The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) is hosting the "Young Smart Rubber Farmer Camp 2025" at the Krabi Rubber Learning Center. The international event has brought together over 130 young agricultural leaders from seven countries to promote knowledge sharing and experience exchange in the rubber sector.
The camp's primary objective is to empower the next generation of rubber farmers and strengthen agricultural institutions through collaborative learning and networking opportunities. Mr. Boonsing Warinrak, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, honored the opening ceremony with his presence, officially inaugurating the camp and presenting certificates and provincial youth rubber flags to the participants.
In his address, Mr. Warinrak underscored the pressing challenge of an aging agricultural workforce and the resulting labor shortages. He pointed out that dependence on foreign labor is becoming increasingly unsustainable as economic growth in neighboring countries offers migrant workers greater opportunities in their home nations. "There is an urgent need to develop and support a new generation of rubber farmers," Mr. Warinrak stated. "Not only to replace the aging workforce and reduce dependence on foreign labor but also to inspire young people to pursue careers in agriculture effectively."
He emphasized that young farmers, with their knowledge and ability to integrate new technologies into production, management, and agricultural marketing, can significantly enhance productivity and become leaders in their communities. By fostering collaboration at all levels across the agricultural value chain—while ensuring product quality, consumer safety, and environmental sustainability—this initiative aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture’s policy of “Market-driven, Innovation-led, and Income-boosting Agriculture.”
Mr. Kosol Boonkong, Deputy Governor for Administration, Rubber Authority of Thailand stated that RAOT has been actively driving the Ministry of Agriculture’s policies through the “Thailand’s International Young Smart Rubber Farmer Camp 2025.” This initiative is part of a broader program aimed at developing a new generation of rubber farmers in alignment with the ministry’s strategy.
The program focuses on enhancing technological and innovative capabilities while improving efficiencies in rubber-related management systems. It will establish model young rubber farmers under RAOT, fostering strong international cooperation and facilitating the exchange of experiences and knowledge among young agricultural leaders in the rubber sector. "By equipping young farmers with advanced expertise, the camp serves as a key strategy for sustainable growth in the rubber industry, ensuring its continued development at both national and international levels," Mr. Boonkong added.
According to Mr. Boonkong, the camp is taking place from March 29 to April 1, 2025, in Krabi Province. It has brought together over 130 young farmers and representatives from key organizations across seven rubber-producing and consuming countries: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Mexico, Myanmar, and Côte d'Ivoire. Throughout the four-day program, participants are visiting model rubber farms, exploring integrated rubber plantation management, and engaging in knowledge-sharing activities, case study discussions, and career planning for the future of agriculture.
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