His Excellency Ty Sokun, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, and USAID Cambodia Mission Director Polly Dunford launched “Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II” today, a project that aims to accelerate the growth of Cambodia’s commercial horticulture in the provinces of Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom. The project is funded by the U.S. government’s Feed the Future Initiative through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II’s main objective will be to improve the connection between horticulture product buyers and suppliers in Cambodia. It will do this by helping horticulture farmers improve how they grow and market their produce. The project will also connect farmers and suppliers with buyers and the markets to which they will sell their products. Finally, it will improve market governance and help create an environment that will enable the horticulture market to thrive. These activities will help buyers and sellers compete more effectively in domestic and international markets, expand sales, create employment, and stimulate investment.

“Helping both the buyers and the sellers succeed is crucial to the success of Cambodia’s horticultural market,” noted Polly Dunford, USAID Cambodia Mission Director. “That’s why we are proud to support this new initiative that will spur a critical sector of Cambodia’s growing economy.”

“Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II presents an excellent opportunity to apply innovative thinking to the way that horticultural crops are marketed. We look forward to catalyzing increased trade, improved relationships in the sector, and new investment opportunities,” added Alexis Ellicott, Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II Chief of Party.