Known in Thai as Rai Pluk Rak (‘the Plantation of Love’), Thai Organic Farm has been operating for over 10 years. The farm has hosted numerous visitors from across the kingdom, who get to learn about its environmentally-friendly activities and management techniques. Vegetables account for the majority of the farm’s output.
A learning experience
Co-owner Kaan Ritkhachorn, 39, says it’s important to share knowledge with the general public so they get a better understanding of the production processes.
“Prospective consumers [of organic foods] should get the chance to see with their own eyes how we produce the food to better understand how organic agriculture can help to save the environment and improve their health,” he says.
Production at the farm strictly adheres to the standards laid out by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements. This means the 60-rai (10-hectare) plot is free from all forms of chemical fertilizers and insecticides, herbicides or artificial use of hormones.
Kaan says the farm focuses on maintaining the local ecological system. He grows various kinds of flowers round the edges of each vegetable plot in order to attract flying insects to help maintain the correct balance of insects within the area. In other words, different insects control the life cycles of other kinds of insects within the farm.
Insightful adventure
The farm’s tour excursion is designed to show visitors the benefits of organic farming, which vary from preserving the native environment and promoting a healthful diet to minimizing the effects of harmful chemicals among agricultural laborers.
Visitors to the farm come from a variety of backgrounds and occupations, including office employees who are considering setting up a farming enterprise on their retirement, as well as city dwellers looking to purchase various organic products. Families also visit as parents sense that the farm can provide a fun, learning-based adventure for their children.
Kaan usually organizes a one day program so visitors have enough time to experience the variety of ‘learning stations’ located within the farm. Activities range from a talk introducing the various roles insects play in the process of organic farming, a closer look at various kinds of vegetables grown on the farm, as well as a visit to a small, enclosed duck farm where ducks are raised on organic vegetables and swim freely in a pond.
The program also includes some hands-on activities, including preparing fruit punch (see main photo), salad dressings, and preserved duck eggs.
Kaan says that while the farm tour reassures prospective consumers about the production processes, it also provides a good overview for people who are interested in developing their own organic farm.
He says that he is happy to share his experiences in running an organic farm with visitors.
“I’d like to see more people to feel confident about buying organic products and see more people investing in organic farming enterprises,” he says.
For further details about farm tours and organic products at Thai Organic Farm, visit the official website at http://www.thaiorganicfood.com.
Source: www.thailandoutlook.tv
