Picking tea leaves in Ban Lien commune (Photo: thuonghieusanpham.vn)

The Ban Lien Organic Tea Cooperative’s tea in Bac Ha district has been certified a 5-star OCOP item, the first in Lao Cai province.

Founded in 2004 with 100 original members, Ban Lien now has 300 members growing tea in accordance with OCOP standards. Ban Lien brand organic tea is well-known here and abroad.

Pham Quang Than, Director of the Ban Lien Organic Tea Cooperative, said,

“Once a product is certified as an OCOP item, it enjoys many benefits. It can be sold in supermarkets. More stars indicate higher quality. Once it is sold at trade fairs, it can reach a greater number of customers.”

Raising ducks in Nghia Do commune, Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province (Photo: laocaitv.vn)

Like the OCOP tea of Ban Lien commune, the ducks of Nghia Do commune are well-known to Lao Cai visitors.

Do Van Luu, Secretary of the commune’s Party Committee, said the local administration is finalizing preparations to register an OCOP brand for the ducks, and the commune is trying to combine the ducks with tourism.

“We’ve paid special attention to keeping the environment and village roads clean in Nghia Do commune, which is home to Tay ethnic minority people. Nghia Do ducks are the commune’s economic development spear head,” said Luu.

Under the OCOP program, Lao Cai will produce and trade competitive agricultural products and services in both domestic and foreign markets. Lao Cai currently has 78 OCOP certified products with linked production, sales, promotion, and branding.

Chu Hoang Nguyen, Director of the province’s Rural Development Department, said, “OCOP products will be the foundation for farmers to promote links in consumption. They will be a drive for the local economy.”

The OCOP program plays an important role in forming safe agricultural production areas and creating value chains.

OCOP products are attractive tourism tie-ins, boosting incomes and improving local people’s lives.