Nurturing Soil, Cultivating Futures : The Impact of the Soil Management Workshop for Thai Rice Producers

The recent Soil Management Workshop for Thai rice producers, organized by Fairtrade NAPP in collaboration with local small producer organizations (SPOs), was a critical step toward enhancing the knowledge and skills of rice growers in sustainable soil practices. Held at the Tohsang Heritage Ubonratchathani Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from August 16 to August 17, 2024, the workshop aimed to support producers in improving their techniques while aligning with Fairtrade’s commitment to sustainability and social justice.

The primary goal of the workshop was to equip rice producers with a deeper understanding of soil health and nutrient management. For Fairtrade-certified farmers, maintaining soil quality is crucial not just for better yields but also for meeting the rigorous standards required by Fairtrade certification. The workshop focused on practices that enhance productivity while preserving the environment, helping producers contribute to the global movement for ethical and sustainable farming.

Over two days, participants engaged in a range of activities designed to foster collaboration and hands-on learning. The workshop opened with an introduction by Ms. Sirisap Bijlmakers, the Country Program Manager of Thailand and Lao PDR for Fairtrade NAPP, who highlighted the importance of adhering to Fairtrade standards, particularly around soil and water requirements.

Key sessions included a presentation by Ms. Jaruwan Meesom, the Head of Technical Service at the Chainat Land Development Station Office District 1, who led discussions on rice growth development and nutrient requirements. Participants also had the opportunity to practice soil sampling techniques and nutrient testing using soil test kits, ensuring they could apply these skills directly in the field. Dr. Pattrarat Teamkao, a teacher from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology, delivered an insightful talk on the significance of living soil, the impact of organic agriculture, and the critical role microorganisms play in enhancing soil health. The workshop concluded with an analysis of soil test results, providing recommendations for improvement and outlining future training plans for producer members.

Participants left the workshop equipped with improved technical knowledge of soil management and practical skills in soil nutrient analysis. The knowledge gained will help them not only increase organic rice production but also ensure compliance with Fairtrade standards, which require a focus on sustainability and long-term environmental health. Each participant received a training manual in Thai to serve as a resource for future training sessions with their community members, further expanding the reach of these sustainable practices.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Kunyanee Boonta from the Thai Organic & Fairtrade Agriculture Group expressed her excitement about using the new skills to test soil nutrients across their farms. Mr. Wanlop Sukkhawapee from the Organic Agriculture Social Enterprise Innovators of Surin highlighted how relevant the training was to their everyday work, noting that the insights gained would significantly enhance their productivity and contribute to the sustainable farming movement championed by Fairtrade.

Following the success of this workshop, the SPOs plan to conduct further soil management training for their members post-harvest, between January and May 2025. However, a key challenge remains: the need for additional soil test kits to support comprehensive testing for all members. Recognizing the critical importance of soil quality for sustainable farming and Fairtrade compliance, the SPOs have reached out to Fairtrade NAPP for further support in sourcing these essential tools.