Thailand is embarking on a transformative journey in agriculture, launching a groundbreaking initiative to secure its food systems, boost sustainability, and dramatically increase farmer incomes. The Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF), a collaboration between CropLife Asia, the Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association (TAITA), and the Thai government, promises a new era of innovation, responsible practices, and collaboration for the nation’s vital agricultural sector.
BANGKOK, Thailand – In a major step towards modernizing its agricultural landscape, Thailand today unveiled the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF), a comprehensive strategy designed to revolutionize farming practices, protect the environment, and significantly improve the livelihoods of Thai farmers. This initiative, spearheaded by CropLife Asia and the Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association (TAITA), in close partnership with the Thai government, positions Thailand as a leader in sustainable agriculture within the region.
The SPMF was officially launched at the ‘Enabling Secure, Sustainable Food Systems through Collaboration & Innovation’ event, held at the InterContinental Bangkok. The event showcased Thailand’s selection as one of only nine countries worldwide to implement this framework, highlighting the nation’s commitment to agricultural innovation.
A Bold Vision for Thai Agriculture
The Thai government has set an ambitious goal: to triple farmer incomes within four years. The SPMF is a cornerstone of this vision, aiming to achieve this through a multi-pronged approach that emphasizes market linkage, innovation, and sustainability.
“CropLife Asia and TAITA have been essential partners in building a more secure and sustainable food system for Thailand,” stated Ms. Anongnat Jakaeo, Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. “Through this framework, we are creating a collaborative platform that addresses our farmers’ challenges while opening doors to sustainable and innovative opportunities. This initiative will help modernize Thailand’s agricultural sector and ensure safe, nutritious, and affordable food for both Thai people and global communities.”
The SPMF represents a US$13 million (approximately 500 million Thai baht) investment over five years, spanning nine countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Thailand is a key focus country in Asia, underscoring the framework’s potential impact on the nation’s agricultural sector, which employs roughly 30% of the workforce and contributes around 10% to the national GDP.
Three Pillars of Sustainable Transformation
The SPMF is built upon three key pillars, each designed to drive structural reforms and transition Thailand towards a more sustainable and resilient food system:
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Promoting Sustainable Practices: The framework promotes transparent risk management measures and the adoption of advanced agricultural solutions. This includes best practices in crop protection, ensuring that farming methods are both effective and environmentally sound.
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Increasing Innovation: A key focus is on enabling a regulatory environment that accelerates Thai farmers’ access to modern crop protection tools, practices, and application technologies. This includes cutting-edge technologies like drone applications, which can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce resource consumption.
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Responsible and Effective Use: The framework emphasizes training farmers in best practices for stewardship and ensuring responsible life cycle management throughout the supply chain. This ensures that crop protection methods are used safely and effectively, minimizing potential risks to human health and the environment.
Collaboration: The Key to Success
The SPMF emphasizes the crucial role of collaboration among all stakeholders – government, industry, academia, and farmers – to achieve its ambitious goals.
“SPMF Thailand is playing an increasingly instrumental role in bringing stakeholders together to drive new approaches, new technologies, new partnerships, and the regulatory frameworks to help ensure that our farmers have the tools they need and deserve to help realize a more resilient, robust and sustainable national food system,” said Ms. Simone Barg, President of CropLife Asia.
Mr. Paul Luxton, Vice President, CropLife Asia, added, “Increasing challenges like the devastating impacts from climate change, debilitating droughts and floods, and more pests and diseases to contend with make the job Thailand farmers face more demanding than ever. These men and women are the food heroes of Thailand and deserve our support. SPMF Thailand is driving collaboration across the food value chain to help national growers address these challenges, and enabling the cultivation of more crops safely and sustainably.”
Ms. Kluaymai Nuchniyom, President of TAITA, echoed this sentiment: “Collaboration among all stakeholders—government, industry, academia, and farmers—is essential to advancing Thailand’s agricultural sector. As a key player, TAITA brings expertise, knowledge, and innovation to strengthen regulatory standards and align with national strategies. By driving science-based policies, fostering best practices, and equipping farmers with cutting-edge technologies, we enhance productivity and food security. Through strategic cooperation, we can elevate the country’s global standing and drive long-term economic growth.”
Mr. Weraphon Charoenpanit, Vice President of TAITA, emphasized the transformative potential of the framework: “SPMF Thailand represents a transformative approach to agricultural innovation with modernized and integrated farming practices. By bringing together diverse partners and introducing advanced technologies like drone applications, we’re helping Thai farmers embrace more sustainable and efficient farming practices. Technological advancement including mechanization and drone application can significantly enhance efficiency and reducing resource and water consumption. This not only lowers the cost for famers but also benefits environment. This framework is already showing how innovation and collaboration can create lasting positive change for Thailand’s agricultural sector.”
Empowering Farmers, Ensuring a Sustainable Future
The SPMF is not just about policy; it’s about empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing world.
Mr. Khwanchai Taengthong, an award-winning farmer, shared his experience: “I’m a farmer who carefully manages every step of rice cultivation, leveraging technology such as drones to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. By adopting these modern practices, I have been able to lower greenhouse gas emissions and add greater value to agriculture. Because of SPMF, my livelihood has improved, enabling me to embrace sustainable farming practices more effectively. I am passionate about continuous learning and growth, and I take great pride in sharing knowledge with fellow farmers so that we can all advance together towards a more sustainable future.”
Addressing Challenges, Seizing Opportunities
While the SPMF presents a significant opportunity for Thai agriculture, challenges remain. Financing, sustainability concerns, and legislative hurdles need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of smart farming innovations like drones. However, the framework’s collaborative approach and focus on innovation provide a strong foundation for overcoming these obstacles.
Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia, concluded, “Realizing food systems that are both more secure and sustainable is not an either-or proposition. We can and must do both. SPMF Thailand and the partnership it represents between TAITA and the Thai Government embodies the shared commitment by both in this critically important pursuit.”
The Road Ahead
The SPMF represents a bold and ambitious vision for the future of Thai agriculture. By embracing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices, Thailand is poised to not only secure its food systems but also to become a global leader in agricultural sustainability. The framework’s success will depend on the continued commitment of all stakeholders, working together to empower farmers, protect the environment, and ensure a prosperous future for Thai agriculture. The framework will be implmented with over 50 million THB budget in the next 5 years.
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