Scheisse

It seems to be all unravelling for Bayer on it's purchase of Monsanto. The Guardian (Sep. 4) notes:

'Germany has said it will phase out the controversial weedkiller glyphosate because it wipes out insect populations crucial for ecosystems and pollination of food crops.

The chemical, also suspected by some experts to cause cancer in humans, is to be banned by the end of 2023 when the EU’s approval period for it expires, ministers said.

Biologists have sounded the alarm over plummeting insect populations that affect species diversity and damage ecosystems by disrupting natural food chains and plant pollination'.

An unusual source, (the Common Dreams, Aug. 28) looked at the internal communications of Monsanto, which (at least in the past) seemed to have been lacking:

'Leaked emails from scientists working with agrichemical giant Monsanto feature company leaders in 2013 wishing they could "beat the shit out of" advocacy group Moms Across America. 

Moms Across America wrote an open letter asking Monsanto to discontinue the use of the pesticide glyphosate—which some research has tied to cancers—and to stop producing genetically modified seeds that was seen by company executives as a public relations disaster.

"I have been arguing for a week to beat the shit out of them and I have clearly lost," Monsanto's Dr. Daniel Goldstein wrote to University of Georgia crop scientist Wayne Parrott and University of Illinois biochemist Bruce Chassy. "We don't want to be seen as beating up on mothers."

The emails were released as part of litigation relating to the cancer-causing effects of glysophate against Monsanto's now-parent company Bayer'. 

Sought
Quite some news to share on Cambodia's rice industry.
Starting with organic production of rice. The Khmer Times (Sep. 4) notes how important organic rice exports to the EU are, in which Cambodia is a big-time player:

'Cambodia was the fifth largest exporter of organic rice to the European Union last year, with local companies confident exports will continue to rise in the coming years.

Demand for organic rice in the EU and other key markets like the United States, Australia, and China is soaring as consumers become more environmentally and health-conscious, key insiders said.

According to figures from the EU shared with the Cambodia Rice Federation, Cambodia exported 8,467 tonnes of organic rice to the bloc last year, representing 3.9 percent of all EU organic rice imports.

The US was the largest exporter of organic rice to the EU, accounting for almost 70 percent of the market. It was followed by Pakistan and India, with 10 and 9 percent, respectively.

Thailand came in at number four with 4.9 percent of the market (10,522 tonnes in exports).

Local rice exporters told Khmer Times that the amount of Cambodian organic rice shipped to the bloc has increased this year.

About 90 percent of all Cambodian exports of organic rice to the EU last year belonged to Amru Rice Cambodia.

...

Chan Pich, general manager of Signature of Asia, who last year exported 1,500 tonnes of organic rice to the EU, said demand for organic rice in the European Union grows about 15 percent every year.

“Cambodia’s organic rice is sought after in the EU because it has good quality and real traceability,” Mr Pich said.

According to Mr Pich, a tonne of organic jasmine rice fetches $1,500 while organic long-grain white rice sells for about $950 per tonne'.

Organics are  less affected by the increased tariffs on rice to the EU it appears, which are still being contended. The Khmer Times (Aug. 23):

'The Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF) yesterday asked the European Union to save the livelihoods of half a million families by halting the process to withdraw the Everything-but-arms scheme'.

But a few days later the same source (Aug. 27) notes a different strategy in regards to the increased tariffs:

'The Cambodia Rice Federation plans to meet with the European Commission to discuss the tariffs imposed on Cambodian rice earlier this year, according to a representative of the association.

However, CRF has yet to receive any response from Brussels regarding the complaint, Mr Yeng told Khmer Times.

Mr Yeng said the strategy is now to negotiate with the EU and to show European legislators that exports of Cambodian rice do not threaten the livelihoods of European farmers.

“In April, CRF filed a complaint with the EU. Now, we continue this work, but we will change our approach. We will meet with the EU and explain the issue because we believe that the EU is missing vital information that has led them to take the wrong course of action,” Mr Yeng said.

“Our rice is different from rice grown by farmers in Italy and Spain. We believe the decision to impose tariffs was based on a misunderstanding of the situation,” Mr Yeng added'.

It's questionable how much China will manage to pick up of the slackening trade with EU. The Khmer Times (Sep. 10):

'The Cambodia Rice Federation is confident the Kingdom will reach its milled rice export quota in the Chinese market, with the association emboldened by last week’s visit of China’s largest food processor, COFCO.

The Kingdom was unable to meet the quota last year, shipping just 170,000 tonnes out of the 300,000 allowed.

This year, however, things will be different, argued Lun Yeng, CRF secretary-general. Mr Yeng said that a delegation from Chinese firm COFCO arrived in Cambodia last week to “understand the situation” of rice production in Cambodia.

...

In the first half of 2019, Cambodia’s milled rice exports rose by 3.7 percent to 281,538 tonnes. Shipments to China represented 42 percent of all exports, about 118,400 tonnes'.

The overall strategy for the Cambodian rice industry (read exports) as exemplified by the Khmer Times (Aug. 15):

'The new board of the Cambodia Rice Federation yesterday vowed to grow the country’s rice exports to one million tonnes a year by 2022.

During the first meeting of the association since new leadership was elected last week, board members pledged to turn Cambodian rice into a globally recognisable brand and make the industry more sustainable, fair and transparent.

Song Saran, who is now the association’s president, said the priority will be to achieve one million tonnes in rice exports a year within the next three years.

...

