Cambodia Rice Federation features ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems in supporting safety and sustainable food production

Cambodia Rice Federation features ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems in supporting safety and sustainable food production

Rice is one of the major crops both for Cambodia and South-East Asia. Since the agriculture sector struggles to meet the demand, the use of chemical inputs is increasing. Farmers believe that chemical inputs can foster productivity, eliminate pests and boost profit. However, improper use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizer may contribute to various problems including farm losses, ecological risks and health hazards. In addition, detected chemical residues in food can threaten export opportunities. Between 2006 and 2010, the value of synthetic pesticides imported into Cambodia and used for rice cultivation increased by 285 times (FAO 2012).

To address this concern, the ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN-SAS) project by GIZ aims to provide solutions for long-term food security in Cambodia as well as in the whole ASEAN region through the development of regionally coordinated policies and strategies for sustainable agriculture. This also includes promotion of cross-border value chains in cooperation with public decision-makers, agricultural enterprises as well as farmer and private associations. Agrifood systems are sustainable when they are profitable along the value chain. The project focuses on three components comprising policy framework, production technology and market linkage.

Trichoderma harzianum

In order to reduce the use of hazardous synthetic pesticides the project developed the ASEAN Guidelines on the Regulation, Use and Trade of Biological Control Agents (BCA) with regional experts. This Guideline was endorsed by ASEAN in 2014 which the projects supports to implement in Cambodia.

In 2015, two National fora on regulation, use and trade of Biocontrol Agents (BCA) were organized with cooperation between Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery(MAFF), GIZ and Cambodia Harvest implemented by Fintrac Inc with the aim to provide an opportunity to different stakeholders for sharing successful experiences in agricultural production by using BCA, which are living organism, nontoxic mechanism and specify target enemy. Biocontrol Agents were group into 4 product categories as state as below:

  • Macro-organisms (macrobials),
  • Semiochemicals (mostly pheromones, kairomones, etc.)
  • Natural products (plant extracts or ‘botanicals’, fermentation and other products)

 They are most applicable in the context of appropriate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that emphasize preventative pest management: with regular observation of the crop and timely, targeted intervention only where required.

Trichoderma is one of BCA that can help farmers grow better crops and have higher income while protecting the soil environment. They are living freely in soil in agricultural and natural environments and permitted in organic farming according to international regulations. The best use of Trichoderma can be used as soil amendment, foliar spray and seed coating. It grows rapidly below 30 C temperature and 5-6.8 of pH soil.

Trichoderma species are effective against soil-borne fungal pathogens , especially causing root rot, damping off , and wilting

In 2014, ASEAN-SAS supported field demonstrations of Trichodema with rice which was evaluated by the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) under MAFF (see table). As a result, using Trichoderma in combination with compost or manure can significantly boost yields up to 6 tons per hectare, healthy roots and resist to rice blast disease and drought.

Further it can premature harvest comparing to the control plot. GIZ developed a Manual on Trichoderma and can facilitate trainings on the application and advice where the product is available.

In 2016, the project plans field experiments with Matarhizum, which is found as effective BCA against the brown plant hoper, especially in rice production. The third national forum on regulation, use and trade of biocontrol agents in Cambodian Agriculture is planned in the beginning of 2016 in Phnom Penh. (www.crf.org.kh)

Contact:

Claudius Bredehöft

National Project Coordinator Cambodia

ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN SAS)

claudius.bredehoeft@giz.de

Source: Cambodia Rice Federation Magazine, October-December 2015

A ‘Green Fungi’ improves farmers’ life

A ‘Green Fungi’ improves farmers’ life

Mr Sun Song is a farmer in the Siem Reap province in Cambodia. He has been using an organic fertilizer and pesticide called Trichoderma to protect his cucumbers and string beans from harmful fungal infestation and to improve the growth of his crops for the past year. Trichiderma is a green fungi naturally living in the soil. Before using Trichoderma, Mr Song applied chemical pesticides to control diseases. Trichoderma can be mixed with compost and distributed on the field to improve the soil quality and control harmful fungi, Mixed with water, it can also be used for seed coating to accelerate germination and protect the seed against pathogens. Or, it can be directly sprayed on infested plants.

