Kampong Thom and Tboung Khmum Provinces, Cambodia – November 27-28, 2024: Team Europe - including the Ambassadors of the European Union, Germany, and the Czech Republic, representatives from the French embassy, AFD, SDC and GIZ, - is joining H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), for a field visit on 27-28 November 2024.
This visit will explore the challenges faced at the local level by farmers and processors in high-value crop production, particularly cashew nuts and pepper. The discussions will enable a better understanding of the growth potential of the cashew and pepper value chains, market access and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The field visit will include meetings with Modern Agriculture Cooperatives (MACs), processing companies, and exporters in Kampong Thom and Tboung Khmum Provinces, along with a visit to the Bos Khnor Centre of Excellence.
H.E. Dith Tina stated, “Modern agricultural cooperatives are vital to Cambodia’s agri-food system as they strengthen food security, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance economic resilience for farmers, especially smallholder farmers. By uniting farmers to adopt sustainable practices, they can reduce production costs, improve their bargaining power, and thus their livelihoods.”
"Today's agricultural challenges require collective action and innovative solutions," said H.E Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia. "Team Europe is working to accelerate green growth and decent jobs in Cambodia’s agri-business. Alongside the Royal Government of Cambodia, we are building strong partnerships to empower local farmers, enhance productivity and local processing, and promote sustainable practices. We are committed to supporting Cambodia’s agricultural sector and ensuring its alignment with high international standards."
German Ambassador Stefan Messerer added, “Our primary objective is to support the Royal Government of Cambodia in enhancing the competitiveness and climate resilience of the agricultural sector. By fostering sustainable practices and strengthening value chains, we are committed to increase incomes, expand processing capacities, and improve market access for all stakeholders involved, with a central focus on local value addition.”
Ongoing collaboration between France, Germany, the EU, and MAFF aim to advance research and promote sustainable development within Cambodia's agricultural value chains. The initiatives align with MAFF's policies to enhance sustainable production and strengthen business relationships within Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) as well as with processors and exporters, boosting productivity and ensuring food safety, in line with social and environmental standards.
The Team Europe Initiative on Green Agribusiness and Decent Jobs, supported by multiple European nations, aims to develop deforestation-free, sustainable agriculture value chains in Cambodia. This initiative seeks to build resilient agro-processing systems that meet high-value market requirements in both the EU and ASEAN regions.
