From May 2 to 9, 2026, យ៉ើ អាស៊ីគីន, an undersecretary of state at Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, led representatives of agricultural cooperatives from Takeo and Kampong Thom provinces on a week-long study visit and international exchange in Ireland. The programme focused on strengthening agricultural cooperative governance for sustainable development.
The programme was organised by the ECOLAND centre at the Royal University of Agriculture in cooperation with UCC and with support from Irish Aid. It aimed to improve the governance and management capacity of agricultural cooperatives and support more efficient, modern practices.
The delegation studied governance and business management at Barryroe, Drinagh Co-Operative Ltd, Bushy Park and Quay Co-op. The original report presented these as successful Irish cooperative models, including value-chain modernisation and diversified activities such as shops and restaurants intended to generate sustainable income for members.
The delegates also attended lectures by experts from Ireland, England, France, Italy and Burkina Faso. Topics included research, global agricultural policy directions, geopolitical challenges and succession in agriculture. The visit sought lessons that could be adapted to the circumstances of Cambodian agricultural cooperatives.
The ministry said the knowledge, techniques and innovations gained through the programme would provide useful inputs for strengthening the resilience, competitiveness and inclusiveness of Cambodian agricultural cooperatives, in line with the government’s agricultural modernisation policy. By: សុខ ស៊ីណាន.
