The Thai Cooperative Rice Center and Cooperative Goods Distribution Center were established in 2012 to serve as a central hub for the trading of all types and varieties of rice processed by agricultural cooperatives nationwide. The center sells to both domestic and international consumers and businesses while supporting and preserving indigenous rice varieties. Additionally, the center functions as a hub for distributing other cooperative products. To ensure the success of this project in connecting cooperative networks and developing cooperative businesses, ACFT has implemented the project based on cooperative ideals, principles, and methods, therefore ACFT has organized:
ACFT: A New Era, Moving Forward into the 7th Decade, Sustainable Growth of Thai Agricultural Cooperatives
The Agricultural Co-operative Federation of Thailand, Ltd. (ACFT) serves as the central hub for cooperation among agricultural cooperatives, offering comprehensive services to its members in production promotion, procurement of production inputs, marketing, knowledge provision, and welfare to achieve economic and social success.
1st – 6th Decades: Establishing a Strong Foundation for Agricultural Cooperatives
The Agricultural Co-operative Federation of Thailand, Ltd. (ACFT) began as the Thailand Wholesale Cooperative, registered on 30th May 1952. On 4th February 1970, ACFT partnered with the Japan Agricultural Co-operative Federation (ZEN-NOH) to establish T.J.C. Chemical Co., Ltd. to produce and supply pesticides and other production inputs to cooperatives, members, and general farmers. ACFT was formed by the amalgamation of provincial cooperatives nationwide, aiming to conduct business in production, trade, service, and industry for the benefit of cooperative members and farmers, including providing welfare and technical support.
7th Decade : Vision to Lead Cooperatives into the Global Arena
The vision of Mr. Sirichai Orsuwan, President of The Agricultural Co-operative Federation of Thailand, Ltd. (ACFT) and National Outstanding Cooperative Leader for 2014, is to make ACFT a leading global organization that connects Thai agricultural cooperatives with the world and future changes.
The Thai Cooperative Rice Center
The Thai Cooperative Rice Center was initiated by Mr. Sirichai Orsuwan, President of The Agricultural Co-operative Federation of Thailand, Ltd. (ACFT) and a National Outstanding Cooperative Leader for 2014, with the approval of the ACFT’s Executive Committee. Its purpose is to collect high-quality rice varieties from cooperatives nationwide, serving as a marketing and service channel for members and the general public to consume high-standard cooperative rice. It also supports member farmers.
Establishment of the “Thai Cooperative Rice Center and Cooperative Product Distribution Center”
The Cooperative Promotion Department has developed the “Cooperative Product Distribution Center” project to improve and expand the sales channels for cooperative products, ensuring convenient access, quality, and fair prices. This aims to foster sustainable development in cooperative production and marketing systems. ACFT, as the central hub for agricultural cooperatives nationwide, has been tasked by the Department of Cooperative Promotion to establish the Cooperative Product Distribution Center. This center will act as the central link in the production and marketing network, facilitating the distribution of products from cooperative producers to members and consumers at fair prices.
The Thai Cooperative Rice Center, part of the Cooperative Product Distribution Center, was established based on the idea of Mr. Sirichai Orsuwan, President of ACFT, and National Outstanding Cooperative Leader, cecognizing that rice farming is the primary occupation for most farmers in the country, yet they lack bargaining power and are often exploited by buyers, leading to debt, Mr. Osuwan envisioned the establishment of the Thai Cooperative Rice Center, and supported by the Department of Cooperative Promotion, the center aims to be a hub for buying and selling all types of rice, including jasmine rice, sticky rice, white rice, and indigenous rice varieties, produced and processed by agricultural cooperatives across the country. This center aims to sell rice directly to consumers with the slogan “Support Thai Farmers, Happiness for Both Givers and Receivers.” Additionally, it is intended to serve as a learning center for youth and the general public to learn about the various rice varieties of Thailand, their history, origins, the lives of farmers, and the entire process involved in producing the rice we consume today.
http://www.sahakornthai.com/coopthailand/index.php/learning-center/dowload