The effects of WISHH’s CAST-Cambodia project continue to strengthen the aquaculture sector for long-term success and trade in Cambodia. The Cambodian Aquaculturist Association, initiated by CAST as a part of WISHH’s long-term strategy of sustainability in the region is launching the third round of its vocational training programming in the country. The program, Cambodian Certification for Aquaculture Professionals or Cam-CAP. aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge best practices in fisheries. CAA collaborated with the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition to create the program. Cam-CAP offers a wide-range of knowledge for aquaculturists, including business strategies, farm and fish feed management, and even biosecurity and feed and food safety. This year’s Cam-CAP is being supported by Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.
Additionally, CAA worked with Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to approve the National Aquaculture Supporting Committee, made up of multiple ministries and aquaculture associated groups. The committee will provide support for the fisheries industry by setting policies that promote sustainable practices, quality standards, and market access for fish products. As the industry continues to grow more stable and robust, so, too, can it increase its reliance on U.S. soy for fish feed.
CAA is now comprised of more than 1,200 members who are fish farmers, sellers, wholesalers, feed millers and distributors, as well as other industry representatives in Cambodia’s growing aquaculture sector.
CAST is a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded Food for Progress project that accelerates production of high-demand fish species for the Cambodian market and develops a lasting aquaculture industry.