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Exporting Thai fruits and vegetables to foreign countries
Exporting Thai fruits and vegetables to foreign countries
For fresh vegetables and fruits in Thailand It is considered another important product category that Thailand exported to Europe in 2010 by exporting fresh, chilled, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables with total value of 1,763.3 million baht and the same as food products. Exporting fruits and vegetables to the EU must meet standards and have a strict quality inspection process, divided into two main areas: sanitation, which is the inspection of residues that must be free of chemical residues in fruits and vegetables.
Whether it is pesticides, fertilizers or other adulterated chemicals. and checking that microorganisms must be free of adulterated pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli the other side is The phytosanitary aspect must be checked to ensure that vegetables and fruits are free from pests.
In the case of fruits and vegetables detected sanitary and phytosanitary problems
If fruits and vegetables reach the EU’s entry point and encounter sanitary and phytosanitary problems from random inspections, they will be banned from importing. some cases were destroyed. If it is a sanitary problem, it will be alerted in a linked warning system between all 27 EU member states, known as Emergency Alert Systems for Food and Feed
Each year, European authorities produce a detailed summary of what problems have been identified. What country is the product exported from? And which countries in Europe were the ones who detected the problem? This will be the information that will allow further risk assessment of which products from which countries should be specially monitored due to frequent problems.
In some cases, fruit and vegetable products with sanitary and phytosanitary problems may escape from being randomly inspected for sale in EU member states, but may be detected in the process of random testing on the market. which the product will be withdrawn from that store
The challenge of Thai fruits and vegetables
Keeping fruits and vegetables free from sanitary and phytosanitary problems must be operated continuously throughout the supply chain since the cultivation process Cleaning plants for packaging and inspection of cleanliness (free from chemicals, microorganisms and insect pests) to prepare for further export. This is not so easy and costly as well. but if able to export will get a very good price This is because all types of Thai fruit and vegetable prices in foreign countries are in the expensive category.
Highlights of Thai vegetables especially basil and basil It has a unique fragrance. even now Efforts have been made to purchase Thai seeds for cultivation in greenhouses within the EU, for example, in the Netherlands, basil and mint have begun to be produced and sold. But one thing that’s not quite the same is probably the smell. But it’s not something that we should be calm. Because modern science can be used to develop in various matters. quickly Including the cultivation of plants as well. At the same time, there may be other countries in Asia or North Africa trying to produce vegetables and fruits similar to Thailand for export to the EU as Thai competitors. which must be closely monitored
Cultivation of crops to meet export standards
Thai agencies that can provide knowledge on this matter. is the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives The Department of Agriculture is the control unit for plant product standards in Thailand. It is also an organization that issues export certificates. The Department of Agriculture has always tried to create knowledge and understanding for farmers to cultivate crops in accordance with Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), which means good agricultural practices in every production process. Operate at the farmer level In order to produce products that are safe and suitable for consumption according to the National Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards. or international standards Methods for planting crops according to the 8 GAP principles in the Department of Agriculture’s manual are
- using clean water sources
- planting in good areas. no germs no toxic substances in the soil
- Proper use and storage of fertilizers/chemicals
- Producing according to the quality control plan for each crop
- Proper pest survey, prevention, and disposal
- Harvesting at the right time, right method
- Carrying Move and store produce in a clean and safe manner
- Take note of every step.
Farmers who are interested in applying for GAP planting certification can apply at the sub-district agricultural technology and technology transfer service center. District Agriculture Office Provincial Agriculture Office Department of Agricultural Extension Department of Agriculture and the Department of Rice in the area will receive advice and knowledge transfer to get the next certificate
The advantage of growing plants according to the GAP principle is that vegetables are clean and safe. Build confidence for consumers If sold in Thailand Thai people will be able to eat good and useful things. Or if you want to export, you can send a sorting plant that exports vegetables and fruits to a foreign country. Build a reputation for Thai vegetables and fruits that are of high quality. and generate stable income for farmers and entrepreneurs There are two main marketing channels in Europe.
The first channel is sales in grocery stores that sell fruits and vegetables to Thai restaurants. including consumers in general And the second channel is a large retail store or supermarket. which has many branches Exporting vegetables to large retailers of this type The standards set by these retailers must be adhered to in addition to the GAP principles, which increase production costs. but at the same time It will have wider distribution channels and can sell products at higher prices.
The major disadvantage of Thai fruits and vegetables in the European market is the cost of transportation. Because fruits and vegetables are perishable products. Therefore, air transportation is the best method of transportation. But it has a high cost. causing the price of fruits and vegetables sold abroad to be expensive as well This sometimes affects consumer decision-making when compared to tropical fruits and vegetables from countries closer to Europe, such as those from the Mediterranean.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
