Samut Sakhon Agricultural Cooperative Limited is a regional agricultural cooperative based in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand, with a specialized focus on supporting local sea salt producers and providing auxiliary services to the region's broader aquaculture and agriculture sectors. As one of the longstanding cooperatives in Thailand's salt belt, the organization plays a crucial role in organizing, training, and enhancing the capabilities of local salt farmers while also participating in raw material procurement and agricultural advisory services.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Samut Sakhon Agricultural Cooperative Limited offers a range of agricultural support services and engages in direct product sales. Its core functions include:
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Sea Salt Production and Distribution:
- Organizes and assists members in the production and quality control of traditionally harvested sea salt.
- Facilitates bulk distribution and cooperative branding to wholesale and industrial buyers.
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Fishmeal Procurement Services:
- Assists in the collective purchase of fishmeal and aquafeed supplies for aquaculture operators.
- Provides logistical and financial coordination for member access to critical farming inputs.
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Agricultural Consultation and Support:
- Offers extension services including technical training, land preparation advisory, and soil management.
- Collaborates with provincial agricultural departments for joint programs and subsidies.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
The cooperative's USP lies in:
- Traditional Sea Salt Expertise: Based in Thailand's primary salt-producing region, the cooperative preserves traditional sun-drying techniques while supporting modern quality standards.
- Local Empowerment Model: Functions under a cooperative governance structure where profits are reinvested into member services and local agricultural development.
- Integrated Support Services: Provides a one-stop solution for inputs, marketing, and technical training, particularly to smallholder farmers and aquaculture operators.
Certifications and Compliance
Although certifications are not explicitly listed, operations comply with:
- Thailand’s Department of Agricultural Extension protocols
- Cooperative policies under The Cooperative Promotion Department (CPD)
- Food and non-food grade salt production guidelines
The cooperative liaises with provincial and national agricultural and fishery regulators to maintain compliance and access support programs.
Shipment and Distribution Activity
The cooperative distributes sea salt and agricultural inputs primarily within:
- Central Thailand: Supplying to food processors, fish sauce producers, and other cooperatives.
- Regional Aquaculture Zones: Delivery of fishmeal and salt-based products to shrimp and fish farms in nearby provinces.
- Local Markets and Retailers: Engages in community-based sales through stalls and co-op partner stores.
Product logistics are managed through regional warehouses and member-distribution agreements.
Target Markets
Samut Sakhon Agricultural Cooperative serves:
- Sea Salt Wholesalers and Food Processors
- Aquaculture Farms requiring salt for pond management and fishmeal for feed
- Cooperative Members and Smallholder Farmers
- Local Retailers and Markets
Future opportunities include potential for premium packaged salt targeting health-conscious or gourmet consumers.
Capabilities
- Bulk Salt Procurement and Storage: Coordinated warehousing and seasonal stock management for year-round supply
- Member Training Programs: Includes salt drying techniques, soil salinity monitoring, and aquaculture best practices
- Financial & Credit Services: Limited micro-loans and bulk purchase schemes for cooperative members
- Community Development Programs: Engages in local capacity-building and job creation within the salt farming ecosystem
Financial Insights
While formal financial disclosures are not available, the cooperative operates on a non-profit redistribution model, reinvesting surplus income into:
- Member dividends
- Agricultural tools and infrastructure
- Cooperative expansion and community projects
Its longevity and continuous service delivery indicate stable financial management under the Thai cooperative system.
Major Achievements
- Maintains one of the most active salt production support networks in Thailand’s western provinces
- Partnered with local governments to preserve the cultural heritage of traditional salt farming
- Established a dedicated salt branding and cooperative sales channel on social platforms
- Contributed to environmental awareness programs on sustainable salt production and aquaculture practices
Customer Testimonials
While formal testimonials are not documented, engagement on the cooperative’s Facebook page highlights local satisfaction:
“Reliable source for sea salt and advice on aquaculture feed. The cooperative helped us reduce input costs.”
— Local Shrimp Farmer, Samut Sakhon
“Thanks to training from the cooperative, I improved my salt yield without needing new land.”
— Cooperative Member, Ban Phaeo District
Samut Sakhon Agricultural Cooperative Limited continues to play a vital role in Thailand’s traditional salt industry and rural economic development, bridging heritage, sustainability, and cooperative growth.