Oasis Family's organic rice takes centre stage

With care for consumers and producers and love for the environment in mind, Ludda Nanchalee counts her blessings as she recalls memories of their land in Surin province in Thailand.

The area is blessed with the perfect conditions for growing jasmine rice.

Representing Oasis Family, a group involved in the production and export of organic rice, Ludda   took the stage alongside 20 other Thai enterprises at the Thaifex Anuga Asia trade fair 2023 - one of the leading fairs for Thai and other small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Ludda is thrilled with the interest of buyers and consumers at Thaifex.

“We got to share information and showcase our products in front of buyers and consumers. We believe in the quality of our products, and the more we come across partners who are willing to support us and expand our knowledge, the more confident we feel in the readiness of our products and delivery. Thank you for providing us with the knowledge and capacity-building we need.”

Oasis Family have garnered a reputation for their high-quality products, including Red Jasmine Rice and Black Fragrant Rice. They have also diversified their offerings by venturing into the production of green beans.

A testament to their commitment to organic and fair-trade practices, they have received both organic and fair-trade certification for their rice.

Ludda recounts the early days of their collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC). Through knowledge-building workshops for farmers, the group gained insights into the changes in European Union (EU) regulations and its implications for import and export laws.

Feeling better equipped with this valuable information, Oasis Family adapted their organizational practices such as implementing changes in their Internal Control System (ICS) to comply with the new regulations and now stands tall in the organic farming business.

As a rice exporter, they focus on exporting milled rice and refrain from processing it into flour or other products.

Thaifex offered an opportunity for Oasis Family to expand their business by enhancing market access, providing networking opportunities, and strengthening capacities of Thai organic SMEs.

Oasis Family is now ready to reach the hands of more consumers. They are eager to participate in future collaborations.

“For small entrepreneurs like us, access to knowledge resources can be limited.” she says.

Thaifex Anuga Asia received 131,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors from over 120 countries in 2023.

The participation, a significant milestone for Oasis Family was supported by ARISE Plus Thailand, funded by the EU and implemented by ITC. It aims to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth through international trade in Thailand. It facilitates greater connectivity and economic integration between Thailand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region in line with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025. Under this overall objective, ITC supports the enhancement and dissemination of organic agricultural practices in line with the EU standards.