Chan Sokheang, CEO of Signatures of Asia and a CRF board member, said, “We will work together to achieve the one-million-tonne target. Everyone wants to see this done.

“We must work as one to build a strong rice industry in Cambodia,” Mr Sokheang added.

The country’s exports of milled rice rose 3.7 percent during the first seven months of the year to reach 308,013 tonnes. China continues to be the Kingdom’s biggest market, purchasing 123,361 tonnes from January to July, a 40 percent increase'.

Finally some rice side news. AKP (Sep. 4):

'Agreement has been reached to build rice warehouses and silos in three provinces, which will contribute essentially to enhancing capacity of rice processing for exports to international markets.

The agreement was signed lately by Rice-SDP (Climate Resilient Rice Commercialisation Sector Development Programme) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Rural Development Bank (RDB), and rice millers.

Under the agreement, selected rice millers will build rice warehouses and silos in three provinces of Battambang, Kampong Thom, and Prey Veng using US$10 million loan from the Asia Development Bank (ADB) through RDB'.

Hoarding

The Bangkok Post (Aug. 27) has an article on the Siam sticky rice woes:

'In a move to tackle rising glutinous rice prices, the government has ordered millers, traders and exporters to report their stocks by on Tuesday.

The Commerce Ministry will also call a meeting with millers and packaged rice producers on Wednesday to produce packed glutinous rice at a special price.

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said he already ordered a nationwide inspection of glutinous rice to check hoarding and price gouging.

...

The domestic price of sticky rice rose sharply to 50 baht per kg from 35 baht last month.

The surge was attributed to the widespread drought and lower production over the last two years, as farmers shifted to grow more hom mali fragrant rice as the latter has a higher price.

...

"One of the urgent issues we are proposing the Commerce Ministry address is the smuggling of glutinous rice from neighbouring countries," said Mr Chookiat [Chookiat Ophaswonge, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association].

"Some foreign buyers have complained that their DNA tests have found Thai glutinous rice shipments are mingled with Vietnamese grains."

The free-on-board prices of Vietnamese glutinous rice are now quoted at about US$600 a tonne, while those of Thai glutinous rice amounts to $1,500, which is higher than Thai hom mali rice which remains at $1,200 a tonne'.

Aside from this Thai news, the major news from the Kingdom of Wonder is how the new junta will seek to entice farmers with what looks like a pledging scheme albeit with a different name. The Bangkok Post (Aug. 17):

'Paddy prices may be guaranteed at 10,000 to 14,000 baht a tonne for rice farmers initially, according to the commerce minister.

Jurin Laksanawisit said on Saturday that a joint meeting of officials, operators and farmers had agreed to set the prices of five types of paddy.

The output for each farming household varies by paddy type but the acreage per household for all five categories must not exceed 40 rai.

...

At the same time, he said, authorities would take steps to reduce production costs such as those for fertilisers, insecticides and harvesting fees. Other measures include promoting large-scale farming and the use of high-quality seeds, as well as buying general insurance for crops.

"Market demand will dictate production. Organic or GAP [Good Agricultural Practice] rice farming and special breeds will be promoted. In the long term, growers will be trained to become smart farmers, with the help of research, development and innovation," said Mr Jurin.

...

Its strong points are that, unlike the rival Pheu Thai Party's rice-pledging programme, it does not distort market mechanisms and corruption is generally minimal because the money is deposited directly to farmers' bank accounts.

One of the disadvantages of the programme is the government gets nothing in return for using a large budget to cover price differences, compared to the pledging programme in which rice can be kept for sale at a later date.

Besides, officials have to deal with rampant false claims about the sizes of rice fields by farmers seeking to be paid more. It also puts pressure on prices to rise because millers and others who buy the grain know the government will pay the price differences'.

Expectations
A major move in the alternatives for rice, the Khmer Times (Aug. 28) reports on Thailand closing the border for corn:

'Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce last week announced a ban on field corn imports coming through Ban Khao Din, in the border with Cambodia.

Ban Khao Din is an international border gate in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, which borders Battambang province.

In a statement, the ministry said the import ban will protect Thai farmers from potentially contaminated Cambodian goods, adding that Thailand produces enough corn to satisfy local demand.

“Starting the end of this month, imports of field corn will no longer be allowed through the border crossing with Cambodia,” the ministry said'.

Minor crops and some little heard of. For instance pomelo's. The Khmer Times (Sep. 5):

'Receiving Geographical Indication (GI) status has done little to increase sales of Koh Trong Pomelo outside Kratie province, farmers said.

The pomelo grown in Kratie’s Koh Trong commune last year became the third Cambodian product to obtain GI status, following in the footsteps of Kampot pepper and Kampong Speu’s palm sugar.

The fruit, however, has not gained much in popularity outside the province since, according to the Koh Trong Pomelo Producer Association, who owns 1,200 of the 2,000 pomelo trees in Koh Trong'.

Other fruity news. The Khmer Times (Sep. 5)

'Longmate Agriculture, one of five local companies allowed to export bananas directly to China, said they are on track to meet its goal of shipping 22,000 tonnes of the fruit by the end of the year.

Speaking to Khmer Times on Monday, Hun Lak, Longmate Agriculture director, said they have exported the fruit every month since the first shipment in early May.

“Our goal was to ship 22,000 tonnes of fresh yellow bananas to China and we are on course to meet that target,” he said, adding that small changes in yield due to weather conditions might slightly alter the total amount of fruit shipped in 2019.

...

