Thailand
Although there are just 3,429 hectares of certified organic farmland in Thailand, there is much potential for organic farming considering the country is one of the largest agricultural producers in South-East Asia.
The Thai government introduced national regulations for organic farming and an organic logo in August 2001. It also unveiled plans for a National Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and is earmarking funding for research programmes. Certification for organic foods is provided by the National Organic Accreditation Office.
The government is promoting organic food production to limit the use of agrochemicals in the country and to boost organic food exports. Thailand is the largest user of pesticides in the region with imports of fertilizers, pesticides and related medicines amounting to 80 billion baht (US $1.76 billion) in 2000.
Malaysia
There is hardly any certified organic farmland in Malaysia however a large rise is expected in the coming years due to a government drive to promote organic farming. The agricultural minister is supporting organic farming as part of its revised Third National Agricultural Policy (NAP3). The government introduced national regulations for organic farming and the Organic Farming Certification System (OFCS) in January 2003. All organic products that meet state regulations are to be given a special organic label.
The majority of certified organic farmland in Malaysia is used to produce organic vegetables. Most is in the highlands like the Cameron islands and Kundasang in Sabah. The government has set a target of reaching 250.000 hectares of organic farmland by 2005 as part of its NAP.
Pakistan
There are about 2,000 hectares of certified organic farmland in Pakistan. Most of the 405 organic farms are small holdings and some products are certified by foreign certifiers for the export market. There are moves to set up a Pakistan Organic Farming Association (POFA) to promote organic farming and to provide technical support to farmers. A large increase in organic farmland is not envisaged however unless the government starts to encourage organic farming.
