Promoting local agricultural products through the OCOP Program

According to Nguyen Thanh Trung, Deputy Head of the Commune’s Economic Division, Duc Trong has actively implemented the “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) program in line with provincial plans.

The locality has identified key tasks and solutions suited to its conditions, strengthened coordination, and selected qualified products for evaluation, classification, and certification in accordance with regulations.

At the same time, strict reviews of production conditions are conducted, ensuring that only eligible products are recognized, with priority given to processed goods, traditional products, craft village items, and local specialties.

These efforts have brought positive results. In 2025, the commune developed 13 additional OCOP products, bringing the total to 22 certified products from eight businesses, organizations, and individuals.

According to Nguyen Duy Quang, Deputy Director of Da Lat – Tu Nhien Food Processing Joint Stock Company, OCOP certification has strengthened consumer trust and motivated businesses to further improve product quality and expand into high-value market segments.

To develop OCOP products and strengthen local branding, Duc Trong has implemented a range of coordinated solutions, including surveying and selecting high-potential products linked to stable raw material areas, providing training in management, production techniques and food safety, and guiding producers through the evaluation process.

The commune also promotes the application of science and technology in processing and preservation, while improving packaging design to enhance competitiveness.

In addition, local branding is strengthened through promotional activities at fairs and exhibitions, as well as by integrating “product stories” that reflect local cultural identity. The commune is expanding distribution channels by connecting with supermarkets, safe agricultural stores, and e-commerce platforms.

The role of local authorities is also emphasized through support programs in the capital, technical assistance, and entrepreneurship—especially among youth and women. Notably, the initiative “Each farmer is a trader” has opened new opportunities for applying digital technology in agricultural commerce.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Production is still small-scale, investment capital is limited, and processing and preservation equipment are not yet fully developed, leading to inconsistent product quality.

With a commitment to increasing the added value of agricultural products, Duc Trong aims to have 1–2 more products recognized as OCOP in 2026.