Notable among them is the Tan Thao Strawberry Cooperative, which has 15 members and cultivates 30 hectares of strawberries. Nguyen Dinh Lam, Director of the cooperative, said that initially, strawberry farming was done in an unorganized manner, without following any specific process, and without cooperation in selling. As a result, prices were unstable and the fruit quality was not high. However, since the establishment of the cooperative, members have been trained in VietGAP production practices, with a focus on forming linkages in sale, ensuring that products are sold at stable prices. In the 2023-2024 strawberry season, the average profit reached 350-400 million VND (15,889 USD) per hectare, and the members’ livelihoods have steadily improved.

Dieu Chinh Nam, a member of the cooperative, shared: "My family has 1.5 hectares of strawberries, grown and cared for under the VietGAP method. The plants produce good quality, large, beautiful fruits. This year, we harvested more than 30 tonnes of strawberries, with large, ripe, beautiful "Vip" fruits priced at 270,000-300,000 VND per kilogram at the farm or even 350,000 VND per kilogram at the beginning of the season. Smaller strawberries are priced lower, between 150,000-180,000 VND per kilogram. After deducting expenses, our family earns about 1 billion VND ($39,722)."

Meanwhile, the Phieng Quai Agricultural Cooperative in Phieng Quai Tong Chinh hamlet, Chiêng Ban commune, has improved its operations by promoting solidarity among its members, and sharing experience in the production, care, processing, and sale of coffee and fruits. Director Lo Van Nghia said that the cooperative has 15 members, growing nearly 60 hectares of coffee, 40 hectares of longan, and 3 hectares of macadamia in intercropping. It also has 20 hectares of plums and 3 hectares of dragon fruit. The annual fruit production reaches nearly 1,200 tonnes, with revenue of nearly 13 billion VND per year. This success is attributed to active participation in training courses on crop care techniques and the exchange of experience with owners of successful coffee and fruit tree models both inside and outside the district.

Thanks to their dynamism and creativity in renewing and improving the quality of their operations, the cooperatives have proactively formed linkages in production and sale to enhance product quality, value, and competitiveness. To date, all cooperatives in Mai Son district have transitioned and registered their activities under the 2012 Cooperative Law. They have developed 20 OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, including 10 rated 4 stars. These OCOP products have gradually established their reputation in markets inside and outside the province, contributing to the development of production while creating jobs and increasing incomes for the local people.

Cam Thi Khay, Vice Chairwoman of the Mai Son district People’s Committee, said: "Continuing to accompany the cooperatives, the district has directed the specialised departments to strengthen coordination, organise training courses for cooperatives on the basic contents of the 2012 Cooperative Law, management skills, production and business operations, production techniques, quality management, and product marketing. Every year, the district People's Committee organises dialogues with the cooperatives to understand their concerns and promptly address their petitions, proposals, and difficulties within their authority or propose solutions to higher authorities for consideration."

Building connections between cooperatives, businesses, scientists, and credit organisations to support production and product sale, Mai Son district has enhanced awareness of the role of cooperatives, encouraged the development of new-style cooperatives, and connected cooperatives with other economic sectors, she said.

It has also facilitated their participation in trade promotion and market expansion, and developed cooperatives that produce sustainably and environmentally-friendly agricultural products, making a positive contribution to the local socio-economic development, she added.