Background
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) convened a coordination workshop in Kampot to prepare activity plans and the 2027 budget for two donor-supported programs targeting rural agribusiness and climate resilience. The ASPIRE-AT program provides technical assistance, loan and grant support, and infrastructure investments to farmer producer organizations to increase marketable agricultural output.
The CREA Project focuses on strengthening climate resilience within agricultural value chains by supporting adaptive production practices and market connections. MAFF manages and implements both initiatives in partnership with provincial MAFF offices, development banks, research and consulting firms, producer networks, and international funders including IFAD, the European Union, the EIB, the GEF, and SSTC, using a mix of RGC-borrowed and grant financing.
Key Developments
From 22–23 September 2026, Dr. Meas Piseth (State Secretary, MAFF) chaired and led a workshop in Kampot to draft the 2027 action plan and budget for ASPIRE-AT and CREA. The meeting gathered 126 participants, including 27 women, from MAFF central units and 21 target provincial MAFF offices, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), SME Bank, the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), SBK Research and Development, Nuppun Research and Consulting, and the Farmer and Natural Network (FNN).
Workshop discussions concentrated on three areas: reviewing program progress to date, identifying persistent implementation challenges, and building a detailed activity and budget plan for 2027.
Institutional Role
MAFF functions as the lead implementing agency for both ASPIRE-AT and CREA, coordinating technical partners, financial institutions, and producer associations to deliver program activities. Donor finance and technical assistance underpin the programs, while provincial MAFF units and partner banks are operational conduits for credit facilitation, infrastructure support, and extension services.
Market Impact
Both initiatives aim to strengthen links between farmers, producer organizations, and agribusinesses by improving procurement, post-harvest handling, processing, and market access for higher-quality agricultural products. Program activities are designed to expand domestic and export opportunities by upgrading producer and firm capacities for aggregation, quality control, and commercial engagement.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Facebook post, 24 September 2026: https://www.facebook.com/maff.gov.kh/posts/pfbid08sFPKaKvBpW5xwpqftbJQrxVoUqXSBiCP1FBHZUSmK9aWDYetuJJTYcwDwkJKduUl
