 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
BOSTON – Thailand, the number one organic producer in Southeast Asia, introduced a wide variety of natural, high‐quality products to the U.S. market in its debut at Natural Products Expo East 2009.
“Thailand is leading the way in Southeast Asia in organic food production, and we are delighted to have the chance to introduce to Americans Thai organic products that meet the highest food safety standards, are eco‐friendly, and environmentally sustainable,” said Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, Minister for Agriculture, Office of Agricultural Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C.
“Because organic production has a long tradition in Thailand, our organic products are 100 percent natural and offer unique flavors and high quality to American consumers,” said Minister Rapibhat.
Thailand aims to become the seventh country whose government is authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to certify products under the Natural Organic Program (NOP). When the request is approved, which should be next year, Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia whose government is accredited by USDA to grant its organic logo to Thai products. The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) will manage the inspection of organic production and handling operations in the county and certify that they meet USDA standards.
|
|
 |
|
“This will be an important step for us because U.S. consumers recognize and respond favorably to the green‐and‐white ‘USDA Organic’ label,” Minister Rapibhat said.
Thai products being introduced at Expo East include baby corn snacks; red jasmine rice vermicelli and various shades of Hom Mali (jasmine) rice; rice porridge; fresh, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables; organic coconut milk and "lite" coconut milk, coconut water, and virgin coconut oil; dried herbs and organic essential herbal oils; organic curry and chili pastes; and Hom Mali rice vinegar.
Some natural Thai products already are gaining popularity in the United States, including organic Arabica coffee, which may
be found in Starbucks nationwide and in
most Asian supermarkets.
|
|
|
Dr.Pat Baccilli from The Dr.Pat Show (right) and
Mr.Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, Thailand's minister for
Agriculture during the interview session at the Natural
Product Expo East 09 in Boston
|
|
|
Other Thai organic products with great potential to succeed in the American marketplace include organic coconut, jasmine rice, shrimp, and asparagus.
The Thai government is strongly committed to the organic agriculture industry. The government has required substantial reductions in chemicals nationwide, to improve the environment and the health of farmers. Producers have seen their income rise as a result of national policies supporting organic farming. |
|
 |
|
During Natural Products Expo East 2009, Minister Rapibhat, other Office of Agricultural Affairs officials, Department of Agricultural Extension officials, and representatives of six Thai companies will be at the Thai booth (# 1373) to discuss Thai natural products, all of which are GMO‐free.
The six Thai companies exhibiting at the Expo are: Top Organic Products and Supplies Co., Ltd.; Swift Co., Ltd.; Thai Organic Food Co., Ltd.; Green Net Cooperative; River Kwai International Food Industry Co., Ltd.; and Merit Food Products Co., Ltd.
The Office of Agricultural Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy represents the Ministry of Agriuclutre and Cooperatives (MOAC) in ensuring export of Thai agricultural products to the United States, promoting and facilitating Thai agricultural trade with the United States, and maintaining ties between MOAC and such organizations as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
