The Federation of Cambodian Farmer Organizations for Development (FCFD) has been at the forefront of supporting farmers and cooperatives across Cambodia. With support from the APFP-FO4A program, FCFD has focused on strengthening farmer organizations by building their capacity, providing training in record management, business plan preparation, and the formation of producer groups, as well as enhancing the marketing capabilities of cooperatives.
Phalla Ung, Secretary General of FCFD, shares, “Our support goes beyond financial assistance. We help cooperatives plan, organize, and reach the market. One cooperative that truly stands out is the Baphnom Meanchey Agricultural Cooperative (BMAC), which has become a reliable supplier to local and export markets.”
In 2023, BMAC received USD 9,520 fund from the APFP-FO4A program to expand its rice production.
The Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Program (APFP) – Farmers’ Organizations for Asia (FO4A) is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia.
Saem Khun, head of the Baphnom Meanchey Agricultural Cooperative, says, “Before the APFP-FO4A program, we had just over 100 members, and in one year, we produced only 200 tons of rice seed. With the funds from the project, we were able to expand our operations, grow our membership to 236, and increase production significantly. In my first year, we produced 364 tons of rice seed. By 2024, production rose to 550 tons, and in 2025, we reached 850 tons.”
The cooperative has strategically focused on rice varieties in demand for export, such as Sen Kraob and Phka Rumdul. Beyond production, the program has helped BMAC engage youth and women in meaningful roles: a youth group managing rice processing at the warehouse, a group operating rice trucks and transplanting machines, and a women’s group dedicated to seedling production.
BMAC once depended primarily on older members, but with the project’s support, they are now empowering youth with the skills and training needed to lead the cooperative into the future.
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