OCOP “One commune one product” , originating from the OVOP movement implemented in Japan since the 1970s in the 20th century, which has been highly successful and beneficial to the people, it has now become a role model for more than 40 countries, including Vietnam.
The program’s goal is to develop OCOP (One Commune One Product) products to unlock the potential, regional advantages of rural areas, and increase income for the people. It aims to contribute to the restructuring of the agricultural sector linked to the development of small-scale industries, crafts, services, and rural tourism. The program seeks to promote sustainable rural economic development by enhancing the application of digital transformation and circular economy, preserving cultural values, managing resources, conserving biodiversity, landscapes, and rural environments, contributing to the construction of a deeper, more efficient, and sustainable new countryside.
The criteria for evaluating and grading products in the program will be flexibly adjusted to suit the socio-economic conditions according to the reality of each period. It focuses on six service sectors within basic and common areas in rural regions: food, beverages, herbs, textiles, souvenirs, interior decoration, and rural tourism, and sales.
Criteria for evaluation include: (i) Production organization operation, production capacity, product development, community strength; (ii) Marketing assessment: marketing, product storytelling; (iii) Product quality assessment: sensory factors, nutrition, product uniqueness, product disclosure, safety, and global market distribution opportunities. Product grading is based on the evaluation results according to the criteria, ranging from 01 to 05 stars.
The evaluation and grading process will be protected by three levels: district, provincial, and central levels. Products evaluated at the district level with a score of 03 stars or above will be forwarded by the district People’s Committee to the provincial People’s Committee for further evaluation, approval, and recognition of OCOP products achieving 03 to 04 stars. For products rated with 05 stars, they will be submitted to the central level for grading OCOP products at the national level.
In Vietnam, the program “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) has been implemented since 2018, achieving significant accomplishments, having a large influence, and making a strong impact on the socio-economic development of rural areas. After 4 years of implementation, the OCOP program has been comprehensively implemented in all 63 provinces and cities for product evaluation and grading. The program has become a focal solution and an appropriate method for socio-economic development in rural areas, particularly in the realization of the new rural development goal and society as a whole.
Vinh Long province has successfully implemented the program after 4 years of execution, and in 2022, the second year of the 2021 – 2025 period according to the decision 919/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister, it has received significant support from departments, organizations, local authorities, especially the interest and participation of OCOP entities in the province in 2022. According to the province’s report, the number of registered products exceeded the implementation plan for the program
During three days on November 23rd, December 14th, and December 16th, 2022, the story of the ‘Ruou Truyen thong Cuu Long‘ product by Somo Farm Cuu Long Joint Stock Company has convinced the Evaluation Council of Mang Thit district and Vinh Long province of the 2022 One Commune One Product program with the prestigious ranking result of achieving a 04-star OCOP standard product.
In 2022, Vinh Long Province’s OCOP program had a total of 41 evaluated profiles and rankings, involving 31 entities, with 2 products achieving 05 stars, 10 products achieving 04 stars, and 29 products achieving 03 stars. The ‘Traditional Liquor of Cuu Long’ product secured the third-highest score among the total 41 profiles and topped the list in the 04-star ranked product category this year. This is a well-deserved and proud outcome for a team rich in dedication with the diligent working spirit of Somo Farm Cuu Long.
The traditional liquor holds its distinctive value, highly esteemed by Vietnamese people, symbolizing a healthy drinking culture. It appears on numerous festive occasions, from funeral ceremonies to wedding celebrations; betel chewing accompanies a fine glass of liquor to symbolize the abundance of the two families. The ancient art of making traditional liquor in Cuu Long was renowned for its aromatic, highly concentrated drops, uniquely natural aroma. However, with the progression of modern life, the traditional liquor-making trade is gradually fading, even confined to the memories of previous generations. Therefore, as a member of Somo Group, striving to fulfill its mission, elevating the Vietnamese brand, SomoFarm Cuu Long constantly aspires to promote the homeland’s specialties, bringing the flavor of traditional liquor closer to consumers through extensive research and development of the ‘Ruou Truyen thong Cuu Long‘ brand.
With the expectation to contribute to local development through establishing the distinctive product brand ‘Ruou Truyen thong Cuu Long,’ promoting ecotourism development, and offering convenient services at SomoFarm Cuu Long, it also aims to enhance social and economic life dynamically, fostering a modern and cultured society, awakening the potential and rural advantages to create employment and increase incomes for the local residents.
Every product participating in the OCOP ranking undergoes a thorough and professional evaluation in many aspects. The evaluation council comprises seasoned managers and experts with extensive experience in relevant professional fields. The evaluation process is rigorous and transparent. OCOP products achieving a standard of 4 stars are not only highly regarded for their production organization, community strength in internal management, and local chain linkages but also meet requirements in marketing, product promotion, distribution channels. Notably, product entities need to possess advanced quality management certifications such as ISO, VietGAP, GlobalGAP, HACCP.
Therefore, the 04-star OCOP product ‘Ruou Truyen thong Cuu Long proudly introduces consumers to a distinctive quality brand of Vinh Long homeland.”