Cambodia is expected to ship 130,000 tonnes of bananas to the Chinese market this year, the minister noted'.

Then the Khmer Times (Sep. 11) reports on the possibilities of exporting mango with the answer being as above: China.

'Mango is likely to be the next product that Cambodia exports directly to China, according to an official of the Ministry of Agriculture.

...

Mr Monyvuth [Ke Monyvuth, director of the ministry’s crop protection and SPS department] said on Tuesday that a team from China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine will visit Cambodia next month to conduct inspections at registered farmers.

“We expect that fresh mangoes will be the next agricultural product that Cambodia exports to China and we are now working to provide technical assistance to farmers to prepare for the requirements of the Chinese market,” Mr Monyvuth said.

In July, the ministry made public a list of the agricultural goods that are being prioritised for export to China. The list contained six items – fresh mango, longan, pepper, dragon fruit, fragrant coconut, and bird nests'.

Secure
Finally, the Kathmandu Post has an interesting article (Sep. 10) on farmers use of hybrid seeds (in all assorted crops) which is increasing.

"It’s not just local varieties of cauliflower that have been replaced by hybrid varieties from other countries. Most vegetables that the villagers grow come from imported hybrid seeds. And this is not limited to Bardev—it is happening across the country.

Just three decades ago, a majority of Nepali farmers relied on local indigenous seeds. Even until the 90s, Nepal was a seed exporting country. Today, according to agriculture scientists, more than 90 percent of vegetable seeds employed in the country are imported. Nearly 30 percent of maize seeds are imported, and around 15 percent of rice seeds are from other countries. As the number of vegetables and grains grown from imported hybrid seeds increases every year, scientists warn that this reliance on imports for something as sensitive to food security as seeds could have devastating consequences for the country’s agriculture sector—and for the genetic diversity of indigenous plants. “A country can never be food secure if it isn't seed secure,” said Madan Rai, seed specialist and agronomist. “Seed security is when farmers in the country have access to quality seeds at the right time and at reasonable prices. It's important that we as a country are self-sufficient on seeds to truly become food secure.”

...

But there have been several incidents of massive crop failure in the past. In 2013, paddy planted in 16 VDCs in Bhaktapur, amounting to 20,000 tonnes and worth Rs 80 million, was destroyed by “neck blast” and “bacterial leaf blight” diseases. Investigations revealed that the farmers had used DY 69--a Chinese hybrid variety--registered and recommended by the Seed Quality Control Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture Development in 2010. Bhandari was assigned to investigate the case, and his findings revealed the extent to which lack of information could hurt farmers. “The hybrid seed the farmers had used was recommended for the Tarai and Inner Tarai region, not Bhaktapur,” says Bhandari.

...

Some agro-scientists the Post spoke to said that depending solely on hybrid seeds isn’t good for the soil.“Hybrid seeds require a lot more nutrients than open-pollinated ones. So farmers have to use a lot of fertilisers, which accelerates the depletion of soil quality,” said Ghimire. “This is one of the long term serious negative impacts of using hybrid seeds.”Increased use of hybrid seeds will thus drive demand for pesticides and chemical fertilisers, and Nepal, which doesn't manufacture such fertilisers, will end up relying more on imports.

...

After decades of singular focus on hybrid seeds to increase agricultural productivity, there's a growing demand for crops produced from local varieties. “It's a fact that crops from hybrid seeds don't taste or smell as good as local varieties. Hybrid rice will never match the taste and smell of Pokhreli Jetho Budo, and the demand for local products are seeing an increase,” said Bhandari. “People are willing to pay more for local crops. Once there's demand, there will be supply.”

Tearful

The bad news. Let's hear it. Reuters (Jan. 16): 

'The European Union will impose tariffs on rice from Cambodia and Myanmar from Friday to curb a surge in imports, the European Commission said on Wednesday. 

The decision, which will be in effect for three years, follows a “safeguard” investigation launched last March after a request from the Italian government. Rice is grown in eight southern European countries from Portugal to Bulgaria. 

In the absence of an opinion by the relevant committee, the Commission took the final decision itself on Wednesday. 

Cambodia and Myanmar benefit from the EU’s “Everything But Arms” scheme which allows the world’s least developed countries to export most goods to the European Union free of duties. But the Commission said its investigation had confirmed that a significant increase in imports of longer-grained Indica rice from Cambodia and Myanmar had damaged EU producers. 

From Jan. 18 it will set a duty of 175 euros (£155) per tonne of rice in the first year, dropping to 150 euros in the second and 125 euros in year three, it said'.

Southeast Asia Globe (Jan. 18) adds:

'Starting today, Cambodia and Myanmar will be forced to pay hefty tariffs to export rice to the European Union – and farmers fear that it will leave both nations’ rice industries in critical condition'.

It also looks at the implications. 
In short term, Cambodia's rice export sector will have to absorb the additional duties to be paid. 
Long term though, it's presumed that other markets will have to be found. Co-incidence or not, but the PM is off to China shortly looking for increased market opportunities.

