Management of GI-certified agricultural products and their contribution to household income in rural thailand

This research looks at how Geographical Indication (GI)-certified agricultural products are managed in Thailand. It focuses on the sales and production cycles, the income they bring in, and the main problems they face. Using a mixed-methods approach, surveys and interviews were conducted with representatives of 77 GI-certified products categorized into rice (10), foods (15), and plant fruits and vegetables (52). Four management patterns emerged: one production and one selling season (25 products), one production with multiple selling seasons (15), two production and selling cycles (19), and multiple cycles (18). Contributions to household income were classified into four levels: Low (19), Medium (18), High (13), and Maximum (27). A Chi-Square test revealed no significant association between management patterns and income levels. Producers identified critical barriers, including limited market access and climate variability, which affected product quantity and quality. Many expressed low confidence in product reputation, citing the inability to secure price premiums over non-GI products. The study underscores the need for targeted policies to address market access, climate resilience, and product reputation. These findings provide valuable insights for GI authorities, policymakers, and stakeholders to sustain GI management, enhance rural incomes, and align with Sustainable Development Goals. The results are broadly applicable to other developing countries reliant on agricultural GIs.