The Validation Workshop on Stakeholders’ Perception on the Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Cambodia was held at Angkor Paradise Hotel, Siem Reap province of Cambodia on December 17, 2015, to bring together various key stakeholders to review the findings of the draft reports and contribute to the finalization of the report.
The issues and challenges faced by various stakeholders in GAP adoption were clarified and the possible solutions for GAP adoption and promotion have been discussed during the workshop.
Addressing the participants during the opening ceremony, Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia, Director of Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department of the Mekong Institute (MI) welcomed the participants and briefed on background and research objectives. She emphasized the importance of GAP adoption and the commitment of MI in promoting GAP for ensuring food safety and boosting food trade in the context of globalization and regional integration.
Jointly organized by MI and BDtruS (Business and Development Trusted Solution), the workshop was attended by 30 key stakeholders representing government officials, NGOs, farmers, traders and consumers.
Mr. Kong Chantha, Deputy Director of Siem Reap Provincial Department of Agriculture extended his appreciation to MI and BDtruS for selection Siem Reap as research site for this case study. He underscored that Siem Reap is the first touristic destination in Cambodia and it has created a high demand for quality fresh produce. However, much of the fresh produce used by the hospitality industry is imported from neighboring countries as hotels and restaurants have been unable to access enough quality produce locally on a regular basis. In response to the high demanded, extend production areas and improve productivity can increase the quantity of produce while adopt GAP standard can verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handle, and stored as safe as possible to minimize risks of infective food safety hazards. He emphasized that Cambodia GAP program is still at early stage and support from development partners is needed to address country’s challenges.
The workshops organization included an opening ceremony, presentation of the implementation of Cambodia GAP program, key research findings, working group discussions, plenary presentation of working group reports, synthesis and finally closing ceremony.
The workshop is part of three-year project “Capacity Building for the Integration of CLMV Economies into ASEAN Economic Community 2015”, funded by New Zealand Aid Programme.
