Battambang, 21 February 2025 – Around 500 rice farmers across Battambang and Banteay Meanchey province will benefit from a 14-month training program on “Sustainable Farming and Smart Agriculture Techniques.” This initiative, launched by HEINEKEN Cambodia in collaboration with the Cambodian Institute for Research and Rural Development (CIRD) aims to equip farmers with advanced agricultural techniques to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and build resilience against climate challenges.
The program, which commenced in November 2024 until December 2025, is designed to provide expert-led training in sustainable farming and smart agriculture. By transferring knowledge and modern techniques, the initiative seeks to empower farmers to increase their crop yields and adapt to evolving environmental conditions. In this way, it aims to support farmers who supply rice for many households across the country.
Speaking at the official launch of the program on 21 February 2025, Mr. Long Phon, Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Battambang Province highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating: “Rice is the backbone of Cambodia’s economy and a vital part of our people’s livelihood. Our farmers work tirelessly to sustain this critical sector, and this partnership between HEINEKEN Cambodia and CIRD is essential in equipping them with the necessary skills and resources. By adopting sustainable and smart agricultural practices, farmers can boost their productivity while ensuring long-term food security and economic stability for the communities.”
CIRD, a key partner in this initiative, has an extensive expertise in strengthening Cambodia’s rice sector through research-driven training programs. In this project, CIRD will lead the implementation of training sessions, equipping farmers with practical, hands-on guidance tailored to their specific needs.
Mr. Rat Rotana, Program Manager of CIRD – “With HEINEKEN Cambodia’s support, we support approximately 500 Cambodian farmers in Battambang and Banteay Meanchey province improve their productivity and yields. The farmers are now able to embrace sustainable farming practices that enhance their livelihoods, improve crop quality, and protect the environment. Our training programs promote a sustainable agricultural system that will continue to benefit local farmers in the long term.”
HEINEKEN Cambodia has been committed to its long-term agenda to “Brew A Better Cambodia” through different initiatives, including the support of local products and farmers through sustainability projects. This latest program reinforces the company’s broader efforts to promote local sourcing and sustainable development within Cambodia’s agricultural landscape.
Anne de Graaf, Corporate Affairs Director of HEINEKEN Cambodia, emphasized the company’s dedication to local farming communities: “HEINEKEN Cambodia spent 75% of its total procurement—USD $142 million—on domestic suppliers in 2023. A significant support in the agricultural sector is using rice to brew our beer, especially using Battambang rice to brew our Anchor White beer. By investing in sustainable farming, we aim to support Cambodian farmers in building a resilient and prosperous future. We also hope to contribute to the continuous recognition of the high quality of Cambodian rice, a source of immense local pride and a testament to our nation's agricultural excellence, celebrated on the international stage.”
The program received enthusiastic participation from rice farmers eager to adopt sustainable practices. Mrs. Ly Thuet is among the farmers who participated in this training program and has seen significant improvements to both yield and livelihood thanks to the knowledge received.
Mrs. Ly Thuet shared her experience: “This training has been beneficial for me and my family. With the new techniques we’ve learned, we’re not only increasing our yields but also taking better care of our land and resources. It’s empowering to know that we can build a sustainable future for our families and our community.”
As Cambodia’s agricultural sector evolves, investing in sustainable farming practices has never been more crucial. Cambodian rice is a key ingredient in Anchor and Tiger beers, reflecting HEINEKEN Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to support local resources while fostering a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. Through this initiative, HEINEKEN Cambodia continues to reinforce its commitment to ‘Brew a Better Cambodia.’
About HEINEKEN Cambodia
HEINEKEN, the world’s most international brewer, has been a leading brewer and investor in Cambodia since 1994. With a purpose to brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world, HEINEKEN Cambodia’s portfolio of world-class brands includes Heineken®, Tiger, ABC, Anchor, and Gold Crown. The company directly employs about 700 people and supports 66,000 jobs across the value chain. Through the Brew A Better Cambodia strategy, HEINEKEN Cambodia is committed to environmental and social sustainability, as well as responsible consumption. Discover more at heinekencambodia.com.
About CIRD
The Cambodia Institute for Research and Rural Development (CIRD) is a non-governmental professional organization founded in 2009 by a team of qualified agriculture-based rural development specialists with the mission to fighting poverty, to improve the livelihoods of rural communities in Cambodia through capacity building, service and organizational management support enabling rural livelihood systems to improve its position from a subsistence system to an income-generating agro-food production and agricultural social enterprises system compatible/consistent with Biodiversity and Environmental conservation. CIRD works directly with Farmers Organisations (FO) and local communities to provide technical and managerial
