RAOT and CMO Thailand Forge Partnership to Promote FSC™ Certification, Improving Income and Livelihoods for Thai Rubber Farmers

The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has entered into a strategic partnership with CMO Thai Co., Ltd., through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to promote Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) certification across rubber plantations in Thailand, utilizing cutting-edge technology.

Dr. Perk Lertwangpong, Chairman of the Board of Directors at RAOT, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that it aligns with RAOT’s mission to support rubber farmers by improving both the quality and sustainability of their products. By partnering with the CMO, RAOT ensures that Thai rubber products are responsibly sourced from legally managed forests, enhancing their global market appeal. This initiative also supports the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ broader goal of fostering sustainable, eco-friendly agricultural practices. Dr. Perk further stated that this MoU will streamline the certification process for farmers, opening doors to new opportunities in international markets.

Governor of RAOT, Mr. Suktat Chakwiriyakul, highlighted the economic advantages of this initiative, explaining that certified rubber can be used as collateral and serves as a testament to responsible forest management. He added that the integration of CMO’s advanced software solutions will improve the efficiency of the certification process, helping farmers achieve compliance more quickly and at a lower cost. “This initiative will result in an increase in premiums for smallholders, which in turn will boost farmers’ incomes and ensure sustainable livelihoods for the long term,” said Mr. Suktat.

CMO Thailand’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Chittiwat Silapat, underscored the importance of this partnership in bringing FSC certification to smallholder rubber plantations across Thailand. By leveraging RAOT’s strong support and CMO’s expertise in fast-tracking certification, the project aims to make certification more accessible for farmers while ensuring full compliance with FSC and EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements.

Sonia Pratan, Managing Director of CMO, expressed her excitement about the collaboration: “CMO is ready to take FSC certification and EUDR compliance to the next level in Southeast Asia. Through this partnership, RAOT will be a crucial intermediary, connecting farmers and rubber-related institutions, while CMO focuses on rapidly onboarding farmers nationwide.”

The goal of this partnership is not only to support Thailand’s rubber farmers but to elevate the entire rubber industry by promoting sustainable products that meet international standards. This milestone will enhance the competitiveness of Thai rubber in global markets, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Source: CMO

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