Surin Farmer Support

Welcome!

Surin Farmer Support (SFS) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to support sustainable agriculture and community development in Surin Province, in the northeast region of Thailand. SFS works with about 400 small-scale rice farmers (10 to 30 rai or 3 to 12 acres) to develop an alternative agricultural system that promotes sustainable livelihoods, community food security and environmental conservation. SFS farmers' groups train farmers in organic methods and help maintain organic standards.

The majority of SFS farmers are also members of Rice Fund Surin, a Fair Trade certified rice cooperative that sells rice domestically in Surin at the Raan Kao Hom (Jasmine Rice Store) and exports to markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. One of SFS' biggest initiatives is the Surin Green Market, in which farmers sell directly to consumers every Saturday in Surin City. SFS also works closely with Thailand’s Alternative Agriculture Network (AAN), which coordinates campaigns on agriculture and trade policy reform.

Other projects include:

• Educational campaigns on rice seed varieties and plant diversity to help connect consumers to the farmers' network
• A local food campaign to educate consumers about the environmental and economic benefits of eating local, organic foods
• A community biodiesel project to promote self-sufficiency and recycle cooking oil
  
• The "Smiley Garbage" project, which takes food waste from Surin city and turns it into organic compost for use by SFS members
• A micro-lending service to members to help them pay off mortgages on their land and invest in new land purchases
  
• The "Kids Love Nature" group in Tabthai village, where children meet to learn about their local environment and the farming practices of their parents

We've started this blog to promote our work and provide up-to-date information about SFS projects. As a small organization, our initiatives are consistently in need of funding support. If you are interested in donating to Surin Farmer Support, please contact sfsfarmer@hotmail.com