farmers and NGOs began to search for an alternative to mainstream agriculture in order to break out of this vicious circle. Some farmers decided to diversify production to reduce market dependency. Others opted for organic farming methods to reduce the use of chemicals. Still others returned to traditional agricultural systems, making it their first priority to feed their families. All of these initiatives formed the basis from which "Alternative" or "Sustainable" Agriculture emerged as a movement in Thailand in the mid-1980s. In response to the rapidly growing interest among the NGO community, a loose network of leading NGOs was formed in 1984. - See more at: http://www.agriculturesnetwork.org/magazines/global/strong-case-for-diversity/agriculture-or-agribusiness-thai-farmers-search#sthash.3O4LzXS4.dpuf