rice
 
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA — The International Finance Corp., a member of the World Bank Group, has partnered with AMRU Rice, a rice export company in Cambodia, to launch a joint advisory project in Phnom Penh. As part of the partnership, the IFC will support AMRU Rice over a three-year period to implement the developed Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards and practices in the company’s supply chain.

As part of the partnership, the IFC said it will train at least 2,000 contracted farmers in AMRU’s supply chain in Kampong Cham Province to understand the SRP standards and practices. By adopting the SRP standards, AMRU Rice will be equipped to meet the requirements of international buyers and respond to global market trends of sourcing rice products in a more sustainable manner, the IFC said.

“IFC brings in significant global experience of delivering knowledge and expertise in agriculture to help businesses grow sustainably and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” said Song Saran, chief executive officer of AMRU Rice. “Adding SRP rice fits our strategy of expanding its niche market with higher value and sustainable products. Thanks to IFC’s great support over the past years, we are delighted to work with IFC to achieve the next milestone.”

AMRU Rice began rice trading in 2011, and since then has gradually integrated other steps in its rice value chain. The company has established its own semi-processing facilities and begun contract farming with farmer cooperatives in Kampong Cham, Preah Vihear and Battambang provinces.

The IFC has been supporting the Cambodian government since 2010, working with industry associations to create industry standards, improve export procedures, promote private sector participation in the seed industry, and enhance efficiency of rice millers and re-processors.

“Over the past seven years, IFC has intervened on key levels such as farming, milling and exporting to promote Cambodia’s place on the global rice market map,” said Kyle Kelhofer, IFC country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR. “IFC’s support has brought about a transformational change in the country’s rice sector, increasing its export volume from less than 100,000 tons in 2010 to more than 500,000 tons in 2016. Our partnership with AMRU Rice will help farmers along the rice supply chain to access necessary skills, markets and services, and significantly improve their livelihoods.”

SRP is a multi-stakeholder platform established by the United Nations Environment (UNEP) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). It aims to promote resource efficiency and sustainability in trade flows, production and consumption operations, and supply chains.