Mr. Sun Song, 32, farmer using Trichoderma, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

Asking Mr Song about the differences, he says: “Now my kids are allowed to play in the fields.”

Due to the fertilizing effects of Trichoderma, Mr Song also says: “The crop is healthier and also looks better.”

Mr Sun Song’s yield is higher and because his vegetables are of better quality now that he does not need additional synthetic pesticides, he earns about 200 riel (approximately US$ 0.05) more per kg compared to other farmers.  Smiling diffidently, he tells that he also receives support from customers that recently called to ask for his vegetables.

Mrs Choun Yan farms since her childhood. As Mr Song, Mrs Yan started using Trichoderma-based products last year. Even before the harvest, she could see the changes. Previously, Mrs Yan had problems with diseases, mainly fungi. Since the application of Trichoderma, she does not have that problem anymore. In addition, she estimates an increase in her cucumber yield from 1 to about 1.5 tons, while the input costs for pesticides and fertilizer are reduced.

Mrs. Choun Yan, 37, farmer using Trichoderma, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

In supporting the farmers’ use of Trichoderma and other biocontrol agents (BCAs), GIZ’s ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems’ project (ASEAN SAS) provides capacity development measures, technical know-how, and establishes a national network and discussion forum to enhance learning among farmers and relevant stakeholders. In this respect GIZ, in collaboration with HARVEST Cambodia (USAID funded) and the Cambodian’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), organized the 2nd National Biocontrol Agents (BCA) Forum in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 28-29 July 2015 bringing public sector and other regulators, practitioners, extension workers, academia and the private sector together to share experiences and present BCA-related products.

One of the forum’s participants, Dr. Kean Sophea, Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from Cambodia and his team have been conducting research on Trichoderma in the past ten years.

“So far, a lot of chemicals are used with bad effects. I think the better way is to use organic fertilizer, as it is safe for people and the environment,” says Dr. Sophea.

During the ten years, he and his team have experimented Trichoderma with different kinds of value crops such as vegetables, rice, fruit trees and black pepper. All showed better yields by about 20 to 30 per cent compared to the control groups.

Durians, for example, do not only yield better and give more fruits, but also mature earlier. Dr. Sophea emphasizes that there are no known negative effects to humans of the application of Trichoderma. However, it would not be advisable to eat or inhale the spores of the fungus. Farmers are advised to store the product safely and use protective masks while spraying.

To demonstrate the practical application and the benefits of Trichoderma, field visits were part of the the 2nd National BCA Forum’s agenda. At the farmlands of Mr Song and Mrs Yan more than 150 participants witnessed the usefulness of green fungi and earned their own impressions of what BCA have to offer.

How Trichoderma works:
• Competition: Trichoderma is a parasite to other fungi. It spreads rapidly, covers and destroys the harmful fungi without damaging the plant.
• Growth Promotion: Trichoderma affects the root system of the plant. The roots grow stronger and deeper. It also treats root injuries so the plant can take up nutrients more effectively and resistance against drought is increased.
• Antibiosis: Trichoderma produces chemical compounds (metabolites) that inhibit or kill other microorganisms. These compounds are also known as antibiotics.”

Story and photos by Kristina Spantig, ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems

Be responsible, be profitable and be proud

Be responsible, be profitable and be proud

Father and daughter exploring Thailand’s fruit juice standard in improving Cambodian SMEs market

Heang Srun and his daughter Rothany Srun want to develop their own fruit juice business in Cambodia, Mr. Srun’s home land.

Dr. Vinai Pitipont, Permanent Executive Technical Consultant to the Deputy Director takes Mr. Heang and Ms. Rothany Srun, entrepreneurs, for a tour at Central Lab Thai

Mr. Srun traveled from Minnesota, USA to meet his daughter in Bangkok, Thailand. Ms. Srun flew from Phnom Penh, Cambodia to see her father. They were going to visit four fruit production factories, one manufacturer, and one laboratory to learn about food standard and quality in the Thai food and beverage industry.

The four-day study trip was organized by German’s ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN SAS) with its goal to heighten food safety and quality standard in ASEAN countries.

