Officially launched in 2018, Vietnam’s One Commune One Product (OCOP) program now sees over 14,000 products certified with 3-5 star ratings, and produced by more than 8,000 entities including cooperatives, small production units, and cooperation groups. However, despite these achievements, OCOP products are rarely seen in supermarkets, and their prices often exceed standard levels. To strengthen its presence both domestically and internationally, the OCOP movement should move away from outdated practices and embrace innovation to meet the expectations of consumers worldwide. From seasonal to year-round availability The foundation for OCOP was laid in 2008 when the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development piloted the “One Village, One Trade” model in several cities and provinces, such as Dien Bien, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Nam Dinh, Thua Thien-Hue and An Giang. Local governments leveraged this initiative to develop rural trades by creating value chains, linking production entities with specific products, and helping farmers access markets more effectively. In 2013, Quang Ninh Province introduced the “One Commune One Ward, One Product” program as part of its rural development strategy. This initiative demonstrated significant success, fostering local strengths and expanding market access for farmers. The program was officially expanded nationwide in 2018 with the Prime […]