Ratchaburi: The "Community Coconut Processing Center" initiative is progressing, aiming to enhance the bargaining power of coconut farmers in Ratchaburi province. Coconut farmers in the region have successfully established a community processing plant under the name "Thai Aromatic Coconut Central Market Community Enterprise," which focuses on enabling farmers to manage their produce independently.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Charan Charoensap, President of the Thai Aromatic Coconut Association, shared the progress of the initiative. The community enterprise, officially established on April 1, 2026, serves as a model packing house for collecting, purchasing, selling, and further processing aromatic coconuts. Managed by experienced farmers and entrepreneurs from the community, the enterprise aims to address the need for farmers to manage their produce, especially during times of high market supply and price volatility.
The initiative initially concentrated on collecting produce and selling it through various channels, particularly activities organized by the Ministry of Commerce, to establish a clearer management model and market linkages for community wholesalers. Mr. Charan highlighted that the current farm-gate price of fragrant coconuts in Ratchaburi has improved to approximately 15-18 baht per fruit, a satisfactory level for farmers despite a recent decrease in market volume.
In the next phase, the enterprise plans to utilize production, marketing, and export data for systematic planning of purchasing and distribution, including agreements with export businesses to ensure market stability and income for farmers. The idea is to establish a guaranteed price to provide farmers with price security and greater confidence in production planning.
Mr. Witiyakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, stated that the Ministry of Commerce is prepared to provide comprehensive assistance to fragrant coconut farmers. This includes monitoring price and production situations, implementing measures to distribute produce beyond production areas, expanding sales channels, and connecting community produce to markets for better pricing options.
In collaboration with the Ratchaburi Provincial Commerce Office, the Thai Aromatic Coconut Association, and related agencies, the Department of Internal Trade has continuously worked to connect markets and increase sales channels for aromatic coconuts. This has supported an overall improvement in coconut prices recently.
Mr. Witiyakorn emphasized that the Department of Internal Trade is ready to mentor community enterprises and the Thai fragrant coconut central market, connecting them to both domestic and international markets. The aim is to establish community wholesalers as a central mechanism for farmers to collect produce, establish standards, and enhance their bargaining power in the market.