ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the contradiction between a movement and certification that has frequently been identified within previous studies. It presents a case entailing the retention of the original visions of organic and Fair Trade initiatives and avoidance of the typical contradiction that prevails between movements and certification, even in a context of expanding certification-based businesses. The chapter details Buddhist-led social and environmental movements that are unique to Thailand as the background tapestry into which foreign-derived notions and practices of organic farming and Fair Trade have been woven. It outlines selected cases, namely, three farmer groups located in two provinces of Northeast Thailand, focusing on each group's process of organizational development. The chapter describes how some of the groups have successfully retained the original visions of social movements. The transformation of Fair Trade and organic initiatives from social movements into certification-based export businesses has been observed in the case of organic rice production in northeastern Thailand.
