Ibis Rice exports on horizon

5 May 2014
The Phnom Penh Post
Agricultural policy and administration / Agricultural production / Agriculture and fishing / Economic policy and administration / Economy and commerce / Exports / Infrastructure / Markets / Rice / Trade
Alliance of Rice Producers & Exporters of Cambodia / America / ARPEC / EU / European Union aid / Ibis Rice project / Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary / Lucky Supermarket / Sansom Mlup Prey / SMP / WCS / Wildlife Conservation Society

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) says its Ibis Rice project has recorded a production surplus for the first time in its five-year history, prompting a bid to export the boutique product overseas. Concentrated in Preah Vihear province, Ibis Rice farmers produced more than 435 tonnes of organically grown, fragrant Malis rice during the 2013-14 harvest season, up 54 per cent from the previous season, according to a WCS report. The Ibis Rice project is operated by NGO Sansom Mlup Prey (SMP) and pays farmers a premium of up to 150 riel ($0.03) per kilogram more than other local buyers. In return, farmers commit to strict regulations barring them from additional land clearances, thereby protecting surrounding wildlife areas including the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. …

 Eddie Morton
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ibis-rice-exports-horizon