Mr. Jade Meyanyieam: Grower and President of Thai Orchid Exporters Association at his orchid farm.
“Open air growing will likely be no more inthe future,” said the President of the Thai Orchid Exporters Association, JadeMeyanyieam. At the Horti Asia trade show in Bangkok, Meyanyieam noted that Asian growers are getting more into the adaptation of greenhouse related techniques to optimize there operations. "Because we are exporting the biggest part of our products to customers in the United States, we have to keep up a really high quality to be able to compete with other countries," Meyanyieam said. "Therefore, Thai growers are looking for greenhouse solutions, so they can start growing in a completely controllable, closed, protected, environment. Just like growers in Europe and North America, we are aiming to reduce the usage of pesticides and a greenhouse can keep our crops away from pests, fungicides and diseases."
Meyanyieam together with his daughter, who is planning to take over the family business in the future.
“I think that, step by step, everything will be grown in greenhouses in about five years," said Meyanyieam. Henoted that the price of orchids will probably be affected by the switch, but thebiggest impact of the change will be evident in the quality of flowersproduced.
“We will have better quality, bettercontrol of everything,” said Meyanyieam, who is now growing 50 orchid varieties on his 55 hectare orchid farm. Thai Orchids Co. is using automated irrigation systems and the crops are grown under netting. “The greenhouse system is good rightnow, it's okay, but we want to make sure we go step-by-step and get everythingright.” Moving the industry into greenhouses primes growers for a further steptoward automation. Meyanyieam noted that they don't have a labor problem now,but as they've encountered rising demand, automation would be a good solution ifthey don't have enough labor for the production they require. "There are situations when you can do with out, like we did the past years, but as our demand increases, we just willing to grow more effective. Automatic irrigation is the firtst step, sorting, packing and logistics will be the next one."
80 percent of the nation's orchid exportersare part of the association, which is made up of 35 exporters and about 2,000family growers throughout Thailand. The association's exporters ship theirorchids to over 30 countries, with the main destination being the UnitedStates.
The United States Ambassador took a visit to Thai Orchids Farm.
Meyanyieam noted that the Horti Asia exhibition in Bangkok is the right place and at the right time for Asian growers to learn about the possibilities of improving their operations. "This exhibition is the place where we get in touch with technique and knowledge for the first time. Some of us are already familiar with, and some of us not. Even though we change is going slowly, this kind of event for sure helps us. Next to learning about techniques and seeing innovations, it is also the right place to meet new people, customers and other growers. We can discuss about growing and learn from one another."
For more information:
Thai Orchid Exporters Association
Mr. JadeMeyanyieam (e-mail)
www.thaiorchidexporterassociation.com
For info on Thai Orchids Group:
