“Four-party linkage” model: A key to upgrading agricultural products

Vietnam’s agriculture, including that of Tuyen Quang province, is facing the pressing need to shift from “quantity” to “quality.” In this process, the “four-party linkage” model - between the State, scientists, businesses, and farmers - is regarded as the key to building high-quality and sustainable agriculture.

In Tuyen Quang, the success of Soi Ha pomelo (Xuan Van commune), now among seven OCOP products exported to Europe in 2024, demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation among the four parties: the State with policies, planning, and trade promotion; scientists with technical and technological support; businesses with investment and market access; and farmers with innovation in production.

However, in many areas, the linkage remains loose, lacking legal commitments. Businesses are still concerned about risks, while farmers continue with small-scale, fragmented production.

To maximize the collective strength, the State must create transparent, supportive policies; scientists need to tie research more closely to practice; businesses should invest boldly and ensure transparency in contract farming; and farmers must embrace market-oriented thinking. Only then can the four-party linkage become a driving force to elevate Tuyen Quang’s agricultural products to new heights.

Bao Ngan