Syngenta Thailand ‘Farmer Network for Food Safety’

Editorial Staff

Syngenta Thailand joins forces with public and private sectors signing MOU to boost farmers' potential in ‘Farmer Network for Food Safety’ Project.

Syngenta Crop Protection Company, in collaboration with Raks Thai Foundation, Qbox Point Co.,Ltd. (Farmbook application), Mae Chaem Sub-district Municipality, and the Mae Suek Sub-district Administrative Organization, jointly signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote and develop the potential of farmers under the ‘Farmer Network for Food Safety’ Project in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province.

Mrs. Pamela Gonzalez, Head of Asia Group, Syngenta Crop Protection Co said. This collaboration marks a concerted effort to elevate the agricultural industry in Thailand, ensure occupational stability, and promote sustainable improvements in the quality of life for farmers.

“We are immensely proud to initiate this project and express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed, both from the public and private sectors, to make this project happened. We believe that collaboration from all sectors will help elevate the safety standards of crops and promote sustainable production of safe food for Thai farmers in accordance with the international standards of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP). These standards are widely recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and serve as a global benchmark for agricultural product exports. This project extends beyond cultivated fields; it’s a promise to nurture our land, protect the environment, sustain farmers’ income, and ensure produce quality and safety.”

Ms. Kluaymai Nuchniyom, general manager, Syngenta Crop Protection Co, said. “This collaboration marks a collective potential from each participating organization to contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural industry. As a leader in the new era of agricultural solutions, we recognize the challenges faced by farmers due to insufficient planning. We are ready to provide knowledge in innovation and agricultural technology to our farmers, focusing on the proper use of crop nutrition products, harvesting techniques, and pesticide application. Our aim is to empower farmers to practice safe and sustainable agriculture, ensuring optimal yields. Additionally, we strive to assist in finding markets that adhere to the standards of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) for the produce of farmers participating in the program.”

Mr. Pormboon Panichpak, secretary of the Raks Thai Foundation, said this collaboration is a collective commitment to promote and develop farmers, fostering their connection to markets. With over 38 years of community development experience in the Northern region.

“We are familiar with the local area and have established positive relationships with farmers and communities and have identified that farmers lack options in cultivation, face challenges in accessing innovative knowledge and technology, have low income, and encounter limitations in market access. The foundation is ready to facilitate coordination with farmer groups in need of assistance to join this project, enabling them to cultivate safe and standardized crops and sell their produce to the project with a guaranteed market.”

Mr. Thitipan Boonmi, Founder and CEO of Qbox Point Co or Farmbook application, said “We are delighted to contribute to the empowerment of small farmers, enhancing their agricultural businesses efficiently. As an agricultural business platform, we aim to connect farmers' produce to entrepreneurs or markets in need, serving as a central hub for transportation from farms to processing plants and onward to retailers and consumers. Additionally, we provide essential support and knowledge in technology and business to enable farmers to efficiently manage production and agricultural businesses.”

This project will start with a farmer group and household members in the upper northern region, involving approximately 300 households and 1,200 individuals, covering an estimated area of 480 rai. It will begin as a pilot project in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, and is scheduled to run for three years, from October 2023 to September 2026.

“We believe that this collaborative project not only serves to promote and develop the capabilities of farmers but also propels the agricultural industry in Thailand to greater recognition both nationally and globally. It fosters confidence among producers and consumers, adhering to Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards. This initiative aims to improve farmers' quality of life, enhance income stability, and contribute to a more sustainable environmental system in the upgraded farming areas, aligning with sustainable agriculture practices," emphasized Ms. Kluaymai Nuchniyom.