Taking advantage of local potential and strengths, farmers’ associations in Dong Hoi have encouraged members to develop the economy toward industrialization and modernization, with a positive shift in economic structure. The Farmers’ Association has also played an important role in preserving and developing traditional crafts and supporting industries, particularly fisheries logistics. These activities not only create stable jobs for local farmers but also attract labor from neighboring areas, contributing to income growth and urban development.
According to Mr. Nguyen Khanh, Chairman of the Dong Hoi Ward Farmers’ Association, as agricultural land continues to shrink, local farmers have been encouraged to adopt high-tech agricultural models, implement production based on closed value chains, and focus on environmental protection and product quality improvement. As a result, many local products have gained OCOP certification, including royal eel, premium processed eel products, fish sauce, dried seafood, and free-range duck eggs.
The use of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology at Mai Thinh Trading and Service Co., Ltd. helps keep seafood fresh
Facing the rapid development of digital technology and the declining role of traditional markets as the primary consumer channel, local agricultural products have encountered challenges in expanding markets and increasing sales. To address these concerns, the Farmers’ Association has supported members in applying digital transformation in agricultural production, brand development, and product promotion.
Specifically, the association assists farmers and production entities in applying advanced technologies in production processes, digitizing production facilities, enterprises, and cooperatives, and improving product traceability systems linked to geographical indication protection and management. Efforts have also been made to standardize agricultural, processed food, and handicraft products to meet OCOP certification standards.
At the same time, the association organizes training courses and workshops to help farmers develop skills in photographing and filming products using smartphones, enabling them to promote and sell products on platforms such as Facebook and Zalo. A common promotional channel titled “Dong Hoi Agricultural, Seafood, and traditional Craft Products” has also been established and effectively operated. In addition, product exhibitions and promotional activities are regularly organized at trade fairs, exhibitions, events, and display stores to strengthen branding and reach potential customers.
The Farmers’ Association has also proposed policies to support production linkages and product consumption, particularly investment support for pre-processing, processing, packaging, labeling, traceability systems, and supply chain development to increase product value over time. As a result, although the number of OCOP products in Dong Hoi Ward is still limited, they are high-quality and practical, each possessing unique characteristics appreciated by consumers.
One notable example is the Long Tam Seafood Processing and Service Cooperative, which is well known for its seafood products. Each year, the cooperative produces approximately 8–9 tons of dried squid and 12,000 liters of fish sauce, generating an annual revenue of over VND 2 billion. To ensure product quality, the cooperative has invested in large cold-storage facilities and modern equipment for drying, packaging, and vacuum sealing, ensuring hygiene and quality standards.
Another pioneering enterprise is Mai Thinh Trading and Service Co., Ltd., which has applied Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology in seafood packaging and preservation. This technology keeps seafood fresh for up to seven days at chilled temperatures of 0–4°C, after which it can be frozen for longer storage. As a result, seafood retains its original flavor and nutritional value, allowing consumers—even those living far from the sea—to enjoy truly fresh products without waiting for frozen seafood to thaw.
According to Tran Manh Thinh, the company’s owner, flagship products such as giant eel and premium processed eel have been increasingly expanded in production. Starting with an initial investment of VND 500 million, after five years of operation and technological investment, the company’s annual revenue has grown to over VND 4 billion.
Mr. Hoang Ngoc Dan, Chairman of the Dong Hoi Ward People’s Committee, stated that the ward will continue to create favorable conditions for the Farmers’ Association to organize training courses on product promotion, marketing, and consumption linkages. At the same time, production entities will be encouraged to modernize production processes, improve product quality, and expand market access, helping consumers more easily access OCOP products from the locality.
IPA