A new initiative called GAP Monkey Free Plus is expected to be introduced to domestic coconut farms to quell fears among global trading partners by reassuring them that no primates are used to harvest fruit, the, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Officials grew concerned after the department received complaints by the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, about monkeys facing cruelty at some of these farms in Thailand, said department chief Rapeepat Chantarasriwong.
He said this has compromised the country's reputation and negatively impacted the coconut industry, especially sales in some foreign markets.
The department will draft a certificate to accompany the initiative and bestow it on farms that can prove they do not use the animals to harvest their fruit, he said. This will serve in addition to a pre-existing GAP checklist that ensures they observe standard farming practices for food safety.
It is also working with coconut- related business groups such as the Thai Food Processors Association, Horticultural Science Society of Thailand, Conservation and Development of Coconut Oil of Thailand, and 10 coconut companies including Theppadungporn Coconut Co, Chiwadi Product Co, Vara Food and Drink Co on the issue, Mr Rapeepat added.
"We have invited stakeholders for discussions so we can hear their opinions," he said.
"As soon as a conclusion is made, we will hold public hearings before implementing the certificate. We are confident GAP Monkey Free Plus will boost sales of our coconut products globally without being harmed by false rumours of animal cruelty."
Recent news reports claimed that a prominent supermarket chain in Britain has banned Thai coconut milk due to the animal cruelty rumours.
Last year, Thailand exported 12.5 billion baht of coconut products. Such exports have climbed 155% over the past eight years, with the top markets being the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.