Author(s): Christoph Kober , Morgan Bow , Alexandra Grande , Nicole Watson

Presentation: oral

Best known for its history of opium trade, the Golden Triangle region in Southeast Asia has witnessed the dramatic growth of the fruit cultivation industry, with tangerines as its most prominent product. This export-oriented trend in agriculture can be ascribed to the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreement, signed in 2002 and enacted completely by 2010. Since the initial framework was agreed upon, “tangerine dreams” have gripped investors, farmers and public officials alike who sense opportunities for economic growth. As recipients of the competitive ASIANetwork/Freeman Foundation Student-Faculty Fellows Grant, our team has been conducting preliminary research regarding this Northern Thailand industry since the beginning of the academic year. Each member of the team has focused on one specific issue-area, including the international, local, environmental, and cultural aspects part of our multidimensional study, For our presentation at the Student Research Conference, we will present the tangerine industry in its broader context as well as the findings of the individual study aspects of the research so far conducted. Our preliminary archival research finds that rapid trade liberalization in agriculture has adverse affects on Thai border communities. This project is an ongoing study that is being executed in an ongoing process and our post-SRC field work is designed to supplement research, not comprise it. Our report brings together results from four separate independent study reports completed since the beginning of this academic year. Ultimately, our research will yield a team-based written report, a poster, and a 15-20 minute video documentary—all available to the campus community.

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