Royal Speeches

On Agriculture
“… Even though in our country today, we have much income from other sources, we support ourselves by agriculture. Therefore we need to support and improve every type of agriculture, and every class of agriculturalist so that produce a higher quality without using too many natural resources…”

“… It is not necessary to only increase the yield because it is expensive and destroys the soil but the agricultural market should be studied and prices controlled for the peoples’ sake …” (July 4th , 2002)

On the Environment
“… The problems concerning the environment are as important as the development and progress of every country. The more countries progress the worse the effect on the environment and the greater the pollution. Thailand is one country facing these problem …” (July 4th , 2002)

(Thai Royal Speeches from http://www.kanchanapisek.or.th/activities/index.en.html Translated by Mrs. Molly Phua-ngam-prasert)

History

The Farmers’ Dialogue has grown out of the commitment of farmers in many countries who have found a new purpose through Initiatives of Change.

They have been wrestling with the issues facing our planet. This has resulted in them being involved in many of the problems of their day, be it the European Union, developing the Dairy Industry in Asia, farming in Africa or developments in Eastern Europe.

Half the world sees farmers as a beleagured minority, the other half as a huge majority struggling for a voice. But despite huge differences of circumstance and climate, there is a common language between people who work the soil.

Since the early 90s we have seen the benefit of arranging what are known as ‘Farmers’ Dialogues’. These are aimed at creating a common purpose based on shared values for the soil, environment and family life. This can be expanded to embrace new developments world-wide which could assure farmers’ stability, and perhaps give a new direction to human society.

Dialogues

1994 & 1995 Switzerland
At the request of Swedish farmers concerned about joining the EU - in discussion with farmers from France

1996-USA
Aiming to strengthen the links between North America and Europe

1998-Poland
Considering a growing EU and its effects at home and for the wider world

2001-India
Owners of large and small farms and allied industries gathered from many parts of India to meet with farmers of other countries. 2003-Cambodia
Farmers emerging from years of devastation and destruction are putting their lives together and were glad to be able to exchange views with political and other leaders concerned with agricultural policy.

2004 – Thailand
Farmers from overseas meet Thai farmers and staff from the faculty of agriculture of Chiang Mai University, seeking the way of farming for the future to secure farmers’ livelihoods, safe food and environmental care.

Initiatives of change..

…is a world wide network of people committed to a transformation in society based on change in individuals, starting with themselves.

It affirms that there is a divine purpose for the world and each person in it.

It encourages people to seek this purpose through listening to the inner voice of conscience and in discussion with friends they trust, making what they know of God and eternal moral values central in their lives.

It proposes standards of absolute honesty, purity, unselfishness and love as guidelines to private and public decision making.

These ideas and their effects spread from person to person. They have given rise to an international fellowship of people at work in more than 70 countries.

For more information please contact

Pittaya Sruamsiri (deanagri@chiangmai.ac.th)
Puntipa Pongpiachan (puntipa@chiangmai.ac.th)
Warapa kunaporn (warapa@chiangmai.ac.th)
Vilaiporn Thammata (pangkhuan@yahoo.com)
239 Huaykeaw Road,
T. Suthep, A. Muang,
Chiang Mai, THAILAND. 50200.
(66) 053-944001
(66) 053-944089-92
Fax. (66) 053-944666

Klaus Prinz (klaus.prinz@gmx.net)
(66) 099541411
Chiang Mai, THAILAND.

Patrick & Kristin Evans (Kevans@farmersweekly.net)
UK

Phil Jefferys (pmjeff@bigpond.com)
‘Rosedale’ Manilla NSW 2346 Australia
(61) 2678 51945