“Cambodian market itself in terms of production and manufacturing has been hit with so many scandals in relation to what sort of pesticide and chemical get put in the food. The SMEs in Cambodia want to improve their product safety and quality. They know that this will actually improve their business and also trust in their brand,” said Ms. Srun, a US born citizen, who has been working in Cambodia for the past five years in communication and organization development.

“From what I hear, a lot of Cambodians are interested in developing their own country that they have something to be proud of at better quality and higher standard,” she said.

Sample test at Central Lab Thai

On a personal note, Ms. Srun said she was very concerned about the food she ate and if she was going to start a food production factory of her family, she wanted to be able to eat the food she produces. “I am really concerned about the food I eat that what sort of ingredients they are putting into the food if there’s pesticide and chemical residues in the vegetable and the food I am eating. I want to be able to actually produce something I could also eat. I don’t want to eat pesticide and I don’t’ want to eat chemical,” she said.

This four-day study visit was planned and organized by a fruit juice factory auditor of Sure and Global Fair (SGF), a German based self-control association for fruit juice safety and quality assurance, a public private partnership of ASEAN SAS on a project “Improvement of product safety and quality for the Thai fruit juice industry” with the aim of improving the production processes of fruit juice in the Thailand.

ASEAN SAS supports responsible agriculture production for safe, healthy and affordable food to meet an increasing demand of a growing populations while, at the same time, protecting a shrinking natural resources. The Agrifood systems will only be sustainable when the value chain including, for example, farmers, processors, traders, and input suppliers are profitable while securing food safety and quality standard.

Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Regional Adviser of ASEAN SAS (far left) gives introduction on fruit juice safety and quality standard to entrepreneur.

“ASEAN SAS seeks to collaborate with serious private partners to adopt food safety and quality standard and link to the market. This also includes supporting SMEs in getting benefit from ASEAN Economy Community,” said Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, regional adviser of GIZ’s ASEAN SAS project.

One of the ASEAN SAS’s activities is providing advisory support for responsible business development.

Mr. Srun, business entrepreneur and vice president of QTS manufacturing for medical device outsourcing said: “Business is business, but we want to do business with responsibility. For us standard is about responsibility. For a lot of private business, at least in Cambodia, it costs money. But we want to improve the society and the community. It’s not like the rich taking advantage of the poor. We don’t want to only make money and take advantage of the consumers and our employees.

“We want to create jobs for Cambodian people that they can make a basic living and pursue their other interests and enjoy life. People are people. It doesn’t matter if they are Thais, Americans or Cambodians, but they should be able to enjoy life as people.

Testing Room at Central Lab Thai, Bangkok, Thailand

“We want to see Cambodian people live and eat well in their own country and make enough for their family that they don’t have to find work in other countries living in a harsh condition. We are proud that we can help people,” he said. Mr. Srun was born in Cambodia and moved to the US for over 20 years.

Ms. Srun also said about responsible business and standard that: “We talk about responsible social practice but at the end of the day it needs to be profitable. How you can talk to them [SMES] that standard can improve and widen their market scope in the future and why it should be important to them. I want to be able to show that these sorts of things are possible to do in Cambodia that you can be profitable and you can still also follow international standard.

“Food standard is important for food production if you want a better market, better product, and better image of the country,” she said.

In this four-day study visit the father-and-daughter entrepreneurs visited the pineapple product factories, coconut product factory, beverage factory, and laboratory and machinery manufacturer. The study trip was specifically designed to fit the needs and future business possibilities of the visitors.

“I like the variety of what we saw, we saw the big factory, we saw the smaller factory, and even not factory, but laboratory and manufacturer. After the visit, I saw that so many other SMEs would also benefit from it, and they would be very much interested in learning from it. It is not only about visiting the factories in Thailand but if we connect other SMEs in utilizing the different services available here [laboratory and machinery manufacturer] that are not available in Cambodia, it will eventually help their business, help them to improve the quality,” said the Ms. Srun.

