Development of Organic Farming on the Path of Growth for Farmers' Good Quality of Life according to the Sustainable Environmental Management

Most agricultural practices have focused on high volume of produces by using chemicals. Currently consumers highly focus on the safety of food and agricultural produces that increases trend of green and organic consumption resulting in increasing organic farming. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting development of organic farming; to investigate guidelines of sustainable organic farming management; and promote networking of organic farming on the path of growth under Thailand 4.0 in the EEC. Data collection was conducted via questionnaire to farmers practicing organic farming in three provinces in the EEC, with 150 farmers in each province, 450 in total, as well as interviews with officials of District Agricultural Extension offices, organic farmers, and network leaders. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Factors affecting the development of organic farming consisted of sufficient production and management according to the organic farming standards, and farmers’ accessibility; efficient and appropriate production system management; potential in farming of organic vegetables; good attitude towards organic farming; marketing of organic farming; and attention to health and consumers’ organic vegetables. All these factors are in accordance with the organic productivity, income and health. In addition, organic farming is environmentally friendly. Guidelines for development of the organic farming include marketing, logistics, and standards for organic products such as promotion of production and creation of self-reliant networks; support changes in production to secure sustainable farming; drive pilot projects to integrate the development of organic farming; and integration of the development of production and marketing.