Chiang rai: Chiang Rai's food safety initiative is setting a new standard by integrating resources from upstream to downstream sectors, covering all 18 districts. The initiative aims to foster a sustainable safe food chain by uniting all sectors, from farmers and local leaders to consumers, to drive the city's safe food system towards balanced well-being.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) is supporting the initiative to promote collaboration among various stakeholders, including Forward Sea Co., Ltd., Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, and Chiang Rai Municipality. These partners jointly organized the 'Chiang Rai Safe Food Forum' under the project 'Driving the Chiang Rai Safe Food System Towards Balanced Well-being.' The forum's goal is to expand the initiative throughout Chiang Rai Province by connecting farmers, local agencies, partner networks, and consumers.
Mr. Chuchip Pongchai, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort to promote a safe food system and create balanced well-being for the region's citizens. The key is to connect networks from producers to the community, ensuring practical actions follow policy agreements. He expressed gratitude to all partners for their commitment to promoting food safety and community lifestyles.
Chiang Rai Mayor Wanchai Jongsuthanamanee highlighted the importance of establishing a system throughout the food chain, from upstream to downstream. The initiative supports farmers financially, encourages organic farming, and ensures consumers have access to safe and high-quality food. The project currently involves eight affiliated schools and over 8,000 families, with mechanisms in place to address financial and bureaucratic issues to certify product quality.
Dr. Tasanee Thammatin from Chiang Rai Rajabhat University stressed the university's role as a "connector" in driving the safe food system through knowledge and innovation. The project has increased green agricultural land and certified numerous farmers, aiming to improve health and quality of life in the area.
Dr. Nisa Rattadilok Na Phuket, Director of the Community Health Promotion Office (Office 3) of the THPF, detailed the project's expansion from one district to all 18 districts, supported by academic work and community leadership. The initiative now comprises a network of empowered leaders and markets, crucial for sustainable food safety.
Dr. Phisit Sriprasert, a member of the THPF board, underscored the importance of promoting safe, contaminant-free food and organic farming. The initiative in Chiang Rai aims to reduce health risks associated with food consumption and support community mechanisms and networks.
The event concluded with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, titled "Combining Public Policy Power to Drive a Safe Food System in Chiang Rai Towards Balanced Well-being," between various stakeholders. This collaboration aims to drive public policy and develop a safe food system in Chiang Rai, achieving tangible results at the provincial, district, and local community levels.