Nyon, Switzerland
July 20, 2020
The International Seed Federation (ISF) is pleased to welcome the Thai Seed Trade Association (THASTA) as its newest member with observer status.
THASTA joins around 60 national seed associations which are members of ISF and which are representing more than 7500 seed companies active globally in breeding, seed production and trading.
Thailand is a dynamic seed hub in Southeast Asia, and therefore essential in achieving ISF’s mission to create the best environment for the global movement of seed and promote plant breeding and innovation.
THASTA President Dr Chairerg Sagwansupyakon speaks during the 2019 Thailand International Seed Trade congress.
We spoke with THASTA President Dr Chairerg Sagwansupyakon to get to know more about the Thai seed sector and his thoughts on THASTA joining ISF.
ISF: First of all, I’d like to ask about the situation in Thailand with regard to COVID-19.
Dr Chairerg: Thailand is among those countries that are successful in managing the pandemic. It has among the lowest total number of cases and has managed to keep zero-local transmission on succeeding days for over a month. Thailand has one of the lowest death rates and has over 95% recovery rate among infected patients.
ISF: How is the Thai seed industry coping with the current crisis?
Dr Chairerg: Because we export a lot of seeds, we are now using more outsourced logistics systems. We are also maximizing the use of various social media for communication. THASTA, as an association, is complementing government efforts, especially in terms of information dissemination and in other areas where the government needs help from the private sector.
ISF: Can you briefly describe the outlook of the Thai seed sector? What do you see as opportunities and challenges?
Dr Chairerg: Thailand’s seed industry continues to strive towards keeping a high standard of producing and distributing quality seeds. There is still a lot of room for improvement in our effort to maintain the standards for high quality seed. We believe that quality seeds lead to even more opportunities on producing more quality varieties of end-products that will reach the global kitchen.
The Thai seed industry is facing the challenge of a rapidly changing environment. We need more precision during planting periods. We also need a more effective system of cost control in seed production. Lastly, knowledge-sharing or continuing education among relevant stakeholders also remains a challenge.
As we forge closer ties with other national seed associations, we are exploring ways to harmonize quarantine systems in Asia and set high seed quality standards and measurements in the region.
-Dr. Chairerg Sagwansupyakon, THASTA President
ISF: How do you feel coming into ISF as an observer? What are your expectations?
Dr Chairerg: We are very pleased to receive an observer status in the ISF. Our goal as a national seed association is to have Thailand as among the most important international seed trade hubs. As we consider the possibility of becoming a full-fledged member in the future, THASTA intends to learn more and benefit from the information exchange in the global seed industry.
ISF: What are the key priorities and focus of THASTA as an organization?
THASTA is exerting constant effort to improve communication among members. Our focus is to encourage SMEs to get involved in R&D, while we cooperate with other relevant organizations.
As we forge closer ties with other national seed associations, we are exploring ways to harmonize quarantine systems in Asia and set high seed quality standards and measurements in the region. ∎
by Francine Sayoc for the International Seed Federation
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