In Tan Son, Long Kok is a prime example where organic tea cultivation not only brings economic prosperity, but also promotes ecotourism initiatives, paving the way for sustainable development.
The green fields of Tan Son district in Phu Tho province echo the success stories of its agricultural activities. A variety of crops thrive among the famous tea plantations, creating sustainable value chains that promise high yields and sustainable prosperity for local farmers.
Long Coc, one of the largest tea growing areas in Tan Son, epitomizes this agricultural revolution. Thanks to innovative production methods, the tea hills not only have high economic value, but also pave the way for the development of ecotourism.
Ecological tea: harvest of prosperity
Taking advantage of the region’s strengths, Long Cốc Safe Tea Cooperative was established in 2018, evolving from a traditional cooperative. After more than half a century of development, the cooperative has become a cornerstone in production, market linkages and income enhancement for its members and associated farmers.
In addition to improving organic farming methods, the cooperative has partnered with local households to expand safe tea production, build a value chain, and promote the Long Cốc Safe Tea brand. Notably, the cooperative works with 20 households growing tea on an area of 37 hectares, adhering to VietGAP and organic standards.
Technological Advances: Driving Quality
In recent years, the cooperative has invested heavily in upgrading its tea processing capacity, achieving a daily processing capacity of 4 tons of fresh tea leaves. Notably, 70% of the production processes, including tea processing and vacuum packaging, have been automated, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency.
These strategic investments, combined with scientific agricultural practices, have resulted in an exponential improvement in the quality and reputation of the Long Cốc tea brand. The co-op currently boasts three products certified with a four-star OCOP rating and one with a three-star OCOP rating.
Market Expansion: Empowering Communities
Long Cốc tea has successfully penetrated into many leading supermarket chains throughout the country, generating annual revenues exceeding 1 billion Vietnamese dong. Through effective operations, the cooperative serves as a catalyst for poverty alleviation and wealth creation, significantly improving the livelihoods of its members and associated farmers. Currently, the average income per member ranges from 80 to 200 million Vietnamese dong per year, with workers earning between 4.5 and 5.5 million Vietnamese dong per month.
Promotion of key products
Relying on the contribution of cooperatives and guided by a strategic plan for agricultural development, tea from the Long Coc and Tan Son region as a whole continues to assert its fame, brand and economic value. In Long Coc alone, more than 700 hectares are dedicated to VietGAP and organic tea cultivation, significantly increasing the income of hundreds of families.
In parallel with tea cultivation, the Tan Son district is actively diversifying its crop portfolio, growing key products to fight poverty and enrich its residents. In particular, support was provided for the expansion of 200 hectares of specialty glutinous rice fields in various communities with an estimated annual yield of 1,000 tons.
The agricultural landscape of Tan Son district, embodied in the organic tea production of Long Coc, exemplifies a sustainable path to prosperity. By applying innovative technologies, establishing value chains and diversifying crops, the district is not only upgrading its farming communities, but also laying the foundation for the development of eco-tourism. As the district continues to focus on its staple agricultural products and environmentally friendly practices, it sets a precedent for integrated agricultural development by combining economic growth with environmental sustainability.
