3 major firms to purchase 50K tonnes of organic rice, cassavas
3 major firms to purchase 50K tonnes of organic rice, cassavas
Amru Rice, Golden Rice and Cambodian Agricultural Cooperative Corporation (CACC) Monday signed contracts to purchase over 50,000 tonnes of organic rice and organic cassavas this year from 37 agriculture cooperatives (ACs) in Preah Vihear province, said a release.
Amru Rice has entered into contract farming agreements with 37 agriculture cooperatives, comprising approximately 5,000 smallholder families, to buy 25,000 tonnes of organic rice.
Similarly, the Cambodian Agriculture Cooperation Cooperative (CACC) signed a contract with 9 agriculture cooperatives to buy 25,000 tonnes of organic cassavas and Golden Rice will buy 1,200 tonnes of organic rice.
The agricultural production is focused not only on the organic standards but also on products that comply with regenerative agricultural standards to achieve the goal of low carbon footprint, the release said.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Sok Sandara, Deputy Governor of Preah Vihear Province, Peung Trida, Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry, Phan Sam Ang, Director of Preah Vihear Provincial Department of Commerce, Song Saran, CEO of Amru Rice and Chairman of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) and CACC, Nuon Day, Chairman of Preah Vihear Mean Chey Union of Agricultural Cooperative (PMAUC) among others.
Sandara said that Preah Vihear province has been involved in contract farming since 2014 in collaboration with the coordination of agricultural cooperatives and Amru Rice under the supervision of the Preah Vihear Provincial Department of Agriculture to support the commercialization of Cambodian rice.
“Today’s event is a platform for sharing experiences, challenges and opportunities on the implementation of contracted organic rice and cassava production and provides an opportunity for all participants to meet face-to-face in networking between producers, suppliers and buyers (exporters), suppliers of agricultural inputs and agricultural services, as well as agricultural development partners,” he added.
Sandara also urged both companies as buyers and farmers as producers to be honest with each other and abide by the terms and conditions of the contract for the implementation of contract farming to be efficient and sustainable.
Song Saran said that Preah Vihear’s rice reputation is well known abroad, and therefore the demand for rice is increasing, especially in the rice market in the United States and European Union. So far, Cambodia has exported rice to nearly 30 countries in the world.
“We believe the only way to long-term soil health and fertility leading to sustainable and high-quality crops is through organic and regenerative agriculture methods. These practices ensure that farmers can expect high yields in the harvest season,” said Saran.
Peung Tryda said that in 2024, Preah Vihear province plans for the contract farming on organic agricultural products to produce 43,800 tonnes – 18,760 tonnes of organic rice, 25,000 tonnes of organic cassava, 200 tonnes of organic cashew, 10 tonnes of organic peanuts and 1 tonne of organic sesame – with the help of 37 farming communities and all partner companies.
He added that this event demonstrates not only the continued commitment to market stability for farmers but also the opportunity to integrate new organic standards on organic rice and cassava, which requires high commitment from farmers to receive certified organic in accordance with European and US standards from ECOCERT.
