Organic Farming
Due to increasing concern for the risk to human health, as well as the affects to environment of conventional farming, needs for products from organic farming has grown very rapidly. However, majority of organic farmers in Thailand produce for export which more than 50% are jasmine rice.
At present, there are diverse range of levels and standards of organic products in the market. Most of them are either not wholly organic ( limited use of synthetic
pesticides but regular use of chemical fertilizers), or are not certified by reliable organizations. "Organic Thailand” brand is issued by The Ministry of Agriculture to guarantee the farms that strictly practice the standards and regulations set by The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), who has defined organic farming as follows:
"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.."
Organic Farming tools may include crop rotation, green manure, cover cropping, application of compost, mulching, natural pest control, and mechanical cultivation to maintain soil productivity. Anyhow, the certified “Organic Thailand” farmers have to observe to these restrictions…
