Thai feed mills to combat pollution by shunning corn from burnt fields

THAILAND – The Thai Feed Mill Association (TFMA) has committed to no longer purchasing corn sourced from fields subjected to burning in a pivotal move to address environmental pollution. 

This decision is part of an effort to reduce the levels of PM2.5 particulate matter, a major pollutant linked to severe health risks, particularly during Thailand’s burning season from January to April. 

Farmers often employ this practice to clear fields for planting, which has long been a major contributor to poor air quality in the country.

The TFMA’s pledge aligns with Thailand’s Clean Air Act of 2023, which aims to combat air pollution and promote cleaner, healthier air for all. 

However, this bold step comes at a time when Thailand is already grappling with a significant corn shortage. 

The country’s feed industry, which requires around 8 million tonnes of corn annually, currently relies on imports to cover the shortfall, as domestic production meets only 5 million tonnes. 

The self-imposed restrictions on corn from burnt fields threaten to exacerbate this shortage, potentially impacting 2 million tonnes of the critical commodity.

The decision has raised concerns within the feed industry, where stakeholders, including TFMA Chairman Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, are calling on the government to lift import restrictions on corn from other countries. 

These restrictions, aimed at curbing environmental damage from burning practices, could further limit the availability of corn from neighbouring nations like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, where field burning is also prevalent.

Despite the challenges, the TFMA advocates for adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to promote sustainable farming and reduce reliance on field burning. 

GAP standards encourage practices that limit environmental impact and foster long-term sustainability in agriculture. 

By incorporating GAP, the TFMA hopes to address the root causes of air pollution while securing a stable corn supply for Thailand’s thriving livestock and feed industries.

The TFMA’s decision marks a significant step toward environmental responsibility, but it also underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers sustainability and the feed industry’s practical demands. 

As Thailand continues to battle PM2.5 pollution, collaboration between the government, feed mills, and farmers will be crucial to ensuring a clean and resilient future for both the environment and the economy.

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