By Rojana Manowalailao, ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN SAS)

From left: Ms. Napaporn Rattanametta, Auditor of Sure and Global Fair and Project Manager on Food Safety for ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems; Chamoy Thonglue, Vice President of Central Lab Thai’s Bangkok Branch, Ms. Rothany Srun and Mr. Heang Srun and Dr. Vinai Pitipont, Permanent Executive Technical Consultant to the Deputy Director

National Forum on Biological Control Agents shares success storiesy for sustainable agriculture in Cambodia

National Forum on Biological Control Agents shares success storiesy for sustainable agriculture in Cambodia

By Benjamin Scholz

Introducing and promoting Biocontrol agents as an alternative to commonly used chemical agricultural inputs was at the core of the ‘National Forum on the regulation, trade and use of Biocontrol Agents (BCA) in Cambodian agriculture’ held from 22-23 April 2015 in Battambang, Cambodia.

The two-day workshop was hosted by the GIZ ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems project (ASEAN-SAS) in collaboration with the USAID Cambodia HARVEST funded program and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

An actual body of evidence for advantages of biological agricultural practices, such as higher yields, increased income opportunities, and improved health indicators were presented from BCA field trials by Dr. Kean Sophea from the General Directorate of Agriculture, Ms. Elodie Schoenmakers from Charlemagne High Education Institute, Mr. Melvin Medina from Cambodia HARVEST, and Mr. Sip Pagnasoley from University of Battambang.

Regional GIZ expert Dr. Thomas Jaekel presented on the economic benefits arising from the use of BCA highlighting that “farming is a business” opportunity for smallholders.

From the government side, Mr. Pum Ra from Department of Agricultural Legislation (DAL) provided an overview of the ongoing process of implementing the ASEAN Guideline in Cambodia to regulate the use and trade of BCA products, jointly carried out with GIZ ASEAN-SAS and Cambodia HARVEST.

Among the more than 110 participants were representatives of the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA), Department of Agricultural Legislation (DAL), International organizations, various farmer and rural development NGOs, farmer cooperatives, the University of Battambang (UBB), and numerous agricultural input companies committed to the commercial production and distribution of BCA.

Some selected forerunners among the companies displayed their products – mainly organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides, seeds, irrigation schemes, and organic groceries – to potential customers and cooperation partners throughout the duration of the workshop. Altogether, the national forum provided a beneficial platform for a broad range of actors to identify entry points of cooperation and push forward the rollout of BCA throughout Cambodia.

A Study Tour to Thailand

A Study Tour to Thailand

The GIZ-ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN-SAS) project in Cambodia has brought people together to strengthen the capacity of farmers in organic production techniques, to help them establish linkages to international markets. To that end, the technical staff of GIZ ASEAN-SAS (Cambodia and Thailand), the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), and CEDAC Sahakreas Ltd. (SKC) undertook a study tour to Thailand, which took place 25-29 January 2015. The aims of the study tour were:

  • To share experiences with entities working in the organic food sector in Thailand,
  • To study agricultural best practices, including CO2 fumigating procedure for organic rice, and
  • To strengthen the network between practitioners in the organic agriculture sector.

Entities were selected according to the technical background and specific interest of the participants. In the beginning, participants presented their experiences with organic rice value chain development in Cambodia, where the demand for organic rice has been gradually growing. However, there is no established national regulation on the certification and declaration of organic agricultural products, meaning that anyone can claim that their products are organic without any certification. CEDAC has been working with small-scale farmers to promote organic rice production, resulting in the export of approximately 1,000 tons of organic and fair-trade certified rice in 2014. To comply with international organic standards, CO2 fumigation to eliminate insects before shipment is a requirement for export. Herba Bangkok Sl is a company experienced in CO2 fumigation and marketing strategies for organic rice. In order to tackle the lack of experience in the CO2 fumigation procedure, Herba showcased the treatment for the participants: 2kg of CO2 per ton of rice must be circulated consistently in a covered plastic bag. The share of oxygen must be lower than 13.7%, and the concentration of oxygen and CO2has to be regularly monitored, or else insects will not be killed within 14 days. In its warehouses, Herba uses mechanical traps, daily cleaning and uniform packaging. Herba buys from organic rice farmer cooperatives and exports mainly to the US and the EU. They are very interested in importing premium organic fragrant and non-fragrant rice, as well as half broken rice, which is an opportunity for Cambodian farmers and CEDAC to enter the market. During the next rice season there will be a joint workshop between farmers, CEDAC and Herba to discuss the production plan.

