SUM SUNG COOPERATIVE FIELD VISITMonday January 16, 2012

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES To provide the new staff with

practical knowledge and skills from the “basic training course management and facilitation skills” with a focus on organizing SLV

To understand history and background of the Sum Sung Cooperative, its business operation as well as its success factors and constraints

OVERVIEW OF THE VISIT SITE – BAAN OVERVIEW OF THE VISIT SITE – BAAN SAWANGSAWANG

LocationLocation: : Bann Sawang, Huayteoi Sub-district—36 kilometers from Khon Kaen City

BackgroundBackground : Sum Sung was established in 1993, before was under Kranuan Sub-district, now under Huaytoei Sub-district

PopulationPopulation: 529 people or 138 households Main OccupationsMain Occupations: Mainly on rice plantation,

sugar canes, and cassava.

HISTORY OF THE SUM SUNG COOPERATIVE

Phase 1Phase 1

1. 35 villagers2. Facing difficulties at

both economic and social issues

3. More villagers interested in joining

HISTORY OF THE COOPERATIVE

Phase 2Phase 2

1. New land approved2. New members

joined3. Funds from SME

project4. Sum Sung

Community Enterprise Group registered

HISTORY OF THE COOPERATIVE

Phase 3Phase 31. Central Group involvement

5 million baht support Capacity building in safe production of

vegetables Marketing and advertising support for

vegetable sale in modern supermarkets Infrastructure development support including

a packaging and storing house, water and electricity supply for other 260 hectare land

Providing rice mill in the future to produce organic rice supplied to major chain stores

HISTORY OF THE COOPERATIVE

Phase 3 Phase 3 – continued1. Sum Sung Agricultural Cooperative

(SSAC)2. 280 members

MAIN ACTIVITIES Producing chemical-free vegetable

production following GAP standards Packaging during post-harvest Collecting produce from the members and

sell to retailers Selling produce in the local markets Providing seeds and training for members to

become competitive in GAP vegetable production

Providing water and other materials Monitoring and investigating soil and product

quality, ensuring the products are free from chemicals and contamination

PRODUCTION PROCEDURES

STAKEHOLDERS

SUPPORTIVE FACTORS & CHALLENGES

Supportive factors ChallengesUnity, solidarity, loyalty

low experience, ineffective planning

Concerned government support

Ineffective law enforcement

Market availability Lacking experience in grow high value added products

Water and other natural resources availability

Quality control

Private sector engagement

Less diverse products, the majority of products are only three, i.e. Chinese cabbage, lettuce, and morning glory

Infrastructure/transportation access

Limited market channels

Strong leadership No formal contractsFull participation Low soil fertility Transparency/accountability

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE PROJECT Strong government support

Policy and practical levels need to be at the same direction

Multiple stakeholders are required Commitment and continuous support Favorable land policy

Full participation of communities Strong leadership Cultural sensitivity and flexibility Transparency and accountability Peer learning and mutually beneficial environment

Behavior change can be stimulated by economic gaining and health improvement

Private sector involvement empowers community development

Quality standard makes it possible for wide market access

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE VISIT Supportive team work and sound preparation Good time management Well coordinated relationships with concerned

personnel Clear learning objectives and tight schedule Activities are arranged on a logic basis and order Good incentives e.g. gift, food, refreshments, etc.

THANK YOU!