Catching up with the demand for 'green consumption'

The organic dragon fruit growing model in Vo Nhai commune is developing very well, with stable output. Photo: TL

Prioritize safe products

In Thai Nguyen , the “green” consumption trend is taking place strongly, in line with the orientation of sustainable consumption nationwide. Surveys at wholesale markets, supermarkets, and retail stores show that more and more consumers prioritize choosing products produced in an organic direction, meeting VietGAP standards or certified by OCOP.

This change not only reflects a higher awareness of food safety and environmental protection, but also motivates local businesses, cooperatives and production facilities to adjust their strategies, improve quality and meet the requirements of the modern market.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen, Thanh Thinh commune, shared: I often go to OCOP stores to buy goods because the products here all have labels and are certified by the authorities, so I feel very secure. The products are also diverse, from food, drinks, cosmetics to consumer goods.

Ms. Hoang Thi Hong, in Phu Thong commune, said: Due to her busy work, she often shops online, but always prioritizes choosing reputable stores and upholding the "green" criteria. For food, she chooses clean products with clear origins; for other items, she prioritizes products made from natural, organic ingredients or with minimal chemicals. "Health is the most precious, so I am willing to pay a higher price to buy good products that are beneficial to health," Ms. Hong shared.

Bac Kan Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Research and Development Cooperative produces TBKBAKA resistant starch (3-star OCOP product).

Not only in urban areas, but also in rural areas of Thai Nguyen, more and more stores selling food, clean agricultural products and organic products are appearing to meet the increasing consumer demand.

Choosing “green” products has gone beyond the scope of a temporary trend, becoming an essential need and consumer habit, helping people proactively protect their health against the reality of fake, poor quality goods and “dirty” food still existing on the market.

Improve the quality of agricultural products

Faced with changes in consumption trends, businesses, cooperatives and farming households in the province have been adjusting production methods towards modernity and sustainability.

Specifically, many units apply organic production processes or meet VietGAP standards, invest in new machinery and technology, improve farming techniques, build concentrated raw material areas and strictly comply with food safety and hygiene regulations, in order to meet strict market requirements.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen, Director of Tan Phu Organic Hill Chicken Cooperative, introduces indigenous microbial products.

Ban Moc Agricultural Cooperative (Yen Binh Commune) participates in the Project of planting new and intensive organic Shan Tuyet tea from 2022-2024. The Cooperative is supported with machinery, production processes and technical training for members. To date, 14.7 hectares of tea of the Cooperative have been granted organic certification. The unit also uses an improved tea roasting kiln, which helps save 50% of fuel and reduce up to 70% of smoke, contributing to environmental protection.

Mr. Ma Van Thong, Director of Ban Moc Agricultural Cooperative, said: Organic tea products are well received by the market, the cooperative will continue to expand the area and encourage people to comply with technical processes.

Not only cooperatives, many individual producers have also boldly changed their farming methods to "green". Mr. Hoang Van Khang's family in Na Ri commune currently grows 2 hectares of oranges, using only organic fertilizers, biological products and self-fermenting fish protein as fertilizer. Thanks to that, the trees grow healthily, have fewer pests and diseases, and the fruit is sweeter and more flavorful. Mr. Khang informed: Taking advantage of local manure sources not only helps reduce production costs but also contributes to limiting environmental pollution.

As a regular customer of Mr. Hoang Van Khang's family, Ms. Hoang Thi Nam, in Na Ri commune, shared: "I feel very secure when using Mr. Khang's family's products because I know clearly the care process and origin of the products.

Value chain linkage expands market

In addition to changing production methods, businesses and cooperatives in Thai Nguyen also promote linkages, forming a closed value chain from raw material areas to processing and product consumption. This approach helps to strictly control quality at each stage, minimize intermediate costs, and at the same time improve the ability to meet increasingly stringent consumer standards, especially for “green” and safe products.

Customers prefer to buy products at OCOP stores.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoan, Director of Tai Hoan Cooperative, Con Minh Commune, said: We invest in modern production processes, strengthen links and guide people to grow organic cassava. When the raw materials are guaranteed, the quality of the product will be welcomed by consumers.

Currently, Thai Nguyen has 560 OCOP products ranked from 3 to 5 stars, of which 10 products meet the national 5-star standard. The province has also established 51 growing area codes, including 33 codes for export and 18 codes for the domestic market, meeting TCCS 744:2020/BVTV standards.

The issuance of growing area codes is not only a mandatory requirement for exported agricultural products but also contributes to improving traceability, increasing commercial value and strengthening consumer confidence in product quality.

Notably, e-commerce is emerging as an effective channel for consuming agricultural products, gradually taking a leading position. To date, more than 100 OCOP products of Thai Nguyen have been present on domestic and international e-commerce platforms.

In the period 2021-2025, e-commerce revenue will increase by 12-15% per year, demonstrating a positive change in business thinking and adaptability of production entities.

The current trend of “green” consumption is no longer just a trend, but has become an essential need, forcing production and business activities to change to meet it. With consistent direction from the government, proactive adaptation of businesses, cooperatives and people, Thai Nguyen is gradually forming a sustainable consumption ecosystem.

This not only contributes to protecting public health and the environment, but also enhances the value and competitiveness of local agricultural products in both domestic and international markets.