Knowledge, attitude, and practice of northern Thai honey producers on good agricultural practice standard in honeybee farms

Honey plays a significant role in Thailand’s agricultural sector, valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits. It holds substantial economic importance in Thailand, both as a source of income for rural households and as a valuable export commodity. Implementing the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) framework is essential for enhancing hygiene and quality in honey production and meeting consumer health expectations. Various factors influence beekeepers’ adoption of GAP standards, including their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of 102 beekeepers in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces regarding GAP standards using a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that beekeepers demonstrate moderate levels of knowledge and attitude while their practices generally align with GAP standards. However, KAP related to data recording remains notably low. Statistical analysis indicates a significant association between GAP certification and improved practices (OR=4.327, p=0.012). Moreover, knowledge and attitudes significantly correlate with practices (r=0.013, p=0.020). Despite some compliance, beekeepers still exhibit a limited understanding of GAP implementation. Therefore, it is recommended that relevant authorities and stakeholders strengthen capacity-building efforts and promote sustainable practices within the beekeeping sector.