In conclusion, the differences between GAP program
adoption/dis-adoption and actual technological changes suggest
that changes are needed to maintain farmers' commitment
to sustainable farming practices. On the one hand, the GAP
program has been successful at introducing certain positive
technological changes; in that respect GAP dis-adoption may
not matter much as long as technological changes are
maintained. However, only labour-saving (cost-reducing)
technologies have been adopted, and other important changes
in practices to achieve the goal of sustainability have not been
taken-up. Because farmers are sensitive to price changes,
offering price premiums linked to some well-targeted technological
change (especially those reducing the environmental
impact but that are requiring more labour) may secure longer
termadoption and long-termeconomic viability of rice farms in
Thailand. In addition, providing adopters with information and
technical support, especially in their first years after conversion,
appears to be important in maintaining their adhesion to the
program. Therefore, maintaining technical support for early
adopters should be reinforced.