Participation Guarantee System: Promoting Thai Rice using International Geographical Indication and Organic Agriculture Standard Certification

Abstract Sangyod rice has a high export potential because it is a high nutrient, Geographical Indication (GI) rice, and its cultivation is encouraged under the Organic Agriculture Thailand Standard. However, it can still not maximize export value due to limitations in developing international organic farming standards. This study extended the participatory guarantee systems (PGS) criteria under GI and the National Organic Program (NOP)–the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standard by investigating its implementation by the Khao Sang Yod Maung Phatthalung Producers and Traders Association (SPTA). The voluntary participants involved 7 internal auditors, 17 committees, and 1 mill processor. According to the GI and USDA organic criteria, the internal control system based on PGS for the SPTA (PGS-SPTA) improved the rice processer, 12 farmers obtained GI and USDA organic certificates, and 93 farmers received GI certificates. In addition, internal auditors were certified under international organic agriculture standards. However, although Sangyod rice meets both GI and international standards, it cannot be exported because there is an insufficient area under production by the farmers under the criteria mentioned. Therefore, the Phatthalung province should promote the PGS-SPTA system for farmers with development qualifications to expand the area of Sangyod rice organic farming that meets export standards.