RSPG: The Stage for Thai Food Producers and Local Farmers to Exchange Perspectives and Experiences on Sustainable Agriculture

Between September 20 and 23, 2022, Walailak University hosted the event “11 ^th Academic Conference and Exhibition, Thailand’s Resources: 30 Years, RSPG for Real Benefits to the Public”. The academic conference of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiation of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, or RSPG, has been held continuously. In 2022, Walailak University succeeded in hosting the momentous event to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for continuing the mission of conserving the nation’s resources, His late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s initiative, and providing opportunities for youth, the public, academics, the private and public sectors, as well as policy-making organizations, to learn and appreciate the diversity of Thai resources’ potential. One of the features of the event was the Resource Base stage. The stage aimed to serve as a central stage to bring together local food producers and farmers in a collaborative manner to learn from each other’s capabilities and exchange perspectives and experiences on sustainable agriculture, and food production based on sustainable resource conservation in Thailand. All the farmers and food producers participating in the event were from various provinces in Thailand, including Songkhla, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phang Nga, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, and Bueng Kan, and have been supported by subdistrict administration organizations in their careers. In addition, the event was open to all interested participants and not driven by commercial interests. The key topics on agriculture and food production presented at the stage are Splitgill Mushroom processing, Yellow Oil Production, Bland tea recipe, Citronella grass processing, Sea Cucumber Farming, and Instant Korat-Style Noodle. The Academic Conference of the Plant Genetic Conservation The academic conference of the Plant Genetic Conservation is a presentation of the results of the integration of local resource work and learning, utilizing, and fostering awareness from the local resources, which include 4 resources: plant studies, animal studies, other biological studies, and regional wisdom from various regions throughout the country. The goal is to foster an exchange of knowledge on shared resources among educational institutions, government agencies, private sectors, food producers, and local farmers from all over the country, with participation from over 1,000 people.