Strategies for the development of participatory organic agriculture network (PGS), Pad Riew, Chachoengsao province

ABSTRACT

The objective of this qualitative research was to determine a network development strategy through a focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, participant observation, and non-participant observation from 18 key informants. The major findings indicated that the strengths were the farming-facilitating areas, the network's PGS quality assurance system, the management strength and member participation, the knowledge of the PGS, bargaining power, and selfless leaders. However, weaknesses were insufficient inspectors, unsystematic network document storage, members' lack of note taking, lack of packaging model, inability to keep up with modern agricultural technology, labor shortages, and high wages. Opportunities were local agencies support, government policies focusing on organic agriculture, and growing organic consumption trends. The threats were climate change, aging agricultural workers, high production costs, and the COVID-19 epidemic situation. Network development strategy using TOWS Matrix method could be defined in 4 aspects as follows For the management aspect, strategies include (1) Encouraging members to form a community enterprise. (2) Developing a course for field inspectors and training the new generation of farmers. For the development of network members, strategies include (1) Promoting the Young Smart Farmer. (2) Educating and the importance of note taking. For the development of production, the strategies include (1) Promoting knowledge in applying for higher organic farming standards. (2) Promoting the establishment of underground water banks. For the development of marketing and packaging, the recommended strategies include (1) Developing a model of packaging for organic products, and (2) Creating understanding of organic products with consumers.