Cooperatives and enterprises link to develop agriculture

Lam Dong cooperatives and enterprises are opening up new, more flexible and effective directions for agricultural development.

In the context of Vietnam’s agriculture strongly transforming towards modernity, quality and sustainability, the link between cooperatives and enterprises is increasingly proving its strategic role in restructuring agricultural production. This link comes from practical needs and becomes a driving force for development.

Mr. Le Anh Son (right), Director of Binh Minh Cooperative, Dak Wil commune, visits a member's ecological pepper garden.

Mr. Le Anh Son, Director of Binh Minh Cooperative, Dak Wil Commune, said that in the past, the cooperative had small-scale production. Since 2019, thanks to promoting cooperation with 8 enterprises, the cooperative has made a breakthrough in strong development. The cooperative has formed 27 groups of farmers, linked with over 1,000 farming households to produce up to 1,420 hectares of pepper, with an output of 3,032 tons. “Linking with enterprises has helped us produce pepper systematically and sustainably. We have implemented two international certification programs on sustainable agricultural production, including Rainforest Alliance and FSA. The cooperative is constantly expanding its raw material areas and enterprises to stably consume products,” Mr. Son shared.

Thinh Phat Cooperative in Quang Son commune, in association with more than 200 farmers, currently grows about 1,000 hectares of coffee, pepper, fruit trees and vegetables. All products are transferred by the cooperative with enterprises to transfer science , technology and consume products for farmers.

In particular, VietGAP cabbage products have been exported thanks to this partnership. Ms. Nguyen Thi Toan, Director of Thinh Phat Cooperative, shared: “Since June 2022, Thinh Phat Cooperative has cooperated with CJ Foods Vietnam Company to sign a contract with 36 members to build a model of growing 18 hectares of cabbage. Since then, the cooperative's cabbage has been processed into kimchi and exported to Korea.”

Farmers grow high-tech chili for export in Lam Dong .

Ms. Be Thi Diep, a member of Thinh Phat Cooperative, said: “The cooperative’s association with businesses has helped farmers grasp VietGAP cabbage growing techniques and purchase products. After deducting expenses, cabbage growers earn about 200 million VND per year.”

Buôn Choáh Agricultural Cooperative, Nam Da Commune, has linked up to produce more than 440 hectares of specialty rice including ST24 and ST25. Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Van, Head of the Cooperative's VietGAP Department, shared: "We have linked up with businesses to purchase products, thereby increasing the value of rice. Through the links, the Cooperative's rice has affirmed its reputation in the domestic and international markets."

By mid-2025, Lam Dong will have about 1,130 cooperatives, most of which operate in the agricultural sector. Lam Dong cooperatives are focusing on exploiting their strengths in producing valuable crops such as vegetables, flowers, tea, coffee, pepper, fruits, rice, etc.

Training on organic pepper production at Doan Ket Cooperative, Thuan Hanh Commune (Lam Dong).

The problem of “good harvest, low price”, difficulty in accessing high-end markets and lack of investment capital has put many farmers and cooperatives in a passive position. Meanwhile, processing and exporting enterprises are thirsty for stable sources of raw materials that meet quality standards.

The formation of a chain of links between cooperatives and enterprises is the solution for both sides. Cooperatives organize raw material areas and deploy production techniques according to requirements; enterprises provide inputs, technical support and output consumption.

Farmers visit durian growing area for export in Nam Dong commune.

This cooperation helps farmers feel secure in production, businesses ensure the quality of raw materials, create a closed value chain and increase the value of agricultural products.

A special point in the new association in Lam Dong is the initiative of both sides. If in the past, cooperatives often only played a role in supporting production, now they have become an important link in value chain management. On the contrary, many businesses are not afraid to "go to the fields", "go to the fields", invest from seeds, techniques to output consumption.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/hop-tac-xa-va-doanh-nghiep-lien-ket-phat-trien-nong-nghiep-382454.html