Bangkok--10 May--Ek-Chai Distribution System
Agriculture Ministry joins Tesco Lotus to help eastern farmers distribute fruit 20,000 tons worth over 750 million baht Relieving surpluses and maintaining farm prices
Tesco Lotus has joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (MAAC) to help farmers relieve seasonal surpluses of fruit such as mangosteen, rambutan, longgong and sala. The company is buying 20,000 tons of fruit worth over 750 million baht directly from farmers without going through middlemen.
Agriculture Minister HE Theera Wongsamut said, “I am delighted to see this cooperation between the government and the private sector, which is another step in solving the problem of seasonal surpluses for farmers, particularly at the start of the season, when many supplies get to market simultaneously, and farmers suffer from a glut of product, which lowers prices.
“I am worried about the fruit farmers, but this year is the first time cooperation has occurred before the problem has arisen. The Ministry has created a management plan for Eastern fruit, to support distribution channels for farmers in the region. This is in order to bring fruit from orchards to markets countrywide.”
Tesco Lotus Senior Vice President Dr Darmp Sukontasap said that this agreement was part of the Tesco Lotus strategy to help farming families. The agreement between MAAC and farmers’ groups from the East aimed to develop quality of the produce and find markets for distribution, while giving consumers confidence to shop for produce that was of high quality, safe and at a reasonable price. In 2010, Tesco Lotus will buy 20,000 tons of produce worth over 750 million baht from farmers’ cooperatives in Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chonburi and Trad. These four provinces are key to the production of seasonal fruit in both quality and quantity. Tesco Lotus’ assistance in purchasing and distributing fruit guarantees farmers’ incomes and gives them security.
Dr Darmp also noted that in 2010, Tesco Lotus will be organizing the fourth Festival of Eastern Fruit, which has been held every year since 2007 in cooperation win MAAC and various farmers’ cooperatives. This year, it will be held from May 13-26, 2010 at Tesco Lotus hypermarkets around the country.
“We are aware that the agricultural sector, comprising some 14 million farmers, is a fundamental driver of the Thai economy and society. Previous years have proven that the sector can grow, despite severely challenging economic conditions. This awareness has enabled us to prioritize improving incomes and living standards for farmers, by assisting them to develop their produce in terms of quality and safety. We also help in management through agricultural cooperatives to provide farmers with consistent and fair incomes. Meanwhile, our customers nationwide receive quality produce at reasonable prices. This year, Tesco plans to buy seasonal fruit from Thai farmers worth 5.6 billion baht,” concluded Dr Darmp.
Sent on behalf of Ek-Chai Distribution System Co, Ltd
Operators of Tesco Lotus stores
For more information contact Phuntipra Tharaphibarn, Media Relations Manager
Martin Clutterbuck, Corporate Affairs Executive
Netsai Lakkananuwat, Corporate Affairs Executive
Tel 02 797 9000, ext 5849, 7779, 1782, 5560 Fax 02 797 9811