Insights from six case studies in the Mekong countries - 2.5. Maize production in North Thailand: Corporate gains for smallholder pains

Maize is a key cash crop in Thailand, primarily used in animal feed to support poultry production. Between 2008 and 2015, an increase in land-use for cultivation took place in the north of the country, principally stimulated by high crop prices, but with corporate and government support to promote the crop. In recent years, production practices have come under intense scrutiny. Media reports highlight farmer encroachment on state forestlands, leading to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Forest clearances and the burning of crop stubble are seen to contribute to an annual haze in North Thailand. The intensive use of chemicals is associated with polluted water sources and soil degradation. Much blame falls on farmers, despite the fact that they bear the production risks of price drops, low output, or polluting practices. Meanwhile, multinationals involved throughout the meat value chain promote sustainability schemes to deflect attention from their role, despite maintaining market control. Indeed, companies can benefit from recent expansions into Myanmar and Lao PDR, where new markets compensate for problems elsewhere, spread financial risk, and open up further avenues to generate capital. In this sense, maize production is seen to compound inequality, centralizing returns for corporations at the expense of rural peripheries.