The one-week Regional Workshop cum Structured Learning Visit (SLV) on Successful Contract Farming Models in Thailand commenced on May 18, 2015 at the MI Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen. This activity is part of the project “Capacity Development Program for Integrating CLMV Economies into AEC” funded by New Zealand Aid Programme. 

This workshop cum SLV aims to raise the awareness of participants to various contract farming arrangements and cross-border contract farming in the GMS and its importance in linking small-scale farmers to market. Factors contributing to the success of contract farming will be discussed during the workshop and validated during field visits to various CF models existing in Thailand. 

Twenty-eight decision makers from government ministries, provincial authorities, agri-business firms, farmer and producer groups who are directly involved in contract farming and cross-border agricultural trade in CLMV were invited to join this program. 

In the opening remarks, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, Director of Mekong Institute, stressed the significance of contract farming as an economic development approach that can lead to increases in farmers’ income and reduction of some economic risks in production and marketing of agricultural products, particularly price fluctuations and market uncertainties. He hoped that participants will be able to enhance their understanding of contract farming and start discussions on the capacity needs to improve cross-border contract farming policies and management systems in CLMV.