The Khmer Times (Dec. 10) had an interesting look at the current problem:

'A year ago, the European Union offered Cambodia the option of using a unique Harmonised Systems Code (HS Code) for its Jasmine fragrant rice and white rice to differentiate it from other Indica rice, a move that could have saved the nation from the conundrum it now finds itself in. 
But this did not materialise because of what some have described as a powerful combination of apathy and arrogance that led key players to believe that Cambodia could not be harmed so long as she is shielded by the Everything-but -arms (EBA) privileges rendered to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). 
Then the ball dropped. EU launched a safeguard inquiry to determine whether imports of semi-milled and milled Indica rice from Cambodia and Myanmar resulted in “serious difficulties to EU producers of like or competing products”.
...
While criticism is rife that the government and the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) could have scuttled the entire classification process with a forceful and united front against the EU, there is also the long-standing quandary of whether Cambodian rice is of the Indica variety or not.
The truth is that Cambodia produces Jasmine fragrant rice and white rice for the EU market, which fall squarely under the Indica rice classification.
... 
Critics opine that Cambodia is ‘crying’ because not only did the letters sent by major rice exporters Amru Rice and Signatures of Asia lack exposure in the EU and were a tad emotional, but also the entire move to safe the nation from the tariffs was allegedly devoid of a united front. 
They also alleged that the cartels in CRF made up of rice exporters were more interested in sustaining a profit margin than fighting for the sake of rice farmers, which they fervently claim to do. 
According to a source close to the issue, exporters and millers, who largely make up CRF, are said to buy rice from farmers at low rates, often below market prices'.

So, own fault?

Challenged
The advent of the new year has meant a look at the past year in which exports of rice failed to grow.

The Phnom Penh Post (Jan. 11):

'The Kingdom’s rice exports saw a 1.5 per cent drop last year compared to 2017 due to the industry’s lingering challenges – the cost of production and competition with the international market. 
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries figures show that the country exported 626,225 tonnes of rice last year, decreasing 1.5 per cent from 635,679 tonnes in 2017. 
According to the figures, the main destinations for rice exports were the EU with a total of 269,127 tonnes and China with 170,154 tonnes'.

Earlier the same source (Jan. 9) also noted an increase in value of rice, which to a degree offsets the lagging export figures. At least for farmers:

'As a result of more rice facilities constantly being installed, the price of paddy rice for the 2018-2019 season was between 900 riel and 1,300 riel ($0.22 and $0.32) per kg, an increase on the previous season, according to industry insiders. 
Cambodia Rice Federation vice-president Vong Bun Heng noted that the price was a 25 per cent increase on the 2017-2018 season. The price depends on the type of rice and its quality, with premium paddy rice sold at 1,300 riel per kg, with normal rice sold at 900 riel per kg, according to Bun Heng'.

Agribusinessglobal (Jan. 16) looks at what seems to be a lesser positive development, environmentally:

'BASF on Wednesday inaugurated its first wholly-owned company in Cambodia: BASF (Cambodia) Co. Ltd., and will launch three new crop protection products in the country.
 ...
“Though Cambodia has quickly become a leading exporter of high-quality premium rice, a number of challenges remain for the country’s agricultural sector, including relatively lower levels of technology use and understanding by growers on how best to utilize innovations,” said Martin Wolf, ASEAN Business Director, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “We believe BASF is well suited to help address these challenges and are excited to help Cambodian farmers become more profitable and sustainable.”
... 
Three new crop protection products will be initially launched, empowering farmers and growers with more tools in their toolbox to manage their crops:
Basagran [Bentazon] Herbicide – for broadleaf weeds and sedges in rice
Tetris Herbicide [profoxydim]– for weed grasses in rice
Regent 50 SC Insecticide [Fipronil]– for stemborer, thrips and leaf folder in rice'.

Urge
Regionally, it's also about statistics.

Bangkok Post (Jan. 8) looks back at the year gone:

'Thailand exported 11.13 million tonnes of rice worth US$5.62 billion in 2018, but exports will drop this year, according to the Foreign Trade Department. Director-general Adul Chotinisakorn said on Tuesday that last year's rice exports were worth 180.41 billion baht, met the target and helped raise local paddy prices and farm incomes. He expected exports would drop slightly this year. The department would try to increase the export value and encourage farmers to grow quality rice and high-demand rice'.

The Nation (Jan. 9) notes that the remaining rice of the rice-pledging scheme is now off the market:

'All 16.84 million tonnes of rice in the government stockpile have now been released to the markets, securing some Bt145.08 billion in sales over the few years, according to the Ministry of Commerce.Adul Chotinisakorn, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce , said the department had cleared all of the remaining stock under the present administration from May 2014 to December last year.As a result, the government no longer bears the storage cost of more than Bt1 billion per month. Furthermore, the sales will normalise rice production, trade and prices according to market mechanism, while Thailand will gain the confidence of local and foreign consumers, he said'.

Then this piece of news from Thailand. Bangkok Post (Dec. 10):

'Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has urged the Commerce and Agriculture and Cooperatives ministries to work with manufacturers to cut fertiliser prices by 30% to support the farm sector'.

Sometimes the Thai government just does not know what to do. Go organic, self-sufficient or chemi-agriculture? Fact is, current fertilizers are often of poor quality. Now that's an area the junta itself can improve ...

Phnom Penh Post (Dec. 18) looks at Lao affairs:

'Laos has achieved its target for exporting rice to China this month after the IDP Rice Mill of Laos signed a trading agreement with China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation (Cofco) in November.
 Last year, the Chinese government agreed to purchase 20,000 tonnes of rice from Laos through Xuanye (Lao) Co Ltd, but up to October the country had exported just 16,800 tonnes, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. 
The company first exported 1,000 tonnes of rice and will be exporting the remaining 2,200 tonnes by the end of this month, Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena informed Parliament'.

