CAC News
Phnom Penh, February 27, 2026 — The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) joined government officials, development partners and private sector representatives for the official launch of the Agroecology Alliance to Promote Sustainable Cashew Nut in Kampong Thom, a new initiative aimed at strengthening sustainability and collaboration across Cambodia’s cashew value chain.
The project is being implemented by Development and Partnership in Action (DPA) and Action for Development (AFD), with support from the European Union and the Directorate General.
Known as the CHANTI Project — an acronym for Cashew, Harmony, Agroecology, Nature-based Trade and Innovation — the initiative aims to address key challenges in Cambodia’s cashew sub-sector at both national and sub-national levels. The project focuses on strengthening the capacity and efficiency of civil society organizations (CSOs), particularly agricultural communities representing smallholder farmers in Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces, as well as local NGOs, multi-stakeholder forums and business associations engaged in the cashew industry.
Organizers emphasized that these institutions play a critical role in delivering essential services and support to farmers and other stakeholders. By promoting agroecological practices, the CHANTI Project seeks to improve cashew productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.
In addition to improving production, the project aims to increase farmers’ incomes by encouraging local processing within agricultural communities and strengthening relationships between service providers and buyers. These efforts are expected to create greater value addition and improve market linkages throughout the supply chain.
A key objective of the initiative is to build trust and encourage active participation among stakeholders in business relationships. By fostering stronger dialogue between government agencies, the private sector and technical experts, the project seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of Kampong Thom’s cashew sector.
The launch event also marked the official introduction of UCOOPIA Cambodia, opening new opportunities for communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
Workshop organizers outlined three main objectives: formally announcing the CHANTI Project to government representatives and partners, launching UCOOPIA Cambodia’s activities, and strengthening cooperation among public and private sector actors, development partners and implementing organizations.
The CHANTI Project reflects a growing commitment to positioning Cambodia’s cashew industry as a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive driver of rural economic growth.
On the sidelines of the event, CAC President Silot Uon met with the deputy director of the Civil Society Alliance Forum (CSAF) under the Office of the Council of Ministers to discuss preparations for a planned agricultural trade mission to China scheduled for June 2026, aimed at expanding export opportunities.
Meanwhile, CAC Vice President Suy Kokthean held a separate meeting with representatives from Oxfam at CAC’s head office to explore additional opportunities to support and strengthen Cambodia’s cashew subsector.
