ASEAN's federation of organic farming planned

BANGKOK, April 22 (TNA) -- Thailand is to propose an establishment of a regional organic farming federation of ASEAN countries. To promote itself as the center of organic farming and trading in ASEAN, the Commerce Ministry will organize Thailand’s biggest organic fair, “Organic & Natural Expo” at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok from July 27 to 30. Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said Friday that the ministry planned to invite private businesses and organic farmers to join a federation of organic farming of ASEAN. The proposed organization would serve for sharing experiences, know-hows and technology regarding organic farming among producers and distributors of organic farm products in ASEAN, she said. Prospective members will be invited to join a conference during the Expo, she said. For domestic plan, Thailand aims to increase the country’s share of the world market in the organic sector as it foresaw that as a sustainable way to help farmers and promote good living. A national strategic plan for organic farming for 2017 to 2021, Thailand looks to increase the number of organic farmers to 30,000 and organic product exports. Under the plan, exports of organic products to the world market are forecast to grow 10 per cent each year from the current Bt4 billion a year. (TNA)