FROM PRODUCTION LINKAGES TO CHANGING FARMERS' MINDSET
Established in 1989, Binh Thanh Agricultural Service Cooperative (Lap Vo commune) has identified production linkages combined with product consumption as the focus of its sustainable development plan.
This direction is also consistent with the requirements for reorganizing agricultural production towards a commodity-based approach, increasing value and reducing market risks.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Doi, Director of Binh Thanh Agricultural Service Cooperative, production linkages help increase members' profits per unit area, primarily due to stable prices through consumption contracts signed before harvest.
In addition, the rational planning of each production area and the arrangement of crop varieties according to orders help the cooperative reduce investment costs, including the cost of providing irrigation services.
Members receive guidance from experts and cooperatives on the rational and effective use of fertilizers and pesticides, thereby reducing production costs and minimizing environmental impact.
"Through this collaboration, farmers' knowledge is gradually improved. This helps them gain a more rational perspective on the agricultural product market, fostering their commitment to and support of cooperatives in negotiating and finalizing contracts," Mr. Đời shared.
In the fruit-growing sector, Hung Thinh Phat Clean Agriculture Cooperative (Tan Thuan Binh commune) is also demonstrating the role of cooperatives in reorienting production according to market demand.
The cooperative was established in March 2021. Recognizing the instability of the domestic and Chinese markets, the low efficiency, and the failure to meet members' expectations, in early 2022, the cooperative boldly promoted and encouraged members to switch to safe dragon fruit production methods, following VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, aiming for export to demanding markets.
Beyond improving product quality, the cooperative also guides members on using artificial lighting to stagger planting seasons, thereby enhancing economic efficiency and greater control over yield. The cooperative also opens a store supplying agricultural materials at cost price, helping members reduce input costs.
To date, the cooperative has developed a dragon fruit production model according to GlobalGAP standards on an area of 150 hectares, of which about 115 hectares have been certified.
The cooperative has received food safety certification from the Department of Agriculture; it has a registered production area code that meets safety standards for export to China, New Zealand, Europe, South Korea, and the United States .
In 2022, the cooperative's red-fleshed dragon fruit product was recognized as meeting OCOP 4-star standards. By 2023, the cooperative had received HACCP certification.
According to Mr. Nguyen Trung Quy, Director of Hung Thinh Phat Clean Agriculture Cooperative, the biggest challenge in the beginning was changing the production mindset of farmers. However, through persistent propaganda, guidance, and production organization, the cooperative gradually gained the trust of its members.
The number of households registering to join the cooperative is increasing. The cooperative signs contracts with members committing to purchasing products at a minimum price of 10,000 VND/kg at all times, and at least 1,000 VND/kg higher than the market price for products that meet standards.
According to practical calculations, cooperative members earn 15% - 20% more profit than those in the outside market. The cooperative is supplying dragon fruit to many partners and distribution systems,” Mr. Quy said.
According to the Provincial People's Committee's assessment, in recent years, the development of cooperatives in conjunction with the restructuring of the agricultural sector and the National Target Program for building new rural areas has contributed to reorganizing production in a concentrated manner and improving the efficiency of the collective economic sector.
In particular, many cooperatives have gradually shifted from simply providing services to organizing production and participating more deeply in the value chain. This is an important step, because the effectiveness of cooperatives lies not only in providing inputs but also in their ability to help members create products that meet market demands and have stable outlets.
By the end of July 2026, the entire province will have 273 agricultural cooperatives linked with businesses through contracts. Of these, 168 cooperatives are linked in production and product consumption; 101 cooperatives are linked in output consumption; and 4 cooperatives are linked in providing input services. These linkage models are mainly concentrated in key sectors such as rice, fruit, vegetables, and livestock.
This contributes to the formation of concentrated raw material areas, improves product quality, expands consumer markets, and increases income for members.
"SUPPORTING" COOPERATIVES
In reality, although the role of cooperatives is being affirmed in the reorganization of agricultural production, this sector still faces many difficulties. Therefore, the Provincial People's Committee and relevant departments and levels are focusing on orienting and implementing various support solutions.
According to Le Chi Thien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap province, the focus of cooperative development orientation until 2030 is to improve the quality of members, expand membership, and closely link it with expanding and improving the quality of services.
A crucial and indispensable requirement in the coming period is digital transformation within cooperatives. However, digital transformation needs to be implemented in accordance with the actual level and needs of farmers, thereby creating practical effectiveness instead of merely pursuing superficial results.
The Department of Agriculture and Environment will focus on advising on and perfecting mechanisms and policies; coordinating to remove bottlenecks related to land, credit, and infrastructure serving production; guiding and supporting cooperatives in organizing production associated with industry restructuring, developing ecological agriculture, and implementing programs and projects of the Central Government and the province.
However, cooperatives must be the central entity, autonomous in production and business, transparent in management, and primarily responsible to their own members.
This is considered a core requirement for the genuine development of the cooperative economic sector. While government support policies can provide initial impetus, the long-term development of cooperatives depends on their management capacity, ability to organize production, provide services, and connect with markets.
According to the Provincial People's Committee, in the coming period, the province will encourage the establishment and strengthening of cooperatives in potential areas such as agriculture, fisheries, environment, logistics, and rural industries.
At the same time, develop diverse linkage models between production households - cooperatives - businesses; promote cooperatives to operate along the value chain from production to consumption.
Local authorities continue to promote the role of the collective economy and cooperatives in reorganizing agricultural production, in conjunction with restructuring the agricultural sector and building new rural areas.
In particular, emphasis is placed on enhancing the linkages between cooperatives and businesses to expand production scale, develop markets, and improve the competitiveness of products.
Dong Thap province is orienting the development of agricultural cooperatives towards multi-services, linked to concentrated raw material areas, production along the value chain, and meeting the increasingly high demands of the market.
To realize this goal, the province has identified several key solutions. The focus is on developing the collective economy and cooperatives according to the "Green - Digital - Circular" model, and strengthening linkages with businesses on the digital transformation of cooperatives.
At the same time, we must continue to innovate and improve mechanisms and policies to support, enhance the quality and efficiency of the collective economic sector and cooperatives.
ANH THU - MK
Source: https://baodongthap.vn/phat-huy-vai-role-of-cooperative-in-restructuring-agriculture-a245858.html
