The “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) programme is emerging as an economic benchmark, encouraging farmers alongside enterprises to transform their production mindset, standardise quality and bring local specialties to international markets.

Standardising the value chain

The OCOP programme has generated visible changes across Dak Lak’s agricultural sector. To date, the province has recognised 764 OCOP products from 372 entities, including two five-star products, 60 four-star products and 656 three-star products. Participating entities are highly diverse, comprising 75 cooperatives, 88 enterprises as well as 208 household enterprises.

Dried vermicelli of Chi Lang - Khanh Xuan Agricultural and Service Cooperative being carefully packaged before reaching consumers.

PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Nguyen Thien Van affirmed that the OCOP programme has enabled participating entities elevate their products, from core value to added value. Greater attention to packaging and labelling has not only improved product appearance but also enhanced commercial value, enabling products to reach wider markets while improving people’s livelihoods.

This transformation is clearly reflected in production practices, particularly at Chi Lang - Khanh Xuan Agricultural and Service Cooperative for vermicelli, noodles combined with dried pho production, in Thanh Nhat ward. Mr. Ha Van Tuyen, the Cooperative Director, said that after more than three years of maintaining three-star OCOP certification for its flagship dried vermicelli and dried pho products, the cooperative successfully upgraded both to four-star status.

Similarly, after nearly two decades of development, Huong Huong Phu Trading and Services Co., Ltd., in Binh Kien ward, officially obtained ISO together with HACCP certification for its roasted and ground coffee production line. Its Superior coffee product has now been recognised as a four-star OCOP product. The company is continuing efforts to develop the product into a five-star national brand, while expanding trade promotion activities and international market presence.

Dak Lak currently has two products recognised with five-star OCOP certification by the central-level OCOP Product Evaluation along with Classification Council: premium macadamia nuts produced by Damaca Nguyen Phuong JSC, in Krong Nang commune, and Kien Cuong civet coffee produced by Kien Cuong One Member Co., Ltd., in Buon Ma Thuot ward.

Technology momentum and the challenges of sustainable development

According to the provincial New Rural Development Coordination Office, the OCOP programme has contributed significantly to restructuring the agricultural economy, rural areas alongside farmers’ livelihoods. Rural tourism and local cultural identity have also shown positive improvements. OCOP products are gradually entering international markets, with many producers proactively registering and adjusting products to meet global standards. In this context, technology application coupled with digital transformation are becoming essential for OCOP to generate long-term impact.

Macadamia products of Damaca Nguyen Phuong JSC achieving five-star OCOP certification.

In practice, provincial support policies are gradually becoming more substantive. During the 2026 - 2030 period, the province assigned the agricultural sector to implement tasks related to a digital agricultural map as well as a product traceability system. Comrade Dang Thi Thuy, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the sector aims to digitalise production from the outset, with the goal of all provincial OCOP along with key agricultural products having transparent and publicly accessible information by 2030.

Many enterprises have already taken the lead in digitalising production processes. At Coffee 15 One Member Co., Ltd., for instance, since January 2026, all farming households have been required to use electronic diaries to manage plantations.

The OCOP programme in Dak Lak is creating a new value cycle, from clean production and quality standardisation to technology application aimed at expanding market reach. With the right direction, OCOP is expected to continue serving as a key pillar in enhancing agricultural product value while promoting sustainable rural economic development.

Translated by KHUONG THAO