28/05/2026
KO Organization staff and members of the Board of Directors participated in the 2026 Annual Agricultural Cooperative (AC) Summit on 27 May 2026 under the theme: “Strengthening Farmer-Led Food Systems and Beyond”, successfully organized by Heifer International Cambodia at Tonlé Bassac II, Phnom Penh.
The Summit convened more than 300 participants representing government ministries, development partners, financial institutions, private sector companies, agricultural cooperatives, community fisheries, community protected areas, academia, and farmer organizations.
The event served as an important national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s farmer-led food systems through climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, financial inclusion, market access, and institutional development.
During the opening session, Dr. Sareth Nhem, Country Director of Heifer International Cambodia, highlighted the urgent need to transform Cambodia’s food systems as farmers continue to face climate change, rising production costs, fragmented markets, and environmental pressures.
“Farmers are not beneficiaries of development; they are entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and leaders of Cambodia’s food systems transformation.”
Dr. Sareth also reaffirmed Heifer Cambodia’s commitment through the Cambodia Signature Program 2026–2035, which aims to engage 520,000 smallholder farming households by 2035 in building resilient and inclusive livelihoods through regenerative and farmer-led food systems transformation.
The Summit featured keynote remarks from:
✅ H.E. Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State, MAFF
✅ Mr. Pranjit Talukdar, Regional Catalyst for Access to Innovative Finance, Heifer International Asia
✅ H.E. Chuop Paris, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment
Participants exchanged practical experiences and innovative approaches related to:
- Regenerative agriculture
- Blended finance and financial inclusion
- Cooperative strengthening
- Digital innovation
- Aquaculture and ecosystem restoration
- Climate-smart production systems
- Women and youth leadership in agribusiness
The Summit concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to strengthen farmer institutions, expand inclusive markets, mobilize investment, and build resilient and sustainable food systems for Cambodia’s future.