CropLife Asia and Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association Highlight Framework to Enable Secure, Sustainable Food Systems through Collaboration and Innovation

CropLife Asia and Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association Highlight Framework to Enable Secure, Sustainable Food Systems through Collaboration and Innovation

New framework aims to enhance Thailand's agricultural sustainability while protecting human health through innovative farming practices and responsible crop protection

BANGKOK, Thailand, March 12, 2025 – CropLife Asia and the Thai Agricultural Innovation Trade Association (TAITA) today announced the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF), a new framework for enabling secure and sustainable food systems. This initiative is set to transform Thai farming communities, safeguard the environment, protect human health, and optimize agricultural productivity.

The framework represents a comprehensive approach to agricultural development, merging best practices in crop protection, innovation, and regulation in adherence to international standards. It was first launched back in 2021 when CropLife International introduced the initiative in Africa, with Thailand designated as a key implementation country in Asia. The program is part of a five-year, US$13 million investment (around 500 million Thai baht) in nine countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America that works to improve the livelihood and quality of life for farmers.

"CropLife Asia and TAITA have been essential partners in building a more secure and sustainable food system for Thailand," said 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."

“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.

“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,” said Mr. Paul Luxton, Vice President, CropLife Asia. “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.”

TAITA represents the Thailand chapter of CropLife Asia, comprising both agricultural producers and importers, who are dedicated to elevating Thailand's agricultural sector. Ms. Kluaymai Nuchniyom, President of TAITA, agreed that stakeholder cooperation was key. "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," said Ms. Kluaymai.

“SPMF Thailand represents a transformative approach to agricultural innovation with modernized and integrated farming practices" said Mr. Weraphon Charoenpanit, Vice President of TAITA. "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.”

Through the SMPF projects and activities in Thailand, we are creating a unique collaborative platform that will help us overcome the challenges our farmers face and open doors to new sustainable and innovative opportunities. With its overall budget of more than 50 million THB to be implemented in Thailand over 5 years, SPFM Thailand has been and will continue to drive changes in Thai agricultural sector towards safe, affordable and nutritious food for Thai people and the world.

The framework was launched at the 'Enabling Secure, Sustainable Food Systems through Collaboration & Innovation' event at InterContinental Bangkok. The program highlighted Thailand's position as one of nine countries worldwide selected for implementation and showcased collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to advance sustainable agricultural practices and innovation in Thailand.

The initiative focuses on three key pillars for structural reforms to transition towards sustainable food systems:

• Promoting sustainable practices through transparent risk management measures and advanced agricultural solutions.
• Increasing innovation by enabling the regulatory environment to accelerate Thai farmers' access to modern crop protection tools, practices and application technologies.
• Responsible and effective use by training farmers and keeping up with best practices in stewardship while ensuring the supply chain in Thailand takes measures for responsible life cycle management.

This will empower Thai farmers by equipping them with modern crop protection tools to effectively manage challenges while adhering to international standards and best practices. As a result, they can maximize opportunities in both domestic markets and export demand.

"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,” said Mr. Khwanchai Taengthong, awarded Outstanding Farmer in 2019. “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."

The Thai Government has released an ambitious policy goal of tripling the income of the nation's farmers within four years through market linkage and innovation as the driving engine for change. Thailand's agriculture sector employs roughly 30% of the national workforce and contributes around 10% to Thailand's national GDP. Innovative technologies, market linkage, and more environmentally friendly tools can play a crucial role in realizing more sustainable, resilient agricultural development. Smart farming innovations like drones are starting to play a more prominent and impactful role for Thai farmers. However significant challenges remain in regard to financing, sustainability and legislation.

“Realizing food systems that are both more secure and sustainable is not an either-or proposition. We can and must do both,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia. “SPMF Thailand and the partnership it represents between TAITA and the Thai Government embodies the shared commitment by both in this critically important pursuit.”

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