Phnom Penh, March 9, 2026 — Representatives from the Cashew nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) joined five other Cambodian agricultural stakeholders in a meeting with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), hosted by the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh. The meeting focused on addressing soil degradation and exploring innovative agricultural solutions.

The discussion was presided over by Australian Ambassador Derek Yip, who welcomed collaboration between Cambodian institutions and Australian research organizations aimed at improving sustainable agricultural practices.

During the meeting, Silot Uon, chairman of CAC, highlighted the potential value of cashew by-products, particularly Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), which is widely used for industrial purposes. Silot explained that CNSL could also play a role in livestock production, noting that when mixed with animal feed, it may increase dairy cow milk production by around 20 percent and reduce methane emissions from livestock burping by up to 60 percent, helping mitigate agricultural impacts on the environment.

He also emphasized the benefits of Cashew Nut Shell Extract (CNSE), which can be processed into biochar and organic fertilizer to support soil regeneration and return nutrients to farmers cultivating cashew plantations.

CAC is currently collaborating with researchers from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), a leading public research institution, to develop additional uses for cashew by-products. The research includes producing organic foliar fertilizer from cashew apple juice, wood vinegar from pruned cashew branches, and animal feed derived from cashew apples, which are often discarded during harvesting season.

According to meeting participants, ACIAR representatives expressed strong interest in the innovations presented, particularly the potential to transform agricultural waste into sustainable products that could benefit farmers while addressing environmental challenges.

The meeting marked an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Cambodian agricultural stakeholders and Australian research institutions in advancing sustainable farming solutions.