Over the past years, thanks to the support from many sides, the subjects have built dozens of products that meet the provincial OCOP standards. In 2023, the province continues to support the implementation of the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program in the direction of focusing on improving both the quality and value of typical agricultural products.
Dried lotus seeds of Hoa Dong Agricultural Service Business Cooperative (Tay Hoa district) are one of the products submitted to the provincial OCOP Council for appraisal of OCOP 2023 products
Product development efforts
According to the Director of the Rural Development Sub-Department, Mr Nguyen Duc Thang, in 2022, Phu Yen province had 52 products recognized as OCOP at the provincial level, 7of which are 4-star and 45 are 3-star. In addition to the products that have been recognized for their star rating, 44 other products have been submitted to the provincial OCOP Council for appraisal. Many of the province’s OCOP products of the province have been developing well in the market such as rice, fish sauce, one-day beef, tea, etc.
“Not stopping there, the Agriculture sector suggested the People's Committees of districts, towns and city continue to review and select potential products, including agricultural products, handicrafts, rural tourism, community tourism, herbal medicine, cosmetics of their locality registered to participate in the OCOP Program in the period of 2022-2025 and participated and evaluated products in 2023”, Mr Thang said.
According to Mr Nguyen Van Hoang, Vice Chairman of Tuy An District People's Committee, so far, the local has had 8 products recognized as OCOP products at the provincial level. Tuy An district continues to review potential products (An Hiep red rice, An Chan export anchovy, An Linh abalone mushroom, An Cu sedge mat, An Xuan wine, Yen fish sauce, etc.) for instructing subjects to participate in the OCOP Program.
“The implementation of the OCOP Program in the area contributes to the socio-economic development of the district, especially the construction of a new rural district. To promote sustainable rural economic development, the district focuses on promoting propaganda about the importance and significance of the OCOP Program. For products selected to participate in OCOP, the district has cooperated with specialized agencies to guide, develop product data, support advertising, promote trade, complete dossiers to fully meet the criteria and strict requirements set forth by OCOP”, Mr. Hoang said.
Upgrading star
A representative of the DARD said that Phu Yen province has currently had hundreds of products of high economic and commercial value that can be developed into OCOP products. On the basis of assessing the benefits of participating in the OCOP Program, the province has implemented the program; promulgated the development of a set of criteria for evaluating and ranking OCOP products; districts and city to survey and select specific and advantageous agricultural products to include in the general plan of the province.
In the period of 2022-2025, Phu Yen province strives to have at least 18 products meet OCOP standards of 3 stars or more every year (at least 2 products per each locality) and by the end of 2025, the whole province has at least 90 OCOP products; at the same time, review products that are eligible to submit to the Central OCOP Council for evaluation and classification of 5-star national products (in 2023 alone, strive to have at least 36 products recognized as OCOP products of the province getting 3 stars or more).
Mr Nguyen Duc Thang said: In 2023, we will continue to propagate among officials and people, especially cooperatives, to be conscious in registering to build products to participate in the program. Simultaneously will support those who have agricultural products, especially local key products, with OCOP certification, which will be supported to upload to the province's e-commerce website (http://phuyentrade.gov.vn) and other online buying and selling channels to promote and develop the consumption market.
Affirming the role of the OCOP Program, Mr Nguyen Trong Tung, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that the OCOP program is a major policy of the Party and State, a premise to promote the agricultural and rural economy, but at the same time, it has a very distinctive character. The development of OCOP products helps to connect, promote community strength, practically increase incomes and improve people's lives; contribute to building sustainable new rural areas.
“Phu Yen province possessess and opportunities to develop OCOP products. Therefore, in the coming time, all levels, branches and localities need to pay attention to expanding the number and structure of products. Districts and city should build a specific list, from which there are clear actions and orientations for implementation,” affirmed Mr Tung.
Translated by Trinh Thuy