Illustrative image (Source: www.bangkokpost.com)Bangkok (VNA) - The private sectors of ASEAN membernations are preparing to build standards for organic products in order toreduce production costs and improve supply chain management.
According to Vitoon Panyakul, Chairman of the ASEAN Organic Federation, the agencywill introduce the organic standards at Biofach Southeast Asia 2019 and NaturalExpo Southeast Asia 2019 from July 11-14 in Nonthaburi.
The Federation represents six major organic-producing countries in SoutheastAsia, including Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam andThailand.
Local media quoted Vitoon as saying that organic-producing countries in ASEANstill have different standards for organic crops, livestock, aquaculture andprocessed food.
The same organic standards in ASEAN will improve supply chain managementand reduce production costs of the regional countries, he said.
Total area of organic cultivation land in ASEAN is estimated at 4,800 sq.m.Almost ASEAN member countries, excluding Malaysia and Singapore, are producersof organic products for export.
Vitoon said ASEAN countries should altogetherproduce fewer mass organic products and make better-quality organic products.
He noted that ASEAN organic productionstill faces challenges, including weak supply chain management and a lack ofintegrated promotion.
Climate change from global warming, the long dry spell and higher labour costsalso have an impact on organic agricultural production.
Consumers are still confused about organic products because of too many foodlabelling schemes such as safe conventional agriculture, good agriculturalpractice, pesticide-free agriculture, hygienic food, pesticide safe and organic,he said, adding that the same organic standards in ASEAN will help address thisconfusion.-VNA
VNA
