May 30, 2012

The department's plan to develop its own trademark and brand is expected to help dairy farmers upgrade their products and increase milk prices, according to reports.

As a part of the initiative, the government will invest THB130 million (US$4.10 million) to set up one main outlet, two kiosks and two mobile kiosks and recruiting 50 franchisees. The concept will be trialled for one year, and if successful, dairy farmers would be given permission to operate the businesses as franchisees.

Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol said that Thailand aims to become the hub of dairy farming and the dairy industry under the AEC in 2015.

"The project will encourage Thai farmers and the industry to develop themselves to compete with other Asean and non-Asean nations," he said.