In response to rising consumer awareness around health and food safety, Syngenta continues its unwavering commitment to promoting safe and sustainable food systems through its "Grow Well, Eat Well" initiative. In celebration of World Food Safety Day 2025, the initiative was spotlighted at the event "Grow Well, Eat Well: Safe, Quality Production and Consumption for a Sustainable Future." This impactful event was hosted by the Raks Thai Foundation and its partner organizations at the One Nimman, Wansala Zone, in Chiang Mai Province. The event was officially opened by Mr. Seksan Wannakree, Director of the Bureau of System Development and Certification for Plant Products, Department of Agriculture. Mr. Seksan underscored the importance of of a farm-to-fork approach to ensure safety and quality throughout the entire food value chain.
Chiang Mai, renowned for its fertile landscape and rich cultural heritage, is a cornerstone of both agriculture and tourism. Its year-round production of high-quality food crops not only serves local needs but also contributes to Chiang Mai's reputation as a destination for safe, sustainable cuisine - a growing priority for global consumers. In recent years, consumer awareness around food safety, environmental sustainability, and traceability has surged. There is a clear trend towards seeking safe chemical produce and supporting small-scale producers committed to ecological integrity. This shift has motivated many farmers in and around Chiang Mai to enhance their farming methods, striving to meet Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards. These standards are crucial, serving as a benchmark for ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural produce.
Mr. Seksan Wannakree, Director at the Department of Agriculture, highlighted the collective responsibility in ensuring food safety. "It is an honor to be part of this event," he stated. "The 'Grow Well, Eat Well' initiative shows us that food safety isn't a distant issue, nor the responsibility of any one group. It involves everyone." He further emphasized that building a safe food system starts by empowering smallholder farmers to produce crops that meet Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards effectively. "The Department of Agriculture is committed to supporting ongoing collaboration to raise the bar for food safety, security, and sustainability across Thailand," Mr. Seksan concluded.
Ms. Wannaphorn Wattanakasemsat, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at Syngenta Crop Protection Co., Ltd., highlighted the evolving landscape of agriculture and food. "We've witnessed transformative changes in the agriculture and food sectors - from cutting-edge innovations to the mounting pressures of climate change and increasing consumer demands for transparency and safety," she shared. "At Syngenta, we believe that safe food starts with responsible farming. This belief led us to launch the 'Grow Well, Eat Well' initiative with the Raks Thai Foundation," Ms. Wannaphorn explained. "By working closely with smallholder farmers in Northern Thailand, we are transferring knowledge, encouraging safe production, promoting responsible technology use, and strengthening farmer networks.
" She concluded by emphasizing the broader vision: "Today's event is a chance to share this vision and inspire others to join us in delivering food that not only tastes good, but also reflects our care for health, society, and the environment."Dr. Pornchai Sriprapai, a board member of the Raks Thai Foundation, underscored the foundation's deep involvement at the grassroots level. "Raks Thai Foundation has always worked alongside small-scale farmers, particularly those producing safe food crops," he stated. Dr. Pornchai emphasized that a sustainable food system relies on collaboration and trust between producers and consumers. "A sustainable food system can only thrive when we have both quality producers and informed consumers working in trust and cooperation," he explained. "We thank the farmers who are leading this shift toward sustainable agriculture, and the consumers who actively support it." He added, "This World Food Safety Day event in Chiang Mai is part of our ongoing effort to build understanding, connect stakeholders, and strengthen local economieswhile protecting the environment and improving public health."
The event comprised a variety of activities, including booths introducing the "Grow Well, Eat Well" project and its partners, and stalls selling safe food products from local communities and enterprises. Also featured were products derived from traditional knowledge and bio-resources, such as natural-dye woven textiles from urban and ethnic communities, rattan products from rattan-growing farmers, and fresh drip coffee from local farmers. Interactive elements included workshops on preparing safe dishes, such as hill rice sushi, salad rolls, and drip coffee. There was also a special lecture by the Agricultural Research and Development Office Region 1 Chiang Mai, titled "GAP Is More Than a Certificate - It's an Opportunity for Smallholder Farmers." The program concluded with special interviews with smallholder farmers highlighted their role in producing safe food for a sustainable future, echoing the World Food Safety Day theme of "People, Soil, Water, and Forest." Observed annually on June 7, which aims to encourage everyone to "think, be aware, and act" to prevent risks from unsafe food.
Ms. Wannaphorn concluded by emphasizing the power of collective action. "We believe that building a truly safe and sustainable food system requires collective action," she stated. "It cannot be achieved by one sector alone. It takes shared effort - from government, civil society, farmer networks, and the private sector - united in purpose." She added, "This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration to equip farmers with knowledge, technology, and fair market access - while giving consumers better, safer choices. We are grateful for all the partnerships that have nurtured the growth of 'Grow Well, Eat Well' and look forward to a future where safe, inclusive, and sustainable food is accessible to all."