Xungdur is another organic food company known for initiating market-linked organic food processing, working closely with organic farmer cooperatives that use their own resources to produce
fertilizer and bio-pesticides in compliance with organic standards. Xungdur used to apply conventional practices, which involve high chemical inputs, ultimately causing health problems and low profits. However, once the owner of Xungdur discovered that following organic principles is the most effective method in developing and improving health, she began to promote organic rice and vegetable production to farmers, providing weekly trainings on organic agricultural techniques. She altered Xungdur’s product lines to contain only organic rice, and developed food processing and packaging lines. Xungdur’s products are now well known and in high demand. Government agencies and organizations are assisting the cooperative with production techniques, marketing, and financial resources to strengthen the company’s sustainability.The study tour was very useful and informative to the participants, who gained a better understanding of the concepts and principles of effective business practices and production techniques. Moreover, they benefited from lessons and experiences shared at the training workshop, not only to improve their own knowledge but also to develop ideas that will promote the sustainable development of organic agriculture in Cambodia.

Bio-agriculture Input Sector Pushes ‘Green Center’ Forward in Cambodia

Bio-agriculture Input Sector Pushes ‘Green Center’ Forward in Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia –Six private and social business companies leading the local market in providing inputs for agriculture and trainings in organic agriculture sent eleven of their representatives to join GIZ for a consulation this week. GIZ ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) program hosted the consultation with local companies to discuss moving the concept of a ‘green center’ in Cambodia forward. The new center will aim to bring bio-agricultural companies under one roof, to provide their high quality inputs for a sustainable and environment friendly sound agriculture. Open to the public, the center plans to act as platform for training and dialog activities for national and international development partners, extension workers and farmers, and will provide seminars to consumers interested in learning about agriculture and urban gardening.

To push their vision forward, the participants of the workshop developed an action plan to map out the next steps for the center.

Companies that joined the consultations have the common aim to promote sustainable agriculture with little or no chemical (organic) use. These companies include Bayon Heritage Holding Group Co, Ltd., Angkor Green Investment and Development Co. Ltd., EX-M (Cambodia) Co. Ltd., iDE Cambodia, and Entrée Baitang Co. Ltd., which met at the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC).

For more information on the development of Cambodia’s first ‘Green Center’ contact:

Mr. Claudius Bredehöft

National Project Coordinator Cambodia

ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

M     +855 12 21 54 30

E       claudius.bredehoeft@giz.de

Workshop to Promote the Use and Trade of Biological Control Agents in Cambodia

Workshop to Promote the Use and Trade of Biological Control Agents in Cambodia

In collaboration with the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and USAID through the Cambodia HARVEST Programme, ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN Biocontrol) organised a national workshop on the use and trade of biological control agents (BCA) on 22 May 2014 in Phnom Penh. The aim of the workshop was to raise awareness and share experiences on the use of BCA in promoting sustainable agricultural production, identify the needs of relevant stakeholders concerning regulation, commercialisation and application of BCA, and encourage networking among BCA experts in Cambodia. Presided over by H.E. So Khan Rithykun, Director-General of the General Directorate of Agriculture, MAFF, the workshop was attended by representatives from state institutions, the private sector, local NGOs and individual consultants in the sector. Mr. Teffera Betru attended as a representative from USAID.

       Commercial biological control agents are becoming increasingly important and gaining more attention due to their relatively low toxicity to humans and the environment, their potential for local production, and their compatibility with smallholder farming, which is the predominant form of agricultural production in Southeast Asia.

       The workshop provided a good venue to exchange information about the global, regional and national experiences on the use of BCA. The implementation of ASEAN guidelines on the regulation, use and trade of biological control agents in Cambodia was discussed and a needs assessment conducted among core partners.

ASEAN Biocontrol Strengthens the Capacity of the National Trainer Pool for Food Security and Nutrition in Cambodia

ASEAN Biocontrol Strengthens the Capacity of the National Trainer Pool for Food Security and Nutrition in Cambodia

The ASEAN Biocontrol Project and the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) jointly organized a three-day Refresher Training Course for the National Trainer Pool in PhnomPenh, Cambodia from April 23–25, 2013. The training is one of the project activities to support the implementation of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and its Strategic Plan of Action for Food Security (SPA-FS).

