Background
Agricultural burning remains prevalent in many developing nations. This practice, which involves the open burning of organic matter, is often used to dispose of pre-and post-harvest residues and weed control in fields. However, incinerating agricultural waste has severe impacts on the environment and human health.
In addition to polluting the air, soil and groundwater, as well as igniting wildfires in certain regions, the practice of open agricultural burning generates dense and odorous smoke, dust, and toxic fumes that are hazards to human wellbeing.
Owing to its large agricultural economy with extensive areas in the region dedicated to rice, sugarcane and maize crop production, open burning remains a common practice in Thailand. Northern provinces in the country are particularly at risk of forest fires as a result of the open burning of rice residues, pre-harvest sugarcane and bagasse in the sugar sector. This has remained a challenge, despite government regulations and burning bans being implemented.
To address this issue, EarthCare Foundation partnered with Consumers Acting for People and Environment Limited to develop a platform dedicated to finding solutions. Using a multi-stakeholder model, the platform brought together both the public and the polluters to collaborate and establish a certification system for “burn-free” and “chemical-free” practices. By encouraging consumers to choose products with burn-free certification, farmers were incentivised to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices.
