Venue: The Miracle Grand Hotel and the Asian Institute of Technology
Bangkok, Thailand
Date: 8-10 September 2008
Overview:
This symposium/workshop will provide valuable lessons on organic farming policy. Participating country representatives have been tapped to share organic experiences including the successes and constraints of organic farming.
International authorities, organic agriculture experts, experienced organic traders, resource person from certification organizations and health concerned audiences have been invited to recommended applicable means in the promotion of organic agriculture within the South East Asian region including the following countries Malaysia, Vietnam, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand.
Anticipated highlights include the declaration of the Bangkok Organic Symposium carrying the theme “Think Organic… Think Thailand” on future collaboration on regional organic agriculture.
Rationale:
Organic agriculture addresses the relevant and current concerns for progressive food acquisition and its implication to the environment. It aims to protect natural resources, improve ecological biodiversity and consumer health and generate income for farmers contributing to poverty alleviation.
Organic farming is promoted in South East Asia, a region that is globally significant in the production and export of food. Organic farming products potentially receive price premiums, however, greater efforts are needed to sustain production technology, certification systems, supply chain management, marketing analysis and research and development.
In Thailand organic produce entered the marketplace in the early 90s when the health bug hit the country. Organic products were first launched specially stores and was then eased in to the mainstream market.
Organic farming has been identified as a way to achieve sustainable economics and to conserve the natural resources in the 10th Thailand National Economic and Social Development Plan. The Organic Symposium and Regional Workshop to be held in Bangkok this year, 2008 aims to seek cooperation in promoting organic agriculture and trade in the South East Asia region through the three-day seminar-workshop.
Organizer:
1. Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
2. National Innovation Agency (NIA)
3. Thai Organic Trade Association (TOTA)
Contact: Ms. Weena Srisawas; Ms. Tasana Sa-id, Secretary
Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology
Asian Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 4 Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120
Tel: +66 2 524 5487, +66 2 524 5450, +66 2 524 5488
Fax: +66 2 524 6200
E-mail: weena.srisawas@ait.ac.th; tasana@ait.ac.th
Please note that for the Regional Workshop the secretariat will confirm with you for the acceptance of attending after receiving your pre-registration fax or E-mail or postal mail.