Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia brought together government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and farmer representatives for the Scaling Regenerative Agriculture in Cambodia: Business and Partnership Forum, held at the Himawari Apartments Hotel in Phnom Penh. The event spotlighted regenerative agriculture as a key pathway for building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive agricultural sector.
Co-organized by HEKS/EPER and Impact Hub Phnom Penh under the Innovation for Climate Acceleration Project (ICAP) — funded by the UNDP–AFCIA with co-funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through the Nurture Project — the forum serves as a platform to accelerate locally led innovation, investment, and partnerships for climate-smart and regenerative farming practices.
Supporting Safer Food For Consumers
Cambodia’s agricultural sector faces increasing pressure from soil degradation, shifting rainfall patterns, and market volatility. Intensive farming has left an estimated 43% of agricultural land degraded, and crop yields could decline by up to 30% by 2050 under high climate change scenarios. Regenerative agriculture offers a practical, locally adaptable solution — restoring soil fertility, improving water retention, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and supporting safer food for consumers.
It is estimated that less than 5% of Cambodia’s farmland currently applies climate-smart practices, such as Conservation Agriculture. Expanding adoption will require stronger collaboration with farmers and local enterprises to scale innovations. This forum seeks to catalyze partnerships and financing that empower these actors to lead the transition toward a more regenerative and climate-resilient food system.
Sustainable Productivity and Safeguard Our Natural Resources
H.E. Chan Saruth, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries and Chair of CASIC Executive Board, said: “Cambodia’s agricultural sector is at a pivotal moment. To ensure sustainable productivity and safeguard our natural resources, we must adopt regenerative agriculture and agroecological practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen farmers’ resilience. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is committed to collaborating with partners to expand climate-smart and regenerative farming across our landscapes, creating lasting opportunities for our rural communities.”
Mr. Sun Heng, Program Manager, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), said: “The challenges facing agriculture today—climate change, soil degradation, and resource scarcity—can only be solved through partnership. Regenerative agriculture offers a win–win solution that restores nature while strengthening livelihoods. Switzerland is proud to stand with Cambodia, HEKS/EPER, and other partners in scaling these solutions for lasting impact.”
Mr. Julien Brewster, Regional Director Mekong at HEKS/EPER, said: “Regenerative agriculture initiatives are already restoring soils, reducing climate risks, and improving livelihoods. The next step is scaling these successes so more farmers benefit. That will require further technical, financial, and policy support, and strong multi-stakeholder collaboration. This forum provides a platform to strengthen this collaboration and accelerate solutions already working on the ground.”
Ms. Neou Sovattha, CEO of Impact Hub Phnom Penh, said: “As an Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO), Impact Hub Phnom Penh believes that every agricultural business has unique products and services and deserves tailored support, including customized market analysis and targeted assistance. The success of agricultural enterprises/businesses depends on the collective efforts of all actors in the value chain. We’re committed to continuing our collaboration and providing the tailored support needed to help these businesses grow and thrive.”
Key highlights of the one-day forum include:
- Market Opportunity Showcase: Business cases demonstrating the profitability and sustainability of regenerative agriculture.
- Panel Discussions: Insights from practitioners and experts on implementing regenerative farming and unlocking finance, technology, and policy support.
- Business Matching Sessions: Facilitated networking between investors, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and service providers.
- Exhibitions: Showcasing innovative technologies, products, and services supporting regenerative practices.
Speakers and panelists include representatives from Mekong Strategic Capital, SmartAgro, BUAC, KS-Seed, Mekong Inclusive Ventures, CAPRED, Carbon Farm, among others. Farmers and agribusiness leaders are also sharing real-world stories and innovations driving the transition to sustainable farming.
About HEKS/EPER
HEKS/EPER is a Swiss NGO committed to justice, peace, and sustainable development. Since the 1980s, it has worked in Cambodia to strengthen rural livelihoods through inclusive agriculture, climate resilience, and land governance.
About Impact Hub Phnom Penh
Impact Hub Phnom Penh is a community that nurtures impact makers with the vision to contribute to a more sustainable, just, and innovative Cambodia. It inspires, connects, and enables a generation of collaborative impact makers through experiential programs, hands-on consultancy, and a vibrant community to support them in making a positive social and environmental impact. It works across sectors including Sustainability and Environment, Food and Agriculture, Healthcare and Wellbeing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Impact Media, and Education.
