Developing OCOP products is a breakthrough for cooperatives

Recently, the collective economy in Ca Mau has shown positive developments as cooperatives not only support farmers in organizing production but also represent them in signing partnership contracts with businesses, from supplying materials to marketing products. As a result, people’s trust in the collective economic model has been steadily strengthened.

Agricultural cooperatives continue to play a crucial role by establishing concentrated production areas, large-scale fields, and material zones. This provides a foundation for applying technical advances in production according to standard processes. At the same time, cooperatives contribute to creating stable supply sources for the market, engaging deeply in value chains, generating employment, increasing income, and reducing poverty sustainably in rural areas.

Beyond supporting production and marketing linkages, many cooperatives have proactively invested in processing and product refinement according to OCOP standards, thereby enhancing the value of agricultural products and creating additional jobs for members.

Currently, Ca Mau province has 51 cooperatives with 123 products, ranging from rice, shrimp, seafood, to salt, that have completed packaging, labeling, and OCOP certification. Among them, 98 products are 3-star OCOP and 25 products are 4-star OCOP. OCOP certification enables cooperative products to access the market more deeply, expand distribution, and increase value.

Mr. Trinh Dat Duy, Chairman and Director of Vinh Thanh Cooperative (Vinh Hau Commune), said that after achieving OCOP certification, the cooperative’s orders became larger and more stable. During peak periods such as holidays and Tet, members have to work twice as hard to meet demand, which significantly increases income.

In Vinh My Commune, Thanh Son Cooperative is one of the proactive units in developing OCOP products, particularly ecological shrimp products. According to Mr. Tran Van Ngo, Chairman and Director of Thanh Son Cooperative, OCOP creates a great opportunity for standardizing products and accessing broader markets. After receiving 3-star OCOP recognition, customer demand increased, especially from specialty stores and distribution companies.

“The most important thing is that the cooperative’s credibility rises, members gain confidence, and are willing to invest in improving cultivation and farming areas. We are continuing to complete dossiers to upgrade products to 4-star OCOP next year, while also investing in additional storage equipment to meet strict market requirements,” said Mr. Ngo.

Similarly, Mr. Tran Trung Hieu, Director of Ba Men Cooperative (An Trach Commune), noted: “Developing OCOP products not only increases value but also creates jobs and boosts income for members. This approach supports the sustainable development of cooperatives.”

Recognizing OCOP as a key goal, the Provincial Cooperative Alliance has actively supported units in registering new products. Mr. Nguyen Van Vu, Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial Cooperative Alliance, said: “In addition to providing loans for economic development, the Alliance consistently accompanies and facilitates cooperatives in developing OCOP products, helping expand membership and production scale. Many cooperatives are taking advantage of this support to register OCOP products. At the same time, the Alliance encourages and assists cooperatives in upgrading products to 4-star OCOP to reach further into the market.”

Although the number of cooperatives participating in OCOP is still limited, the achievements in recent years have laid an important foundation for scaling up the model. In practice, cooperatives are transforming significantly, not only serving as a bridge between farmers and businesses but also becoming direct agents in bringing agricultural products to consumers and expanding the market.

After more than 10 years of implementing the New Rural Development program, Ca Mau has made significant progress in rural development. To date, 43 out of 55 communes in the province have met the new rural standards, including 3 communes reaching the advanced new rural standards and 1 model commune. This is a clear testament to the unified efforts of the entire political system and the local people.

With support from the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the Ca Mau Provincial Cooperative Alliance, hundreds of cooperatives have received technical training, financial assistance, market connections, and trade promotion. Dozens of OCOP products have been developed, not only creating jobs and increasing income but also preserving local cultural and culinary values.