SX2026: Organic Farming Cuts Costs, Boosts Consumer Access
At Sustainability Expo 2026, industry leaders discussed how organic farming can lower production costs and eliminate middlemen to make organic products more affordable and accessible. Speakers highlighted direct-to-consumer markets like Sukjai Market as a model for reducing prices, while noting growing demand for organic goods among new parents seeking healthier options for their children.
On November 6, 2026, Sustainability Expo 2026 (SX2026) held a panel titled "Organic Agriculture and Business Opportunities." Panelists included Thawisak Ong-iam, CEO of Social Buffet Solutions, maker of the ShooShoke food waste digester; Arut Nawarat, manager of the Suwan Samphan organic farming area and co-founder of Pattom Organic Living; and Natthawut Techa-aphornkun, Managing Director of Siam Organic Food Products. They discussed business opportunities, adding value to organic products, and ways to make them more accessible to consumers.
Arut Nawarat addressed the perception that organic products are expensive, noting that lower yields compared to chemical farming — due to avoiding pesticides — can be a factor. However, he argued that with proper land and production management, organic farming can actually have lower production costs than chemical farming. Increasing yields and continuously reducing production costs would lower prices, making organic products accessible to all consumer groups, while helping farmers become self-reliant, reduce debt, and lessen environmental impact.
Arut also linked monoculture farming and chemical use to PM2.5 dust and global warming, suggesting a return to traditional organic methods as a way to restore ecosystems and reduce environmental problems. On the price issue, he explained that distribution channels are key: products sold in department stores or supermarkets pass through multiple middlemen, adding cost. He cited the Sukjai Market at Suwan Samphan, a direct-to-consumer organic market where most produce is harvested fresh just before sale, cutting transport time and middleman costs.
For consumers wanting organic products, buying directly from farmers or at local organic markets provides fresher goods at more accessible prices, encouraging responsible consumption as "Active Consumers."
Natthawut Techa-aphornkun spoke about business opportunities in organic products for mothers and children. Despite declining birth rates, each new child changes family spending patterns — on housing, vehicles, and child-related gear — making childcare costs significant. Modern parents increasingly prioritize organic or natural products, from food to dishwashing liquid, baby bottle cleaners, and children's clothing, as well as healthier eating habits like reducing sugar and salt to instill good consumption habits early.
Natthawut added that his company previously focused on exports before expanding into the domestic market.
