Thailand has signalled its ambitions to significantly expand its organic food production.
Three memorandums of understanding (MOU) were signed at the beginning of 2018 by 20 northeastern provinces and relevant agencies for their cooperation in developing organic agriculture. They involve cooperation in growing organic tapioca, watermelon, and herbal plants.
The development is part of a Thai Government plan on organic agriculture in the Northeast of the country running from 2017 to 2021. The plan aims to designate planting areas for organic farming, raise farmers’ awareness about chemical-free agriculture, and set standards for organic products.
It also focuses on organic farming on large farmland plots, where farmers work in an integrated manner. Pilot provinces under this plan include Yasothon, Maha Sarakham, and Si Sa Ket. Major crops to be emphasized include rice, tapioca, sugar cane, and soybean. Markets for organic products in various areas will be linked together.
Deputy Prime Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong said that the Government attaches great importance to promoting organic farming. It called on all sectors of society to translate the organic agriculture policy into action. The National Organic Agriculture Development Committee has been formed, along with subcommittees at the regional level and working groups at the provincial level, to mobilize efforts to implement this policy.
The Cabinet on 11 April 2017 approved the National Organic Agriculture Development Strategy, 2017-2021 for use as a framework to develop organic agriculture. The five-year strategy seeks to increase organic agricultural productivity and develop Thailand’s organic products, so that they will be recognized more widely among both local and international consumers.
Picture: Phrao Organic Farm, Ampur Phrao, Thailand