| TOTA: A Firm Foundation For The Development of Organic Agriculture | ||
| UPDATE : 2 March 2010 | ||
| The production of organic agricultural goods has become a popular choice over recent years among investors and entrepreneurs seeking a new business venture. The Thai Organic Trade Association (TOTA) has played an important role in supporting and encouraging private companies to invest in this challenging market. Supportive structure Established in 2005, TOTA aims to support entrepreneurs interested in investing in organic agriculture production through the organization of training programs for current and prospective investors, while promoting the country’s organic products in international markets and assisting members in negotiations with international trade partners. According to Wanlop Pichpongsa, president of TOTA, the production of organic produce has grown at a rate of about 10% per year over a number of years, despite the recent global economic downturn. Processed organic food products, such as instant tom yum and green curry are currently popular among health conscious consumers in international markets who also love Thai food. However, Thai producers of organic goods have yet to fully exploit the potential for exports by raising productivity and attaining the required international standards. Standards crucial to fueling growth One of TOTA’s main objectives is to encourage prospective entrepreneurs to aim to attain widely accepted international standards, as regulated by the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement (IFOAM), so that they will meet the requirements of destination markets. Some countries use a different regulatory system, or, in the case of Germany and Japan, apply their own standards on imports of fruits and vegetables. Exports of rice into the US and of longan into China are likewise subject to specific local standards. A rich source of supplies Members of TOTA export a host of agricultural products to international trading partners, including beverages, coconut milk and oil, coffee beans, fruits and vegetables, grains and rice, herbal teas, honey, peanut butter, seasonings, sesame, starch and tapioca. Among the processed organic foods exported by members are cereals, frozen cooked rice, frozen prawns and fruit jams. Supply chain expertise TOTA is also focused on creating a better understanding of supply chain management among its members and prospective investors. “An investor needs to predict effectively the situation in terms of the system management in order to generate effective production to serve the needs of the market,” he says. TOTA and several of its members, including the Green Net Cooperative and Thai Organic Food, organize training events and talks regarding organic agricultural production and inform the public about venture opportunities throughout the year. Many organic producers share their experiences and provide consultancy services during the events. For further information, visit TOTA’s official website at http://www.thaiorganictrade.com. | ||
วันอังคารที่ 2 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2553
TOTA: A Firm Foundation For The Development of Organic Agriculture
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