Regional Workshop cum Structured Learning Visit on "Successful Contract Farming Models in Thailand," June 16-21, 2014
June 21, 2014
A six-day Regional Workshop cum Structured Learning Visit (SLV) on Successful Contract Farming Models in Thailand commenced at the Mekong Institute (MI) Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen on Monday, June 16, 2014. Thirty four participants (9 participants each from Cambodia and Myanmar, and 8 participants each from Lao PDR and Vietnam) attended this program. As part of the training, the participants visited four sites of successful contract farming companies, namely, SF Khon Kaen in Khon Kaen province, P&F Techno Company in Bangkok, Siam Agro-Food Industry Public Company (SAICO) and their Pineapple Producer Groups in Rayong province, Taniyama Siam Company and their Asparagus Farmer Groups in Nakhon Pathom province in the last four days of the program. Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, Director, MI, warmly welcomed all participants from CLMV to the program. In his welcoming speech, he stressed the importance of contract farming as an economic development approach that can lead to the increase of farmers' income and reduction of some economic risks, especially on price fluctuations of the agriculture products. He hoped that during this six-day program, the participants will learn both the success and failures of Thai experiences in conducting contract farming from Resource Persons and the successful contract farming companies. He also hoped that the participants will be able to apply some of the knowledge gained from the program when they return to their respective countries. At the end of his speech, he thanked New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP) for their financial support and all the participants for their attendance.