HÀ NỘI — Since its launch in 2018, Hà Nội's One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme has effectively tackled product output challenges, unlocking potential and fostering sustainability for local agricultural products.

For many localities and farmers in Hà Nội, finding sustainable markets for agricultural products has long been a challenging and complex issue.

Mr. Le Van Tam, Director of Song Hong Agricultural Cooperative in Dai Mach commune (Dong Anh district) said, "ECOS Vegetable Straws" is Hanoi's model for green, clean production, aiming to a green living which brings high economic value.

Vong La commune (Dong Anh district) has long been famous for tofu making. To preserve and develop tofu products of traditional craft villages, from 2019, Vong La Youth Cooperative was established to develop tofu products in the Capital market.

Director of Vong La Youth Cooperative Phan Van Dat said that the cooperative was established with the desire to continue preserving the traditional craft village identity left by our ancestors, while creating more jobs for young people in the commune.  Up to now, the cooperative has 3 main tofu products: white tofu, grilled tofu and charred tofu. These three products meet 3-star OCOP product standards, which were supplied to many supermarkets, restaurants... in Hanoi.

Mr. Le Van Tam, Director of Song Hong Agricultural Cooperative in Dai Mach commune, Dong Anh district (Hanoi) with vegetable and tuber straw products exported to foreign countries.

Tiên Dương Organic Agricultural Cooperative in Đông Anh District boasts four OCOP-certified products, primarily consisting of organic vegetables and medicinal herbs like yellow flower tea. Director of the cooperative, Phạm Thị Lý, said that as a small cooperative, they decided to focus on products linked to local values, particularly vegetables.

Tiên Dương Commune (in Đông Anh district) is a major producer of safe vegetables in Hà Nội and it has a tradition of cultivating seasonal leafy vegetables, such as winter cabbage and kohlrabi, as well as summer gourds and jute.

“Upon establishing the cooperative, we undertook soil improvement and adopted safe production processes, enabling our products to compete in the OCOP programme. Our products have received excellent feedback from consumers. Currently, all of our cooperative's products are sold through collective kitchens and clean food stores,” Lý said.

ECOS vegetable straws - an environmentally friendly product currently exported to Korea, America, India, and Indonesia.

Hà Nội now has over 2,700 OCOP-certified products, showcasing diverse packaging and designs that meet quality and food safety standards. These products are increasing in value, enabling farmers and cooperatives to expand production and boost revenue. With nearly 12 million residents, the demand for agricultural products remains high, creating significant potential for local consumption.

A key feature of OCOP products is their local character, which supports the establishment of large-scale production areas and stable supply sources. To facilitate this, the Hà Nội Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has recommended planning specialised farming areas and implementing policies to promote large-scale production, including preservation, processing and distribution.

To date, most localities in Hà Nội are developing OCOP products alongside supply areas that adhere to organic, safe, VietGAP, GlobalGAP and HACCP standards, including planting codes and regional branding.

Agricultural products recognised as OCOP from Hà Nội have swiftly established their market presence and received positive feedback. The city is dedicated to boosting promotional efforts and providing stakeholders with resources and policy support to expand production and enhance product value. It also aims to guide OCOP participants in adopting advanced technologies to improve productivity and quality.

Furthermore, there is a strong focus on supporting stakeholders in trade promotion and market development, both domestically and internationally, to foster the sustainable growth of OCOP products.

Nguyễn Văn Chí, Deputy Head of the Hà Nội New Rural Development Coordination Office, said the OCOP programme has revitalised the capital's agriculture sector, encouraging farmers to innovate. — Photo courtesy of the Hà Nội Coordination Office of the New-Style Rural Development Programme

According to Nguyễn Văn Chí, Deputy Head of the Coordination Office of the New-Style Rural Development Programme in Hà Nội, the OCOP programme has awakened the agricultural production potential of the capital, serving as a catalyst for farmers to innovate their production thinking, align closely with consumer demands and create a significant shift in rural economic development, thereby enhancing the material and spiritual lives of the local population.

The article is published under the coordination of the Coordination Office of the New-Style Rural Development Programme in Hà Nội. — VNS