Kampong thom: The EU Delegation to Cambodia, the German Embassy in Cambodia, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) officially launched on July 17 a Training of Trainers (ToT) aimed at enhancing the skills of Commune Agriculture Officers (CAOs) and key farmers for climate-resilient cashew and pepper production.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event in Kampong Thom province gathered 169 participants, including CAOs, key farmers, government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives. The training equips CAOs with technical knowledge and facilitation skills tailored to local crop conditions and post-harvest practices, enabling them to support farmers effectively.

H.E. Dr. Yang Saing Koma, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, highlighted the importance of the training for CAOs. He stated that it would enhance their capacity to deliver agricultural extension services and guide farmers in adopting climate-resilient practices to improve productivity and profitability. This initiative aligns with government policies, particularly the deployment of commune agriculture officers and the development of modern agricultural cooperatives.

Mr. Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Cambodia, emphasized the importance of environmental protection and food safety for accessing the EU and global markets. Strengthening local capacities will enable Cambodia to increase exports of high-quality processed cashew nuts and pepper, supporting rural employment and sustainable growth.

Germany, in collaboration with MAFF, is committed to fostering resilience and enhancing food security through sustainable agriculture initiatives. The ToT initiative supports the government’s vision of developing climate-resilient agricultural communities by reinforcing the public agricultural extension system. Effective local support from CAOs is crucial in addressing farmers’ challenges, including access to finance, technical advice, and market connections.

This initiative is part of the broader Team Europe approach, which focuses on advancing sustainable, deforestation-free agricultural value chains through technical assistance, capacity building, and market facilitation, aligning with Cambodia’s national policies and contributing to rural development and export competitiveness.