As part of the ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Project, Fairagora Asia supported efforts to strengthen Sustainable Farming Southeast Asia. This support came through a baseline survey on the current status of National GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) in the 10 ASEAN Member States. The survey formed a strong base for understanding how GAP is used across the region. It showed what is working, what is missing, and where improvements can be made. It also helped guide actions for aligning efforts and improving food and production safety.
The project not only assessed national standards and certification systems, but also identified the institutional frameworks and obstacles that hinder widespread adoption of GAP. These insights are critical for policymakers and stakeholders to implement more inclusive and effective agricultural reforms. These findings contributed to shaping fairer, more sustainable farming systems and emphasized the need for regional cooperation in developing resilient agri-food value chains. This is an essential foundation for the future of sustainable farming in Southeast Asia.
Understanding the Economic Barriers to Change
This project supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, with a particular emphasis on the economic barriers to adopting sustainable practices. Despite widespread awareness of GAP’s benefits among farmers. Especially in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Many of them struggle to afford the costs related to certification, compliance documentation, and post-certification audits.
These financial burdens are compounded by unstable market conditions, limited access to government subsidies, and the lack of premium markets for GAP-certified products. Such constraints form a major barrier for smallholder farmers, who represent the majority of agricultural producers in the region. Without tangible economic incentives, the shift toward sustainable farming in ASEAN will continue to be out of reach for many rural communities.
Addressing these barriers requires more than technical training. It demands well-structured public policies, targeted financial incentives, and robust infrastructure that supports long-term GAP adoption. Programs that reduce certification fees, guarantee price premiums, and link farmers to secure, ethical supply chains are crucial. Without this multi-layered support, the full potential of sustainable farming in Southeast Asia will remain out of reach for those who need it most.
Partnership for the Goal in Leading and Animating a Regional Conference with 10 ASEAN Governments’ Representatives
Furthermore, the project reflects the principles of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by facilitating a high-level regional conference with representatives from all 10 ASEAN countries. This event provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and cross-border coordination of GAP-related policies. These partnerships are not just symbolic—they are practical drivers of change.
This strong partnership between ASEAN governments, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and technical experts shows the power of working together. The project underscored the importance of aligning national GAP frameworks with ASEAN GAP and global benchmarks to promote intra-regional trade and enhance product safety.
This project represents a meaningful advancement in strengthening sustainable farming Southeast Asia. It identifies both the obstacles and the drivers behind the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), offering clear and practical insights for effective, regionally aligned policymaking. Fairagora Asia and its partners conducted a comprehensive baseline survey across all 10 ASEAN Member States, uncovering critical gaps in certification access, financial support, and technical training, especially for smallholder farmers. The survey also spotlighted successful models and local innovations that countries can adapt and expand to fit their unique contexts.
By encouraging open dialogue and close collaboration, the project brings together governments, technical experts, and development partners to build more equitable and resilient food systems. It promotes the harmonization of GAP standards across borders, unlocking new market opportunities and improving food safety. Therefore, it actively supports Sustainable Development Goals; the initiative lays the groundwork for long-term transformation of the region’s agri-food systems.
Read the full report: https://www.ajfvc.org/publications/