Aimed at strengthening the capacity of the National Trainer Pool for Food Security and Nutrition in Cambodia, the training introduced emerging topics in food security and nutrition such as climate change and social safety nets.

Additionally, the trainers were acquainted with the AIFS Framework, which is a joint approach for cooperation among the ASEAN member states in dealing with the food security issues in the region to ensure long-term food security and to improve the livelihoods of farmers. The AIFS Framework was adopted at the 14th ASEAN Summit in 2009.

The National Trainer Pool for Food Security and Nutrition, officially established in 2009, comprises members of government, development partners, institutions, civil society and NGOs.

The Trainer Pool, which is managed by CARD, plays a vital role in strengthening human resource development in the field of food security and nutrition in Cambodia. Eighteen trainers from the Pool actively participated in the three-day training.

A representative from the Department of Agriculture, Lao PDR also attended to learn how the Trainer Pool functions and exchange experiences. The Trainer Pool plans to organize 12 training sessions at the national, sub-national and community levels before the end of 2013.

The 5th (Joint) Meeting of the ASEAN BCA Expert Groups on Application and Regulation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 12 March 2014

The 5th (Joint) Meeting of the ASEAN BCA Expert Groups on Application and Regulation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 12 March 2014

The Fifth Meetings of the ASEAN BCA Expert Groups on Application and Regulation are jointly organized on 12 March 2014 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

ASEAN BCA Expert Groups on Application and Regulation convened to review the draft of the ASEAN Guidelines on the Regulation, Use and Trade of Biological Control Agents (BCA) which would be further submitted to the ASEAN Working Group on Crops (ASWGC) for approval.

The Experts discussed and provided comments on the ASEAN Guidelines and agreed to include a short message from Myanmar who recently participated in the Meeting of ASEAN BCA Expert Groups.

There are ongoing field trials in Cambodia and Thailand to evaluate the effectiveness of BCA for pest and disease management in which the progress on the field trials has been reported to the Meeting. The results from the field trials would also be incorporated into the ASEAN Guidelines.

The Expert Groups proposed to meet again after the endorsement of the ASEAN Guidelines.

Trust and Control – Consumer Field Trip to where the food is grown

Trust and Control – Consumer Field Trip to where the food is grown

Kampong Chhnang – Forty-one costumers of Natural Agri-Products shops (NAP), a social-business branch of the Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) in Phnom Penh, joined a one-day field trip to Kampong Chhnang province to see where their food is sourced. The field trip, including local media, visited organic vegetable produces in Thnoung Kambot village; Svay Chhroum commune and Thmor Reap village; Dok Kroung village; and Pong Ror commune of Rolea Baear District.

The visit is part of CEDAC’s Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)​​ – a locally focused quality assurance system. The consumers certify producers based on active participation and foundation of trust, transparent relationships and dialogue as well as knowledge exchange.

Consumers learned the behind-the-scenes of organic farming and biological control approaches to agriculture. The Cooperation between CEDAC and the GIZ project ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (Biocontrol) supports farmers to strengthen their knowledge on irrigation techniques, organic fertilizer production, protection of useful insects (predators) and application of other useful Biocontrol Agents (BCA) like Trichoderma Harzianum.

The customers of the NAP shops in Phnom Penh enjoyed the trip out of the city and actively discussed organic agriculture, health and environmental issues with farmers and the advisors from CEDAC and GIZ.

The participants of this field visit are now 100% confident of product origin and quality of the organic vegetables available in eight NAP shops in Phnom Penh. They want to share their impressions with their friends and relatives as well.In addition to the consumer field trips, CEDAC and GIZ are introducing a new Documentation Handbook for farmers, which is based on IFOAM Standards – an internationally applicable organic standard that can be used directly for certification. The farmers have to document every input and activity for their production. The data is controlled and verified first by commune leader, then by the internal inspector, and finally by the ICS Supervisor in CEDAC Headquarters. Trust and Control are going hand in hand.

Visit NAP on facebook: www.facebook.com/CEDACNAP

Contact:

Claudius Bredehöft

National Project Coordinator Cambodia

ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (Biocontrol)

Mobile: +855 12 21 54 30

Email: claudius.bredehoeft@giz.de