A federal agriculture program has opened new international markets for American soybean producers by transforming Cambodia’s fish farming industry and creating lasting demand for U.S. soy products.
The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program, working through the USDA’s Food for Progress initiative, recently completed its Commercialization of Aquaculture for Sustainable Trade project in Cambodia. The program focused on strengthening the Southeast Asian nation’s fish farming sector while establishing commercial relationships that boost demand for American soybean meal.
The initiative targeted Cambodia’s heavy reliance on fish protein, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of the country’s protein consumption. Program organizers identified an opportunity to connect improved fish farming methods with increased use of U.S. soy-based feeds.
Training sessions taught fish farmers more systematic feeding methods, improved pond design techniques, and strategies to boost production while minimizing fish mortality. These enhancements enabled farmers to achieve superior growth rates and operational efficiency while demonstrating the benefits of premium feeds containing soybean meal.
The program also brought innovative equipment to Cambodia. Solar-powered drying structures helped minimize food waste by protecting fish from weather conditions and contamination risks that typically occur when products are dried outdoors on tables. The technology proved especially valuable during Cambodia’s monsoon season. Additional improvements included floating cage systems and specialized pond raceways that enhanced fish health and operational efficiency.
Ten feed distribution companies received training in modern aquaculture methods, with emphasis on how quality feeds improve fish performance. The project also supported the creation of the Cambodian Aquaculturist Association, which now connects over 1,300 producers, feed manufacturers, and industry partners to promote advanced farming practices and sector cooperation.
The training programs produced measurable results in industry standards. Before the project began, only approximately 3% of fish producers had earned Good Aquaculture Practices certification, which allows access to premium markets. Following the program’s implementation, that percentage jumped to 51%, with 63 producers obtaining the valuable certification.
The initiative also developed institutional markets for fish products through collaboration with the USDA McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, managed by the World Food Programme and partner organizations. Government purchases of fish for school meal programs are establishing sustainable markets for aquaculture production, which reinforces demand for the quality feeds necessary to support continued growth.
Feed manufacturers now purchasing U.S. soy have become important players in Cambodia’s agricultural sector. Companies like AgriMaster Feed Mill are buying American soybean meal to produce feeds distributed throughout Cambodia. Another major producer, M’s PIG, has expanded into aquaculture while increasing its feed manufacturing capacity, demonstrating the expanding opportunities across Cambodia’s livestock and feed sectors.
“Projects like CAST show how strategic partnerships can build lasting markets for U.S. soybean farmers,” said WISHH Executive Director Gena Perry. “By helping farmers and feed companies adopt better practices and high-quality feeds, we’re creating demand that benefits producers overseas and soybean growers here at home.”
The organization’s efforts are now expanding into additional sectors within Cambodia. Kirisu Dairy, the country’s first modern dairy operation, utilizes 120 tons of soybean meal annually to feed its dairy cattle. Similar to the aquaculture sector’s development, as Cambodia’s milk consumption increases, its dependence on U.S. soy for dairy feed may expand accordingly. The program has already collaborated with employee Senghong Khlit to provide expertise in feed management and quality standards.
With continued funding from USDA programs and soybean industry investments, the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health continues working with Cambodian aquaculture, dairy, and poultry industry leaders to expand production capabilities, improve feed systems, and strengthen commercial relationships for U.S. soy products.
