Causes of Farmers Who Abandon Star-Apple “Lo Ren” Production with Global GAP Standard in Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province

Abstract

     This study aimed to investigate the socio-economic status of farm households growing star-apple “Lo Ren” according to Global GAP standard and clarify the reasons for GAP adoption and abandonment after obtaining Global GAP standard certification. A total of 54 star-apple growers who applied GAP and 53 independent growers residing in Chau Thanh district of Tien Giang province were selected for primary data collection. Descriptive statitics and T-Test methods were employed to analyze the collected data related to GAP adoption and abandonment. Regardless of the benefits of GAP practices, such as reduced fertilizer and pesticide application and safety for environment, the abandon of GAP star apple growing was attributed to the uncertainty of market and unstable selling prices. Thus, only those farmers with higher education level, better economic condition and high expectation for higher selling price of GAP-certified product engaged in growing star apple using GAP..