In a first for the Kingdom’s organic rice, the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), successfully exported its produce to Hong Kong earlier this month, the organisation’s top official confirmed yesterday.

While the US and Germany have traditionally been the key markets for Cambodian organic rice, with about 300 tonnes sent there last year, CEDAC president Yang Saing Koma told the Post that his organisation has exported 30 tonnes to Hong Kong this year, as the market for the Kingdom’s natural produce expands.

“It is an early step with a small amount exported, but it is another positive sign to prove that we have new market for our product,” he said.

Farmed without using synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers, organic rice production must adhere to a stringent process in order to receive certification.

Komar estimates CEDAC will export at least 400 tonnes this year, up from about 320 tonnes in 2013.