Increased agricultural production and changing consumer preferences have led to challenges for household economies, such as "large harvest production output, low price" and "agricultural product rescue". These issues have impacted farmers' income, especially for those export raw agricultural products. The model of Thuan Phat Cooperative (Kien Giang province, Mekong Delta) has provided a solution for this problem, contributing to increasing farmers' income. Thuan Phat Cooperative (Muoi Huynh hamlet, Dong Hung commune, An Minh district, Kien Giang province) was established in 2017, with the initial number of 17 members increased to 34 members in 2022 and the total rice cultivated area of 115 ha.

Organic shrimps and crabs in Thuan Phat Cooperative

 Source: IPSARD’s research team, 2022.

Recognizing the increasing demand for quality products from consumers, the cooperative has developed a model of integrated organic farming and aquaculture of shrimp, crab, fish, and rice. In order to increase income for cooperative members, the cooperative has expanded into agricultural product processing to take advantage of locally available materials such as shrimp and fish. In 2019, the cooperative participated in Oxfam's Project on Strengthening Gender Equality and Responsible Agribusiness Investment in Southeast Asia Phase 2 (Graisea 2) to equip machines for processing dried shrimp and fried fish cakes from tilapia creates jobs for female members of the cooperative. In addition, the cooperative also produces fish cakes with 100% raw materials from natural tilapia raising in organic shrimp and rice field. As a result, in 2021, fried fish cake was recognized by the People's Committee of Kien Giang province as a 3-star OCOP and typical rural industrial product of the province and received many orders outside Kien Giang province. The cooperative also promotes the formation of brands, processing, packaging products and introducing and marketing products at many fairs and markets. In general, this model has brought high economic efficiency and sustainability to member households and helped to access the market more actively.

Click this link for detail information: Agricultural branding development model at Thuan Phat cooperative