Slowed

Looking at the main alternatives for rice in Cambodia, the Phnom Penh Post (Jan. 8) adds on corn:

'Cambodian corn production saw slow development last year with crop yields increasing a mere two per cent on 2017 to 715,000 tonnes, remaining far short of Cambodia’s peak in 2012 when production reached nearly one million tonnes.
According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) figures – endorsed by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon – Cambodian corn production amounted to 715,000 tonnes last year, up from 700,000 tonnes in 2017. 
However, the USDA data highlighted a big gap compared to Cambodia’s peak in 2012 when corn production amounted to 951,000 tonnes, the highest since records began in 1960. 
Sakhon said on Sunday that the Kingdom’s corn production is slowed by the fact that the crop is still grown on smaller scale family farms, while market prices fluctuate annually due to a lack of modernisation of growing and drying methods'.

Khmer Times (Jan. 10) reports on investments in the kingdom's cassava sector:

'TWPC Investment (Cambodia) Co Ltd, from Thailand, will start cassava-processing operations this year in Oddar Meanchey, absorbing the entire cassava production from the province, said Ho Ren Hua, director of the company. 
Mr Ren Hua said this during a meeting on Tuesday with Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon, adding that his company invested in the agro-industry here after receiving approval from the Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts at the end of 2017.
 “Currently, the company has completed the construction of the factory but the processing stage will start soon. There are plans to expand the production of cassava from 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes and increase processing capacity to 200,000 tonnes in the future'.

Phnom Penh Post (Dec. 19) adds:

'Hong Kong-based Green Leader Holdings Group Co Ltd, which announced its first cassava processing factory earlier this year, aims to commence operations by next year, according to Green Leader (Cambodia) Co Ltd CEO Gao Hua. 
The company is set to invest a total of $150 million in the cassava industry, which its first broke ground in April in Kratie province. Construction has been delayed, with the factory originally planned to be launched by the end of the year.
“The factory is nearly 70 per cent completed, as it was delayed due to rainy season and some technicalities in construction. The installation facility has already been prepared and we are awaiting shipments from China,” Gao said, adding that the factory is to commence operations by February next year. The Kratie province factory is located on 20ha of land in Snuol district, making it the largest such facility in Cambodia. It will be able to process some 600,000 tonnes of fresh cassava roots per year, with an annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes of modified starch'.

On a side note, the Khmer Times (Dec. 12) has news on exports that take place via Vietnam. And it's not good:

'Local exporters have voiced concern over new customs regulations in Vietnam that require the submission of phytosanitary certificates for agricultural and livestock transshipments, arguing that they represent a significant barrier to trade. 
According to a circular issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, agricultural goods and livestock being shipped to a third country through Vietnam must be placed under quarantine.
As per the regulation, exporters are also required to present phytosanitary certifications at the loading port (Phnom Penh) as well as the Vietnamese port through which the shipment will be conducted'.

Markets and more
Then a listing of other Cambodia ag news mostly cropping.
Starting with pepper. The Phnom Penh Post (Dec. 7):

'The Kingdom’s non-GI pepper farmers continue to struggle due to low prices while cultivation is projected to decline next year, said Dar-Memot Pepper Agriculture Development Cooperative executive director Yin Sopha. 
Sopha said the market price for non-GI pepper this year is still under the margin of cost production, as the sector is expected not to expand next year. 
Since the beginning of the harvest season, pepper prices have stood at $2.6 per kg, which are under the profit margin. He said the lower price is due to the global market. 
“Pepper prices cannot increase anymore, as the pepper industry’s global supply is more than the need – the price is not beneficial for farmers and the growth of cultivation will not increase anymore. 
”Sopha said that the sector would no longer be a viable investment option if prices keep dropping'.

The  Khmer Times (Dec. 27) continues:

'The Kampot Pepper Promotion Association has sold just 50 tonnes of the coveted commodity, an 80 percent drop compared to last year.
 The dip in sales follows a decrease in production due to unfavorable weather conditions throughout the year, the association reported. 
Total pepper production decreased by about 30 tonnes, the association said, amounting to just 70 tonnes in 2018. This has been explained as the result of heavy downpours during the beginning of the growing season. 
Only about 50 tonnes of the crop were sold to export companies, 80 tonnes less than in 2017, said Ngoun Lay, president of the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association, who explained that the market has shrank'.

Then on to another niche product. The Khmer Times (Dec. 11) on palm sugar:

'Kampong Speu province’s palm sugar will be recognised as a geographical indication (GI) in the European Union early next year, an official from the Ministry of Commerce said. 
Op Rady, director of intellectual property at the ministry, told Khmer Times that palm sugar from Kampong Speu, which is already considered a GI product in the Kingdom, will become the second Cambodian product to be awarded GI status by the EU, and that registration will happen early 2019. 
He explained, however, that the process is taking longer than expected.
... 
Chan Sokheang, chairman and CEO of Signatures of Asia, told Khmer Times that his company plans to purchase about 130 tonnes of organic palm sugar from Kampong Speu and other Cambodian provinces. 
Signatures of Asia will spend around $234,000 to buy the palm sugar, which will be exported to the EU, mainly Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, and France, Mr Sokheang added'.

Onwards to the fruit and veggies. The Khmer Times (Jan. 4)

'The area around Boeung Tamouk Lake, in the outskirts of Phnom Penh, will be built into a massive market to centralise the supply of locally grown and imported vegetables, according to recently revealed government plans. 
The project, which will see 20 hectares around the lake developed to host the market, has already been endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Sen, according to a letter that the Office of the Council of Ministers sent yesterday to the Ministry of Land Management to request a construction permit for the project'.

