Key Factors Affecting the Success of Organic Agriculture in Thai Communities: Three Case Studies in Ubon Ratchathani and Srisaket Provinces.

Abstract

Organic agriculture policy has been on Thailand’s national agenda since 2005. Presently it is part of the second national strategic plan for organic agriculture development (2013-2016). However, since the policy was implemented, the organic agriculture situation in Thailand has been far from achieving success. The organic area has increased 0.1 percent annually and shares are 0.2 percent of the total agricultural area. As well, imported chemical fertilizers have increased from 3.8 million tons in 2008 to 5.7 million tons in 2012. This research studies the factors affecting the success and sustainability of organic agriculture in the local community. Three different case settings of organic and organic transition groups in Ubon Ratchathani and Srisaket provinces were chosen, and the case studies were conducted using qualitative methodology. The findings indicate that social capital, supporting knowledge, technology, innovation and markets help sustain organic farming at the local level. Ultimately, experience in organic practices helps farmers understand the concept of a sufficiency economy.