Local Marketing of Organic Products in Developing Countries

These pictures are from an organic farmers' market which I visisted a while ago in Chiang Mai. The farmers were supported by a Thai NGO and the market was held once a week, if I remember right.

The idea was not only to promote and sell organic products, but also to re-connect rural communities and urban communities. This community idea was very important for them.

They also put some emphasis on local and old varieties, because in conventional production seed and varieties had already largely been replaced by Chinese hybrid seeds and many old varieties and species are being lost.

They had developed their own certification scheme suited to their own needs, and their own logo (see below).

The NGO not only supported the development of the marketing but also farmer experimentation, which you can see on the last few pictures.

Looked like a very promising project to me.

Thomas Becker

Organic farmers' market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Relaxed and friendly atmosphere

Local specialities & local varieties

Own certificate and logo

Explanation of concept & organisation for customers

Explanation of concept & organisation for customers

Explanation of concept & organisation for customers

Explanation of concept & organisation for customers

Layout of farmers' trial fields

Trial fields