Banana's. The Khmer Times (Jan. 11):

'Longmate Agriculture is shipping banana containers to China through Vietnam to prepare for its first direct shipment to the East Asian giant, a company representative said.
Longmate Agriculture, a joint venture of Chinese and local investors, is preparing a direct shipment of bananas to China. It will be the first time Cambodia exports the fruit to China.
...
Bananas will become the fourth agricultural product that Cambodia exports to the Chinese market, together with maize, cassava, and milled rice.
... 
Longmate Agriculture is now cultivating 400 hectares of land in Kampot province’s Chhouk district. It plans to grow the plantation to 1,000 hectares in the future.
The company will export about 25,000 tonnes of bananas this year and plans to double the figure in 2020'.

Khmer Times (Jan. 3) on pomelo's:

'After obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) status in June, demand for the pomelo grown in Kratie’s Koh Trong commune has spiked, with producers planning an expansion to meet it. 
The Koh Trong pomelo is only the third Cambodia product to be given the distinction, following Kampot pepper and Kampong Speu’s palm sugar. 
Chan Rina, president of the Koh Trong Pomelo Producer Association, said after GI status was awarded to their pomelo they have been unable to produce enough to satisfy rising demand from locals'.

Taxed
The Khmer Times (Dec. 11):

'Rubber export prices saw a continuous decrease this year impacted by uncertainties created by the US-China trade war and a surplus of rubber in the international market, insiders said yesterday. 
As of last week, rubber prices fell to $1,260 per ton from $1,500 early this year, said Men Sopheak, vice president of Chop Rubber Plantation in Tboung Khmum province.
 In the last months of 2016, a ton sold for $1,700, but from January to March of 2017 it traded at $2,200. Prices went down to $1600 in December last year, according to data from the General Directorate of Rubber at the Ministry of Agriculture.
“The fall in prices is caused by the US-China trade war which is putting pressure on China, a big rubber importer, to fight for cheaper rubber prices. This is resulting in an oversupply of rubber in the global market,” he added.
...
"The rubber export tax is still an issue for the local rubber exporters because the government takes $50 in taxes per ton of rubber, which sells for $1,000 or more. However, our production costs amount to $1,400 or more per ton.
“We would like to request the government not to tax rubber exports because other rubber-producing countries do not tax the sector,” Mr Heng said, adding that giving tax incentives will attract investors into the country.
Despite the decline in prices, from January to October, Cambodia exported 161,527 tonnes of rubber, an increase of 23 percent compared to the same period in 2017, according to the ministry'.

Khmer Times (Dec. 20) reports on how the Cambodia does not seem to be stimulating its own rubber sector:

'The Ministry of Agriculture is now discussing the Rubber Law with industry players and plans to send a draft to the Council of Ministers for approval next year, according to a high-ranking official.
... 
Lim Heng, vice president of An Mady Group, told Khmer Times that far from boosting the rubber industry, the law will increase the burden on the private sector. 
As per the current draft, businesses and investors involved in the rubber sector will have to secure a myriad of licenses before beginning operations. The amount of red tape involved will significantly increase, making it a much longer and arduous process for those interested in entering the market, he said.
...
General Department of Rubber’s Mr Sopha, however, said that the law simply provides a foundation, and that it is meant to serve as a guideline. Once passed, it will be enhanced with a series of sub-decress and a strategic plan for the sector to ensure that farmers and businesses are not negatively impacted'.

The Khmer Times (Dec. 21) also notes how a passed stimulus for the cashew sector is yet to take place:

'The Agriculture Ministry yesterday said Cambodia is still waiting for Vietnamese companies to invest in Cambodia’s cashew, after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed almost a year ago. 
In January, the ministry signed the MoU with the Vietnam Cashew Association to bolster Cambodia’s cashew production to one million tonnes per year.
“They wanted to come to sign an agricultural contract with local farmers to export cashew nuts, but until now I have not received any new requests from the Vietnamese side to invest here,” said Kong Pheach, director of the ministry’s agro-industry department.'

Some news from Laos, oddly that the source is Cambodian. The Phnom Penh Post (Jan. 10) looks at coffee:

'Coffee growers in southern Laos are asking for government assistance to create a fund to support coffee bean processing and provide technical advice to local growers following the recent slump in the market price.
Lao Coffee Association head Sivixay Xayyaseng told Vientiane Times: “The price of green coffee has fallen due to increasing supply on the global market. Especially increased green coffee bean production from Indonesia which is one of the biggest exporters. 
”Export Grade A green coffee beans, the highest quality grown in Laos, are currently shipping to Japan for $2,200 per tonne while Grade D green coffee beans fetch $1,300 per tonne in Vietnam. Grade A beans hit a peak of $4,800 per tonne in the past.
 About 6kg of coffee cherries are needed to produce 1kg of green coffee beans. The grade is dependent on many factors such as the quality of the coffee cherries as well as the processing. 
The recent fall in the coffee price has also adversely affected local processers'.

