Collaboration with Public Partnerships for the Development of Farmers into Organic Agricultural Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Against the backdrop of climate change, food insecurity, and the limitations of chemically intensive agricultural systems, transforming farmers into organic agricultural entrepreneurs has emerged as a critical pathway for improving livelihoods, strengthening grassroots economic resilience, and advancing sustainable development. This study aims to examine the collaborative process between public-sector partners and relevant stakeholders in fostering farmers’ transition toward organic agricultural entrepreneurship. Employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, the study was conducted in Buriram Province through a collaborative partnership among Buriram Rajabhat University, the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation, the Buriram Agricultural Research and Development Center, Salana Company Limited (Social Enterprise), and other related network organizations. A total of 120 key informants participated in the study.

The findings indicate that the successful transformation of farmers into organic agricultural entrepreneurs cannot be attributed solely to the transfer of agricultural knowledge. Rather, it is the result of a systematic integration of cooperation among government agencies, private-sector organizations, academic institutions, and civil society actors. This collaborative framework was operationalized through the “3 Principles, 4 Ideologies, 6 Methods, and 8 Outcomes” model, which emphasizes productive capacity, market competency, and quality-oriented production, while simultaneously promoting human health, ecological balance, and safe food systems. Participating farmers were supported through comprehensive capacity-building activities, including farm management training, the application of biological control agents, organic certification under the Organic Thailand standard, business planning, and niche market development. These interventions enabled farmers to reduce dependence on chemical inputs, enhance production efficiency, and generate greater value-added agricultural products. Furthermore, participatory learning processes combined with continuous mentoring and technical support strengthened farmers’ confidence, motivation, and entrepreneurial mindset. This transformation extended beyond improvements in production practices, facilitating a shift in identity from “producers” to “entrepreneurs” who demonstrate social and environmental responsibility. The study highlights that collaboration with public-sector partners serves as a pivotal mechanism for establishing a robust organic agriculture development ecosystem. Such an ecosystem not only enhances the sustainability of local agricultural communities but also provides a scalable model for grassroots economic development that can effectively contribute to sustainable development goals at both local and national levels.