Developing OCOP products based on key strengths

Implementing the “One Commune One Product” Program (OCOP) in Cam Khe district has awakened the potential and advantages of rural areas, promoted product consumption, increased people’s income, and promoted The rural economy develops, contributing to building new rural areas in depth, effectively and sustainably.

Nem chua products from the Phuoc Duyen production facility, Phuong Vi commune are recognized with a 3-star OCOP standard.

Implementing the OCOP Program, the District People’s Committee has directed the review and inspection of the current status of production and business, and the ability to develop products of production and business establishments in the area; deploy to subjects who register to participate... on that basis to develop plans, guiding documents, and urge specific implementation each year. In particular, the district deploys and organizes many programs to support the development of OCOP products in the area. In 2023, Cam Khe will provide financial support of over 600 million VND to print packaging, labels, and equip machinery and equipment for entities participating in the standardization of OCOP products, promoting production links, connecting consumption, displaying, introducing products, etc. Up to now, Cam Khe has 27 products, the OCOP product group is recognized with 3–4 stars in 14 communes and towns of 18 subjects.

Exploiting the potential and strengths of agricultural products and traditions of handicraft production, Cam Khe is interested in developing, focusing on promoting, introducing, and connecting consumption through trade promotion activities, fairs in many provinces and cities in the country, providing more opportunities for OCOP entities to access the market, improve production capacity, diversify products, improve designs, and promote sales. Thanks to that, the district’s OCOP products have expanded their consumption market, are present in many supermarkets and large stores inside and outside the province, and are loved and trusted by consumers. Highlights include: Tra Da Hen (Dong Luong), Northern green asparagus (Chuong Xa), Dat To banh chung (Hung Viet), Phuoc Duyen nem chua (Phuong Vi), Sai Nga conical hat (Cam Khe town) ...

It can be affirmed that through the OCOP Program, entities have paid more attention to improving quality, investing in building images and packaging designs to increase competitiveness in the market, and raising the price and economic value of the product. Comrade Nguyen Hai Son, Deputy Head of the District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said: The OCOP program has positively impacted entities in both the production and consumption of products to improve competitiveness and economic value. In fact, after being recognized as OCOP, 80% of entities increased production scale in terms of the number of products, creating additional jobs for 20% of workers. Notably, 100% of OCOP products have higher selling prices; the average increase in revenue scale of entities after products are recognized as OCOP reaches 25%; 80% of manufacturing entities can open modern sales channels (supermarket systems, convenience stores, e-commerce trading floors, online sales via social networks, etc.).

Nem chua products from the Phuoc Duyen production facility in Phuong Vi commune will achieve a 3-star OCOP in 2023. Even though they were produced five years ago, it was not until they were recognized as OCOP products that their nem chua products became popular. Consumers know and choose to use it. Mr. Duong Van Phuoc, owner of the facility, said: "Being recognized as an OCOP product, we invest in building a closed production process, ensuring quality, food hygiene and safety. Packaging and labeling are given more attention, so it is convenient to build a brand in the market, consumption increases, and production scale expands. Currently, on average, each day the facility sells 2,000–3,000 nem chua, creating jobs for 7–8 regular workers and 10–12 seasonal workers with stable income. The market is expanding globally on a on a nationwide scale. Revenue increased significantly, after deducting expenses, the profit base was over 350 million VND/year.

In 2024, Cam Khe will build 10 more products to participate in the OCOP Program, including 9 new evaluation products. To complete the plan’s goals, the district focuses on the main solution groups: promoting information and propaganda work to change people’s thinking and awareness about organizing and developing commodity production along the value chain; strengthening support for subjects; promoting and introducing OCOP products; promoting trade... The district focuses on supporting and guiding product development entities and standardizing products that are eligible to participate in OCOP evaluation and grading. At the same time, continue to effectively implement policies and support programs of the province and district to encourage agricultural and rural development; do a good job of mobilizing resources from the community, cooperatives, and businesses to invest in production development.

Le Oanh