To be
Finally, on topic (slightly) The Guardian (Jan. 13) let's readers get acquainted with what they say are five genetically modified fruits. 
Problems are what do we call GM? 
For instance two examples provided employ CRISPR techniques. Are they GM or not? They are certainly a technique which favours big biz, that's for sure. 
Interesting comments under this article. 
See also this Guardian article (Jul. 25, 2018):

'Plants and animals created by innovative gene-editing technology have been genetically modified and should be regulated as such, the EU’s top court has ruled.
The landmark decision ends 10 years of debate in Europe about what is – and is not – a GM food, with a victory for environmentalists, and a bitter blow to Europe’s biotech industry.
 It also marks a setback for UK scientists who took advantage of a legal grey area to begin field trials of gene edited camelina crops, augmented with Omega-3 fish oils'

What

Rice related, there's not much to lead by. So let's jump into what are mere snippets from Cambodia's rice news.

Xinhua (Jul. 11) reports on exports:

'Cambodia exported 271,500 tons of milled rice in the first six months of 2018, down 5.9 percent from 288,500 tons over the same period last year, according to the latest report released on Tuesday'.

Without the Phnom Penh Post, it's the Khmer Times providing the press. There was this (Jun. 29):

'With demand in foreign markets on the rise and its price increasing, the government is encouraging farmers to start planting a variety of fragrant rice known as ‘Sen Kro Ob’, which was named best rice in the Kingdom last year'.

And an article (Jul. 5) on insuring the rice crop:

'Ny Lyhoung, general manager at Forte Micro Insurance, told Khmer Times they started offering crop insurance in 2014 in the provinces of Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat and Banteay Meanchey, and that now about 100 farmers have taken out policies with them.
“Our insurance products here mostly target rice in the rainy season. We have policies that insure farmers against droughts and floods.”
Mr Lyhoung said they are planning on expanding beyond rice in the near future.
He said, on average, farmers tend to insure 2.5 hectares of paddy field'. 

The Khmer Times (Jul. 9) also noted:

'The Thai Ministry of Commerce has issued a statement asking exporters from the country to refrain from using Angkor Wat imagery in the branding of their products'. 

Surge

So over the wider region and it's rice reports.

The Bangkok Post (May 10):

'Export prices for rice surged to a near four-year high in Vietnam this week due to strong demand, while slow buying interest put pressure on prices of Indian rice.
The threat of floods also raised the prospect of Bangladesh stepping up purchases.
Vietnam's 5% broken rice prices rose to US$455-$460 a tonne, their highest since August 2014, versus $445-$450 last week.
"Prices continue to rise on stronger demand and tight supplies," a Ho Chi Minh City-based trader said'. 

Prices are up year on year, I believe a 10-15% increase, let's hope this trickle downs to the farmers. 

Bangkok Post (May 26) lists a number of export agreements for Thai rice and includes the latest rice trade figures:

'From January to May 22, Thailand exported 4.276 million tonnes of rice, up 2.6% year-on-year, with a value of $2.182 billion, up 23.3%'. 

Sweet 'n sour

Phnom Penh Post (Jul. 16) comes up with the goods on rubber:

'Cambodian rubber exports surged 21 percent during the first half of the year, compared to the same period last year, the Ministry of Agriculture said on Sunday.
Local producers exported 84,419 tonnes of rubber during the first six months of this year, an increase of 14,376 tonnes compared to a year earlier, said Pol Sopha, director-general of the Rubber Department at the Ministry of Agriculture. Total rubber cultivation was also up, at 436,299 hectares.
Sopha said the price of rubber lowered during the first six months of the year, with the median export price on natural rubber falling 18.98 percent year-on-year to $1,434 per tonnes, he said'.

Then again, on June 20 the Phnom Penh Post has an article which says more or less nothing, probably the future standard?

'Despite being known fondly in the Kingdom as “Pursat oranges”, the green and yellow fruits Cambodians have come to love are actually grown in Battambang province'.

Khmer Times (Jul. 6) looks at pepper:

'Production of Kampot pepper, the first Cambodian product to obtain geographical indication status, is expected to drop this year due to heavy rains throughout the year, according to producer associations.
Kampot pepper output is forecast at 70 or 75 tonnes in 2018, compared to the 80 tonnes that were produced last year, according to Ngoun Lay, president of the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association'.

Geo-indication. The Khmer Times (Jun. 26):

'The pomelo grown in Kratie’s Koh Trong commune is now the third Cambodian product to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) status, following in the footsteps of Kampot pepper and Kampong Speu’s palm sugar.
...
Bun Ban, director of Koh Trong Eco-Tourism Community and vice president of the Koh Trong Pomelo Producer Association, said having GI status for the pomelo will promote Kratie as a tourist destination, and boost living standards in Koh Trong.
He said Koh Trong pomelo sells for $2 to $3.5 a kilogram, with farmers being able to harvest it twice a year.
Mr Ban explained that Koh Trong commune, known for its ecotourism sites and white-sand beaches, produces a sweeter pomelo.
“It stands out because it is sweet rather than sour and has no seeds when ripe,” Mr Ban said.
The Koh Trong Pomelo Producer Association is now focusing on bringing more farmers into the association, expanding the area used to grow pomelo and selling the fruit in supermarkets and convenience stores in Phnom Penh, Mr Ban added'.

More diversified. The Khmer Times (Jul. 5):

'A programme launched last year to boost agricultural production in eight key provinces is expected to produce more than 5,000 tonnes of chemical-free vegetables in 2018, twice as much as last year’s production, according to the Ministry of Agriculture'.

Neglect

The Bangkok Post (Jul. 11) notes that durian sales are going banana's:

'A subsidiary of Alibaba Group has signed a purchase deal for at least 800,000 durian from farmers' cooperatives in three eastern [Thai] provinces next year at above market prices'. 

