Press Releases
Thursday, January 31, 2019
The Project: The U.S. government is funding over $17 million to increase the growth and development of freshwater aquaculture in Cambodia. The CAST Project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress program, aligns with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Development. It will promote increased access to “seed” fish and feed, and will strengthen all links in the value chain, from hatcheries to fish producers and buyers and distributors. Cambodia will benefit from increased confidence and access to high-quality fish grown in Cambodia, produced and handled with proper standards. In addition, the national economy will benefit as Cambodia joins a global market as a consumer and supplier of locally raised, high-quality freshwater aquaculture products.
Budget: $17.1 Million over 5 years
Partners: Kansas State University, Auburn University, World Vision,
Key Cambodian public and private sector partners, including the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) and the University of Battambang
Beneficiaries:
- Commercial freshwater fish producers
- Feed mills, hatcheries/nurseries, extension workers, wholesalers/retailers, financial institutions, students, and other small/medium-sized enterprises in the commercial aquaculture value chain
- Geography: Major markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap plus the six provinces of Kandal, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Pursat.
Activities Summary:
- Technology transfer for commercial, private sector-driven activities to push market growth and increase the supply of Cambodia-grown, quality-assured fish with competitive prices.
- Ten activities, including:
- National aquaculture association development and market-driven focal farmer organizations
- Aquaculture feed and seed (fingerling/fry) input supply and market linkages
- Private sector-led extension services
- Demonstration farms/research and training centers led by local universities
- Premium fish marketing campaign
- Access to finance for value chain actors
- Sanitary and phytosanitary standards compliance
CAST Connects Trade and Development: Current aquaculture practices put unsustainable pressures on wild fisheries for feed and seed. Soybean products provide an affordable source of protein that can partially replace fish protein to ensure lower production costs, sustainable wild fisheries, good water quality, and affordable aquatic-source proteins. Consistent soybean supply complements locally-available feed ingredients and plays a critical role in commercial aquaculture growth in Cambodia.
