AKP Phnom Penh, April 25, 2026 --

Nearly 30 Cambodian journalists are touring agroecology hot spots in Siem Reap and Kampong Thom this week, witnessing firsthand how farms can thrive by working with nature, not against it.

The three-day press tour (April 24–26) is organised by the Cambodia Agroecology Network (ALiSEA), the Gret organisation’s TETARD project, and local partners. Reporters are visiting farming and livestock communities that have successfully woven ecological principles into their production chains.

The goal, says Gret official Pat Sovann, is to raise public awareness of agroecology’s benefits for consumers, producers, and the environment.

“Agroecology is vital for both human life and environmental sustainability,” Sovann explained. “This holistic approach manages entire ecosystems by following natural laws and maintaining balance. It goes beyond conventional farming, blending scientific techniques with the sustainable protection of natural resources.”

Gret experts highlighted four pillars shaping the region’s agroecological shift: Minimising or eliminating toxic synthetic fertilisers and pesticides in favour of compost, manure, and organic alternatives; Replacing monocultures with crop rotation and intercropping to sustain soil nutrients and natural pest control; Treating soil as a living organism while applying water-saving techniques to prevent pollution and erosion; Building farms better able to withstand droughts and floods, and reducing reliance on costly external inputs like commercial seeds and chemicals.

According to the experts, the transition delivers clear gains: consumers get safer, more nutrient-dense food; farmers lower costs and protect their health; and the environment benefits from more green cover and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Ultimately, the tour shows that agroecology is more than a livelihood—it is a replicable, regenerative model for farming in harmony with nature.

By K. Rithy Reak