But not all rosy. Bangkok Post (Jun. 15):

'Thailand is mulling retaliatory measures against Indonesia after the latter banned imports of Thai longan and durian during harvest seasons.
...
In 2017, Thailand exported 97,000 tonnes of longan to Indonesia worth US$83.7 million (2.69 billion baht), with shipments of durian amounting to 760 tonnes worth US$2 million'. 

And coconuts are faring less. The Bangkok Post (Jul. 17):

'Thailand is considering a three-month import ban on coconuts to shore up local prices.
...
Amnat Meedang, the representative of coconut farmers on the board, said he was preparing to take legal action against Mr Sontirat [Commerce Minister] for negligence when he failed to take care of the farmers.
Mr Amnat claimed his group had sent a letter to the board, informing it there was no local shortage, at its September 2017 meeting.
But Mr Sontirat had since approved imports of another 500 million fruit, all of which have been delivered. In addition, the minister approved imports of another 50,000 tonnes or 50 million litres of fresh coconut milk'.

The Nation (Jun. 25) had a look at the consequences of Thai government programmes to switch to sugarcane growing:

'As more and more rice farmers switch to sugarcane, health issues and conflict arise over exposure to excessive chemical.
In the past few years, the country has seen a big rise in sugarcane plantations, as the government has seriously nudged rice farmers into considering alternative crops in the face of plunging rice prices. The government policy may, however, have simply led to another big problem. Sugarcane farmers have often used controversial chemical herbicides such as paraquat, which is now blamed for several cases of necrotising fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease – an infection that results in the death of the body’s soft tissue – and cellulitis, to an excessive level.
...
In 2015, there were just 280,000 rai of sugarcane plantations in Nong Bua Lamphu. But the number has now soared to over 600,000 rai.
Biothai Foundation director Witoon Lianchamroon said the reduction in paddy fields had progressed significantly as efforts to promote alternative crops had received a big boost from the government’s Pracha Rath projects. The government has even offered a Bt2,000 subsidy per rai of paddy fields converted into other types of farmland.
“Among the most promoted alternative crops is sugarcane,” he said. “It should be noted that while palm factories have refused to buy crops from farmers using paraquat, sugar factories have not had such a policy.”
Witoon complained that promoting sugarcane was now hurting the farmers because sugarcane plantations were using a lot of farm chemicals.
“When paraquat for example spreads into the environment, health risks emerge,” Witoon said'. 

So now we are on agro-chemicals. The Nation (May 24):

'The use of commercial agricultural chemicals like paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos will continue to be allowed [in Thailand], but with tighter regulations and controls.
Industry Ministry deputy permanent secretary Somboon Yindeeyoungyuen, as chairman of the Hazardous Substance Committee that made the decision yesterday, said the three main agro-chemicals will not be banned despite demands from various quarters, but the Agriculture Department will have to come up with control regulations within two months.
Somboon said 18 out of the committee’s 24 members approved the continued use of herbicides paraquat and glyphosate, and pesticide chlorpyrifos, but with more restrictions and safety regulations.
...
He revealed that the criteria for the restrictions would be on where these chemicals could be used, the amount of import and distribution, the amount of use and management, and the qualifications of the users.
“The restrictions are intended to promote safe use of these chemicals, as it was clear that many people were harmed by these farm chemicals because of improper and careless use,” he said. Even though paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos have not been banned, Somboon pointed out that the committee had also ordered the Agriculture Department to gather evidence of their impact on people’s health. If the evidence shows these chemicals to be really harmful, the committee can decide to ban them in the future.
...
Meanwhile, 369 organisations released a statement denouncing the Hazardous Substance Committee’s decision and threatened to demonstrate in front of Government House and boycott companies linked to these agro-chemicals. The statement said that the public sector was disappointed by the decision, despite clear scientific evidence of health threats from these chemicals.
They highlighted that some of the committee members have connections with the chemical companies, so their vote could be seen as a conflict of interest and violating the law.
“This conclusion reflected the improper structure of the Hazardous Substance Committee, as the committee is used to protect the interests of the agro-chemicals companies instead of the general public,” Prokchon Usap, coordinator of Thailand Pesticide Alert Network, said. “We do not believe the Agriculture Department can really restrict the use of these harmful chemicals and we would like to urge the prime minister to order a review of this biased conclusion.”

The Nation (Jun. 12) then notes how the conflict has been upgraded:

'The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is investigating the Agriculture Department over allegations that it violated human rights last October when it extended the licences for many companies to sell paraquat.
The extension was approved even though a committee seeking solutions to the risk caused by farm chemicals, and which was chaired by the public health minister, concluded on April 5, 2017 that paraquat should face a total ban before the end of 2019 due to its health hazard....
On May 23, the Hazardous Substances Committee of Thailand decided not to ban paraquat, but instead place restrictions on its use. It has given the Agriculture Department two months to introduce control measures.
That is not enough for critics concerned about the effects of exposure on farmers and consumers'. 

Finally a reference that seems to touch none of the above but seeks to illustrate how the age old habit of rent seeking is still in vogue. The Bangkok Post (Jun. 20):

'Thailand is poised to team up with Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to stabilise cassava prices.
...
The department aims to prevent price-cutting competition among the quartet and increase their bargaining power against importer countries.
...
Thailand is the world's largest exporter of tapioca products, controlling more than 50% of the global market. Combined with Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, their total share of the global market is 80%'.