then, farmers have approached the form of chain-linked production to create products with quality and competitiveness in the market, which have not been found in traditional products before. With the value and benefits of the OCOP program, numerous products have made innovations and breakthroughs.

In Tay Hoa district, after products of lotus seed powder, dried lotus seeds and dried lotus plumule continuously achieved the 3-star OCOP standard, Hoa Dong Agricultural Service Cooperative has continued to invest in building new factories, expanding production linkage areas, and purchasing more machinery in order to improve output and quality, meeting market demand. Currently, the cooperative is submitting documents to the Council for appraisal of upgrading Hoa Dong lotus seed powder product as 4-star OCOP this year.

Mr Nguyen Thanh Minh, Director of Hoa Dong Agricultural Service Cooperative, lets known: According to the OCOP criteria of 4-star product, products must use local materials and labor; having linkages to raw material areas; full production capacity meet the market; products must be outstanding, unique and meet strict standards. Despite numerous difficulties and obstacles, the Cooperative is still determined to implement.

According to Mr Lam Duy Dung, Vice Chairman of Song Cau town People's Committee, although the locality has numerous agricultural, handicraft and craft village products with the potential to develop into 3-4 star OCOP products, from 2023 to now, with the strict standards stipulated in the Decision 148 of the Prime Minister, the locality has encountered many obstacles in developing 4-star OCOP products.

"With the strong determination to bring typical and strong local products to the OCOP Program, Song Cau is supporting and guiding subjects who have potential 3-star OCOP products (Ba Muoi fish sauce, Quan De wine, tuna pieces, etc.) to complete the dossier for evaluation and upgrading to 4-star level. Simultaneously, promoting propaganda and encouraging local establishments to participate in the OCOP program, apply science and technology to production, strengthen trade promotion towards registering intellectual property for products...", said Mr Dung.

Exporting products

After nearly 5 years of participating in OCOP, numerous products have realized the value that the program brings. The proof is that many of them have self-improved to achieve 4-star OCOP and the further goal of 5-star.

Thien Phu Herbal Medicine JSC in Son Hoa district currently has 9 cordyceps products of various types that meet 3-star and 4-star OCOP standards. According to Mr Nguyen Van Duc, company’s director, the OCOP star rating is proof of quality for products to be launched to the market and build trust with consumers. On that basis, the company continues to invest in improving quality, perfecting product designs, promoting and boost product consumption. So far, the company's OCOP products have been available in the distribution system, chains of stores, supermarkets domestically and for export.

"After numerous efforts, the company has had stable monthly export orders to China and Malaysia. The fact that OCOP products are exported in large quantities not only brings revenue and profit to the enterprise but also contributes to affirming the brand name of the province's goods in the international market", Mr Duc said excitedly.

According to Mrs Dang Thi Thuy, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, achieving the 4-star OCOP standard will create conditions for products to promote their brands, expand the consumption market and increase economic value. Numerous 4-star OCOP products have been exported to markets in countries of China, Japan, the US, Australia, Singapore, India and etc.

“To support subjects in both overcoming difficulties and quickly completing the criteria, the Agriculture sector has been coordinating with departments, sectors, and localities in the province to strengthen the urging and support subjects in completing production processes, products, stamps, labels, packaging, especially legal documents to recognize 4-star products. In addition, the sector also continues to review and select potential products with regional characteristics to invest in developing more 4-star OCOP products”, Mrs Thuy emphasized.

Source: Phu Yen Newspaper

Translated by KHUONG THAO