The Thai Food Mill Association (TFMA) is advocating for the Thai government to accelerate the implementation of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards nationwide. This move aims to mitigate PM 2.5 pollution levels, following efforts to discourage corn cultivation in forest areas prone to illegal clearing and burning over the last decade. The association has highlighted its members’ commitment to policies and systems that ensure the traceability of raw material sourcing, expressing readiness to collaborate on solutions with neighboring nations. 

TFMA’s President, Pornsil Patcharintanakul, has underscored the importance of embracing GAP standards to improve the production efficiency of animal feed crops and to implement strict prohibitions against the burning of agricultural waste. These actions are projected to enhance productivity, lower expenses, and effectively combat PM2.5 pollution. 

For the last decade, the TFMA has been a vocal opponent of forest encroachment and the burning of agricultural waste. It has collaborated with the Pollution Control Department and other organizations to address issues of smog and forest fires in nine northern provinces and has been involved in developing agricultural projects suited for mountainous regions. The association is conducting carbon measurement studies in corn cultivation for animal feed, with results expected in March, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. 

The TFMA encourages its members to pursue sustainable sourcing practices in the animal feed industry, insisting on the avoidance of illegal imports, the procurement of materials from verified sources, and the exclusion of products from areas affected by burning. It is also advocating for the development of animal feed ingredients that align with greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. 

Prominent members like CP Group, Betagro Group, and Cargill Meats (Thailand) have implemented systems to trace the origins of raw materials and have committed to not purchasing maize from areas that have been deforested or burned. 

Nevertheless, the TFMA acknowledges that tackling the problem of PM2.5 pollution cannot be achieved by Thailand alone. It is calling for international collaboration, especially in the importation of animal feed corn, to ensure adherence to sustainable practices and to motivate neighboring countries to stop burning activities that lead to cross-border haze. The association is ready to participate in joint efforts to address these environmental challenges.