The Northern Dehydrated Longan Producers Association is a key agricultural cooperative in Northern Thailand, representing a network of longan farmers and processors primarily based in the provinces of Chiang Mai and Lamphun. The association plays a crucial role in organizing production, quality assurance, and export of one of Thailand’s most valued horticultural products—dehydrated longan.
Organization Overview
Led by Mr. Thanakrit Tunwattanakul, the association functions as a collective body coordinating post-harvest processing and market access for its member producers. It was established to strengthen the bargaining power of longan farmers, improve production standards, and facilitate direct access to domestic and international markets.
Primary Product
The association’s central product is:
- Dehydrated (Dried) Longan:
- Made from fresh longan fruits cultivated in Northern Thailand
- Typically processed through hot air drying or smoke drying
- Retains high sugar content, antioxidants, and traditional aroma
- Used in herbal teas, desserts, traditional medicine, and snacks
Thailand is the world’s leading exporter of dried longan, with over 200,000 metric tons produced annually, much of it sourced from the northern provinces. The association's member base contributes significantly to this volume, especially during peak harvest season from July to September.
Quality and Processing Standards
The association emphasizes quality control through:
- Standardized drying techniques to maintain moisture content below 15%
- Adherence to Thai FDA and GMP regulations for food safety
- Implementation of traceability systems for product tracking from farm to export
Drying facilities range from small community kilns to semi-industrial setups with grading, sorting, and packaging capabilities.
Export and Market Reach
Thailand’s dried longan exports exceed USD 500 million annually, with the Northern Dehydrated Longan Producers Association contributing a large share of shipments. Key export markets include:
- China (over 80% of export volume)
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
- Middle East markets for herbal blends
The association facilitates both bulk sales and contract shipments, working closely with government trade offices and international buyers.
Role in Farmer Empowerment
The association provides significant value to local agricultural communities by:
- Offering collective pricing mechanisms to reduce exploitation by middlemen
- Providing technical training in post-harvest handling
- Supporting organic conversion programs to boost export appeal
- Advocating for government subsidies and trade protection during price volatility
Thousands of farming households benefit from this cooperative model, ensuring equitable income distribution and sustainable cultivation practices.
Sustainability and Future Vision
The association is moving toward:
- Sustainable farming practices such as reduced chemical use and integrated pest management
- Diversification into processed longan products (e.g., longan tea, powder, paste)
- Certification goals including Geographical Indication (GI) and organic certifications
Efforts are also underway to digitize trade workflows and improve packaging standards for export competitiveness.
Key Strengths
- Extensive grower network in Thailand’s premium longan-producing regions
- Large-scale processing capability and seasonal export surge coordination
- Cultural and market expertise in catering to East Asian demand
- Support from Thai agricultural ministries and export promotion agencies
The Northern Dehydrated Longan Producers Association remains a vital force in Thailand’s fruit export economy, contributing to rural development and global trade of a distinctly Thai agricultural product.