Commercialization of Aquaculture for Sustainable Trade (CAST)-Cambodia, representing ASA/WISHH, hosted the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Cambodia to meet with project partners and discuss the country’s freshwater aquaculture market system strategies.

On Oct. 23, Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries His Excellency Veng Sakhon, along with other government officials and CAST representatives, met with CAST project partners. Minister Sakhon expressed his appreciation and encouragement to the aquaculture producer and processor Mrs. Lim Bunny and Mr. Chin lon, in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. CAST has provided technical and financial (matching grant) support to both forward-thinking aquaculture entrepreneurs. H.E. Sakhon recognized the importance of ongoing improvements in Cambodia’s aquaculture practices and production to meet the local and international market demand.

A USDA Food for Progress-funded project, CAST accelerates production of high-demand fish species for the Cambodian market to develop a lasting aquaculture industry. CAST strengthens Cambodian enterprises’ production of high-quality inputs and fish all along the freshwater aquaculture value chain. Through CAST, Cambodia’s private sector and universities work closely with U.S. soybean growers, businesses, as well as academic institutions and non-governmental organizations.

ASA/WISHH’s CAST project partners demonstrate soy-based fish feeds as they host Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. His Excellency Veng Sakhon visited the farm along with additional Ministry staff and discussed strategies to grow Cambodia’s freshwater aquaculture industry.