Tinh Sang Duong is not only the name of a herbal cooperative in western Nghe An but also a philosophy of life: “When the mind is calm, wisdom becomes clear,” said one of the brothers, describing their shared dream of prosperity from medicinal herbs.

Turning a herbal dream into reality

At the foot of Len Xat Mountain in Hop Thanh, a specialized medicinal herb zone has taken shape. Terraced plots grow cà gai leo (solanum procumbens), day thia canh (gymnema), trinh nu hoang cung (crinum latifolium), bach bo (stemona tuberosa), and more.

Director La Van Duy explained that the cooperative now manages over 10 hectares directly and links with another 10 hectares from local farmers, totaling more than 20 hectares cultivating 12 herbal varieties. The cooperative applies a closed-loop production system with strict standards covering soil preparation, planting, care, harvesting, and processing.

What makes Tinh Sang Duong remarkable is not only its scale but also the fact that three siblings united their vision to build it. The cooperative also provides stable incomes for participating households. Importantly, its herbal growing areas are certified to GACP-WHO standards, one of only two cooperatives nationwide to achieve this.

The dream originated with the youngest brother, La Van Khoi. After graduating from the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine, he worked as Head of the Traditional Medicine Department at Tay Bac Nghe An General Hospital. Witnessing the potential of herbs, Khoi sought ways to develop local products to lift his community out of poverty. With his elder brothers’ support, the cooperative was founded in April 2022 on 5 hectares of family land in Hop Thanh.

The brothers faced early challenges persuading villagers to join, organizing production under strict standards, and building their brand. Their greatest strength, however, was unwavering support from family and local authorities.

Today, Tinh Sang Duong manages over 20 hectares of medicinal herbs, operates two traditional medicine clinics run by Dr. La Van Khoi, two herbal shops selling over 30 products, and partners with dozens of farming households.

To ensure quality, the cooperative invested in drying ovens, cold dryers, herbal extractors, grinders, sterilizers, sealing machines, and capping equipment. Five product lines have already achieved three-star OCOP ratings, and their products are now sold nationwide and exported to 10 countries.

Linking for shared prosperity

Beyond herbs, the cooperative also promotes beekeeping for honey, used in herbal products. Ten households linked with the cooperative earn impressive incomes. For example, Mr. Tan, with 50 hives, earns USD 2,800 annually; Mr. Luan, with 30 hives, earns USD 1,600; and Mr. Hong, with 25 hives, also earns USD 1,600.

Herbal farmers also see steady returns. Mr. Dinh Trong Son, with 2,000 square meters of solanum procumbens, earns USD 2,000 annually; Mr. Nguyen Cong Giap, with 3,000 square meters of xa den (celastrus hindsii), earns USD 1,800; while Ms. Nguyen Thi Trang, with 3,000 square meters of celery, earns USD 2,000.

Farmer Dam Van Suong from Trong Canh said: “We used to grow acacia, but it had low value. Medicinal herbs bring much more promise.”

For cooperative members, steady work means a decent income. Member Lang Thi Hoa shared: “I’ve worked here since the start, preparing herbal extracts and packing tea bags. I earn USD 280–320 per month, much better than working the fields.”

Director Duy explained: “We chose to form a cooperative instead of a company because cooperation and linkage with local authorities and villagers are the foundation. Together we can revive the cooperative model, which has long been undervalued.”

This principle has sustained Tinh Sang Duong’s growth. In addition to its 10 hectares, the cooperative has transferred techniques and provided seedlings to another 10 hectares managed by linked households.

Thanh Nguyen