The ASA/WISHH-supported Cambodian Aquaculturist Association (CAA) is co-hosting the Aquaculture Industry Workshop: Improving Business Linkages this week with the Illinois Soybean Association highlighted as a gold sponsor. The workshop is an example of the CAA’s leadership strengthening the growing Cambodian aquaculture industry that also cultivates demand for soy-based aquaculture feeds.

Association development is central to ASA/WISHH’s Commercialization of Aquaculture for Sustainability Trade (CAST)-Cambodia, a USDA Food for Progress Project. CAST and CAA jointly hosted the workshop that featured a video message from Illinois soybean grower Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, who serves as an ASA director and WISHH vice chair. Many Cambodian corporate members of the CAA also co-sponsored the workshop; Their involvement and investment in CAA are part of WISHH’s strategy for local leadership and lasting results that will extend beyond the five-year USDA project.

In her remarks, Simpson-Dolbeare stressed the importance of association development through strategic planning as well as the continued growth of the aquaculture industry in Cambodia. “We’re proud to be a sponsor of your association meeting. I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of strategic planning for these associations,” said Simpson-Dolbeare of ASA, WISHH, and ISA. “It’s a way to help your organization become stronger and more successful.”

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the country is home to more than 48,000 aquaculturists working in the industry. CAST works to strengthen the production of fish and feed, developing a sustainable aquaculture industry. The development of these markets not only increase the need for soy as feed, but it also supports food security in the country.

“ISA and ASA/WISHH understands the importance of cooperating with organizations like yours to help develop and grow markets where there is a need for U.S. soy and where the use of those soybeans will help improve food security,” Simpson-Dolbeare explained. “I want to congratulate you on the success that CAA is having. Through continued strategic marketing and planning, you will continue to be very successful.”

In less than two years since its founding, CAA has blossomed into a 500-plus member organization of fish producers, sellers, buyers, and others in the aquaculture supply chain. CAA works alongside CAST’s private and public-sector leaders to support the building of a profitable market system for the aquaculture industry that can increasingly rely on U.S. soy as feed.