Through Fairtrade Original, farmers from Ruam Thai visited the Sisaket Fairtrade Farmer Group. The farmers who still grow pineapples in Ruam Thai, and therefore have to deal with elephants that damage their crops almost every day, are very interested in BTEH’s Tom Yum project. With the Tom Yum project we encourage farmers to grow crops that elephants do not like. But to switch to these crops, a reliable market is obviously needed. And preferably one that is fair!
The Sisaket Fairtrade Farmer Group shared their knowledge and 12 years of experience with Fairtrade with great enthusiasm. Several issues to become Fairtrade certified have been discussed, and of course we visited the farms of several participating farmers. The farmers of Ruam Thai went home full of valuable insights and inspiration. This could make a big difference in the peaceful coexistence of elephants and Thai farmers. Many thanks for the hospitality of the farmers in Sisaket and the introduction by Fairtrade Original. We hope for a sequel!
The Tom Yum project is part of the Human Elephant Coexistence Through Alternative Agricultural Research (HECTAAR) in collaboration with Trunks & Leaves.
