Big C, agricultural co-op federation join forces to help longan farmers

Big C and the ACFT signed a memorandum of understanding under Pracha Rath’s framework to improve the livelihoods of Thai farmers and local communities sustainably. The two sides agreed to work closely to assist distraught farmers, promote demand-based agriculture and enhance the efficiency and availability of direct linkage among farmers, cooperatives and retailers.
The two sides kicked off their joint campaign by assisting distressed longan farmers in San Pa Tong district, Chiang Mai, who were left stuck with 100,000 kilograms of the fruit after their foreign clients cancelled the order because of the economic downturn and export problems.
Kudatara Nagaviroj, executive adviser for corporate affairs at Big C, said: “Big C is ready and eager to work with the ACFT, which represents more than 4,000 cooperatives nationwide, to offer market access, distribution channels, logistical and marketing support, knowledge transfer and growing plans in order to promote farmers’ and cooperatives’ direct entrance into our retail network.
“Our first task now is to help farmers in Chiang Mai who were stuck with 100,000kg of longan after their international orders were cancelled. Many farmers have been forced out of business by this problem. After the AFCT raised this [issue], Big C offered our sales channels as well as support on packaging and labelling, logistics, distribution, and marketing to help alleviate the problem.
 “These longans are of high quality – AA and A grades – are unpeeled, contain various health benefits |and are very popular among |Chinese consumers. At this stage, we will distribute 30,000kg of dried longan through all Big C store formats nationwide. We are also focusing |our efforts on tourist-frequented stores such as (those in) Rajdamri, Ratchda-pisek, Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai, where we expect large sales volumes.
“This is our first campaign under the government’s Pracha Rath framework, and we will continue our efforts to work with civil society, government and the private sector to promote farmers’ well-being.
“In 2016, Big C aims to purchase a total of 100,000 tonnes of fresh produce from Thai farmers – a 20-per-cent increase from [last] year. Big C will also arrange farmers’ markets in 180 Big C Supercenter, Big C Extra, Big C Jumbo and Big C Market stores nationwide to generate income and offer sourcing opportunities for farmers,” Kudatara said.