The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries organised the first “Green Field Agriculture” event on December 8.

The exhibition brought together agricultural processors and traders, with the goal of showcasing the potential of Cambodia’s agricultural products and strengthening and expanding their markets. 

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina presided over the event, which was attended by many Cambodian and international guests of honour, including diplomats and development partner representatives.

“Today marks an accession for us to showcase agricultural products and bring together producers, processors and traders so we can strengthen and expand markets for our products. At the same time, we want to show all of our development partners some of the projects we intend to work on together,” he said.

Hun Yadana, head of the business planning office at the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), noted that the event was also important for scientists who have made many accomplishments, ranging from scientific research to breakthroughs, the boosting of production and market development to create added value in the current food economy chain.

“The milled rice and rice varieties we displayed were certified to the level of nutrition that we had analysed. They were recognised by international laboratories that we have previously worked with,” he added.

Hun Vatha, representative of the Cambodia Agricultural Cooperative Union, said the programme was an excellent opportunity for the community, farmers and partners in the agricultural sector to showcase their products to the public, as well as relevant partners. 

“Upon seeing the quality of our vegetables, many people thought they had been imported from Vietnam or China, but actually they were grown domestically,” he added.

Chea Visal from the KC Food Company, supported the event. He asked that everyone in the industry turn their attention to products that focus on safety and quality, such as food that is recognised by the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), with the support of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Heng Chhay, director of Aries Farm in Kep province, said his farm had showcased European standard peppers with GI registration from the EU at the event. He produces red, white and black pepper, as well as pickled peppers. At the Green Field Agriculture, he showcased post-harvest agricultural products, including grapefruits, guava and jackfruit.

“We also supply these products domestically. Because we are also an ecotourism business, visitors can come to the farm and pick them directly,” he added.