CAFE26 Opens in Phnom Penh as Cambodia’s Farm Exports Reach 15 Million Tonnes
The Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition 2026 (CAFE26) opened on Koh Pich in Phnom Penh on 23 October, with more than 400 booths and news that the Kingdom has exported 15 million tonnes of farm produce in the first ten months of the year.
Cambodia’s flagship farm-business event, the Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition 2026 (CAFE26), opened on Thursday, 23 October, at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh. Running until 25 October, the event is led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under its Hand-in-Hand Initiative, and brings together farmers, agribusinesses, investors and young innovators.
Key points
- CAFE26 runs from 23 to 25 October 2026 at the Koh Pich (Diamond Island) Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh.
- It is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with technical support from FAO under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.
- Cambodia exported 15 million tonnes of agricultural products in the first ten months of 2026, the ministry said at the event.
- The exhibition features more than 400 booths, alongside an investment forum and a youth innovation forum.
The opening came with an encouraging headline figure. Speaking at the forum, Ker Monthivuth, Director of the Department of Plant Protection, Sanitary and Phytosanitary at MAFF’s General Directorate of Agriculture, said Cambodia had exported 15 million tonnes of agricultural products to international markets in the first ten months of 2026, and that both the volume and the quality of shipments had improved.
Three events under one roof
CAFE26 is built around three strands. A two-day Agriculture Investment Forum on 23 and 24 October focuses on policy dialogue, market opportunities, investment-ready projects, pitching sessions and matchmaking between investors and Cambodian businesses. A three-day exhibition with more than 400 booths showcases produce, farm machinery, drones, digital tools, processing technology, inputs and services. On the final day, a Youth Innovation Forum gives young entrepreneurs a stage for start-up pitches and new ideas.
According to FAO, the investment areas in the spotlight include agro-processing, cold chains and logistics, agricultural technology, climate-smart farming, export-oriented agribusiness, and supply-chain finance. The organisers are also highlighting priority commodities and links to markets across ASEAN and beyond.
Why it matters for Cambodia
Agriculture remains one of the pillars of the Cambodian economy, contributing around 16 per cent of GDP in 2025, according to figures cited by AKP. Rice, rubber, cassava, cashew nuts, mangoes, pepper, bananas and durian are among the Kingdom’s key farm exports, and agricultural export revenue has climbed to about US$6.46 billion.
Mr. Ker Monthivuth said the ministry has prioritised mangoes, bananas, durians and cashews for scientific data collection and pest-risk management in production systems, work that helps Cambodian fruit and nuts meet the plant-health rules of importing countries. He encouraged farmers, traders and private companies to keep strengthening production and to meet export standards so that Cambodian produce can win more buyers abroad.
The event builds on the success of last year’s edition. FAO reports that CAFE25 drew more than 21,000 visitors, 1,870 forum participants and 50 international delegates, with 403 booths representing 280 companies and institutions. For visitors in Phnom Penh this weekend, CAFE26 offers a rare chance to see the full range of Cambodian agriculture, from fragrant rice and fresh fruit to the drones and digital tools that are changing how the Kingdom farms.
Sources: AKP (CAFE26 opening), AKP (agricultural exports), FAO Cambodia.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is CAFE26 held?
CAFE26 runs from 23 to 25 October 2026 at the Koh Pich (Diamond Island) Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh.
Who organises the Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition?
It is led by Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, with technical support from FAO under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.
How much farm produce has Cambodia exported in 2026?
The ministry said Cambodia exported 15 million tonnes of agricultural products in the first ten months of 2026.
