Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the roles of network partners in enhancing organic agriculture in Nakhorn Chaisri District, Nakhorn pathom Province; 2) to develop a model for the use of network partners in organic agriculture in Nakhorn Chaisri District, Nakhorn pathom Province; and 3) to present the guidelines for the development of network partners in enhancing organic agriculture in Nakhorn Chaisri District, Nakhorn pathom Province. The study applied a qualitative research method with data being collected from in-depth interview, focus group discussion, observation of public participation behavior, and triangulation technique.
From the study, the following results are found as follows:
1) The roles of network partners in enhancing organic agriculture are divided into three as follows: (1) manufacturing network partners; (2) processing network partners; and (3) marketing network partners. As a result, there is a training course for product manufacture, processing, distribution, and a study trip that leads to organic agriculture standards that enhance pest and weed control. This involves advising farmers on each variety of crops in accordance with the season, as well as generating learning materials on each remarkable case study to promote or disseminate to farmers interested in the organic agricultural system so that they can join as network partners.
2) The development of network partners to promote organic agriculture consists of the abstention of chemicals and chemical fertilizers, and replaced by biological methods that are in line with the principle of organic agricultural system. Farmers' problem is a shortage of agricultural revolving funds, without which they have no savings. However, the problem appears to be lessening because the costs of acquiring organic fertilizers and bio-substances for farmers are lower in the long term because farmers create them for their own use.
3) The guidelines for the use of network partners to promote organic agriculture aim to build a sustainable farmer network through the development of an organic product market system, for example, having a product standard certificate which provides farmers with an incentive to develop and plan product manufacture in accordance with market demand, including the establishment of distribution locations both inside and beyond the community. In addition, innovation should be promoted in the production of organic products with the goal of creating a more concrete identity for the community.