MOO DENG RICE

The floods in 2024 severely impacted multiple areas, especially in Chiang Rai Province, where farmers, particularly rice farmers, lost their entire yields. Organic farmers who cultivate rice once a year are among the most affected and require urgent support. These organic farming methods are eco-friendly but need significant care, have a narrow market, and, with only one annual harvest, cannot produce income until the next season. The organic rice can only be sold around December 2025.

The most affected areas in 2024 include Chiang Rai, leading the project to prioritize support for certified organic farmers in the province with networks in various areas and experience collaborating with public and private organizations, ensuring they can fulfill future crop deliveries to supporters.

The project supports two main farmer groups:

1.   Thung Tom Por Peng Community Enterprise Network in Thoeng District, Chiang Rai, is a diverse agricultural and livestock group (growing rice, vegetables, raising tilapia and pigs) that practices sustainable management. For example, they use rice straw in fish ponds to create plankton, while fish scraps are used for compost, and pig manure is added to rice fields. Waste is minimized, and product value is maximized. Led by new-generation farmer Pitchaya Phong Narongchai, the group includes 280 flood-affected families across two subdistricts, managing 1,300 rai (2,080 acres) of certified organic rice under Organic Thailand.

2.   Rak Thin Koet New Theory Farming Group operates a large organic rice field in Ban Dai Subdistrict, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, with 10 flood-affected farming families managing 166 rai (265 acres) of organic rice.