Thai Ministry of Agriculture Launches 'Farm-Gate Milk Shop' Initiative
Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has directed the Department of Livestock Development to boost dairy farmer incomes through value-added processing.
On October 19, 2026, Thailand’s Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, announced a new initiative aimed at increasing the income of dairy farmers nationwide. According to Khaosod Online, the Department of Livestock Development is spearheading the 'Farm-Gate Milk Shop' project, which encourages farmers to process raw milk into various value-added products directly at their farms.
Department of Livestock Development Director-General, Chaiwat Yothakhon, stated that this strategy aims to transform raw milk—valued at approximately 22.75 baht per liter—into processed goods with a market value of up to 667 baht per liter, representing a potential 29.3-fold increase in value. The initiative was highlighted during a visit to the Soi Dao Dairy Cooperative in Chanthaburi province, where officials emphasized the goal of creating sustainable revenue streams for farmers while providing consumers with fresh, safe, and high-quality dairy products.
For residents and travelers, this initiative may lead to increased availability of locally produced, artisanal dairy products at farm-gate locations across Thailand, potentially offering fresher options than standard retail outlets. While the government has set the policy in motion, the long-term impact on market prices and the scale of the rollout across different provinces remain to be confirmed as the Department of Livestock Development continues to implement the program.
