1 April 2026 – Cambodia – A one-day workshop titled “Capacity Building Workshop on ISPM 38 for Plant Quarantine Officers in Cambodia” was organized by the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI).

The workshop, organized under the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF)-funded project “Strengthening Phytosanitary Compliance to Boost Seed Trade in the Asia-Pacific,” brought together 38 quarantine officers from the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of Cambodia. The event was attended by Dr. Yorn Try, Deputy Director General of the Directorate of Agriculture, as the Chief Guest.

In his opening remarks, Monthivtuh EKR, Director of Plant Protection, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Department, Cambodia, emphasized the importance of the standard, stating:

“ISPM 38 provides a crucial framework for effectively managing phytosanitary risks in the international movement of seeds, introducing a systems approach that evaluates the entire seed production chain—from the field to the container—to ensure high-quality seeds while minimizing unnecessary delays in trade.”

He also extended his gratitude to STDF and APAARI for facilitating the workshop.

The workshop also provided a platform to discuss the translation of the complete ISPM 38 guidelines into Khmer, making the standard more accessible and understandable for Cambodian phytosanitary authorities, quarantine officers, and stakeholders involved in seed production, certification, and trade.

Highlighting the importance of translating international standards, Ravi Khetarpal stated:

“An important fact is that ISPM 38 offers a systems-based framework to manage pest risks across the entire seed pathway, ensuring both plant health protection and the smooth movement of quality seeds in international trade.”

Homaira Jahan Sonom presented the objectives of the project and highlighted key outputs achieved so far. She also emphasized the need for an updated seed pest list and the development of a roadmap toward ISPM 45 tailored specifically for Cambodia.

Rosineide Souza Richards from the International Seed Federation delivered technical presentations on the framework of ISPM 38. In her first presentation, she provided a deep dive into ISPM 38, explaining it as a seed-specific phytosanitary framework within the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) system. In her second presentation, she further elaborated on the practical and operational aspects of implementing ISPM 38, particularly inspection, testing, certification, and evidence-based decision-making to manage phytosanitary risks in international seed trade.

The workshop concluded with group discussions identifying gaps in implementing ISPM 38 and exploring potential solutions and improvements. Moving forward, the NPPO of Cambodia will focus on strengthening operational and technical capacity and enhancing stakeholder collaboration through public–private partnerships (PPP) to effectively implement ISPM 38 and facilitate safe and efficient seed trade.

About the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF)

The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership that facilitates safe and inclusive trade. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), which houses and manages the partnership.  In support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the STDF responds to evolving SPS needs, drives inclusive trade and contributes to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, food security and resilience to climate change.

About the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)

Founded in 1990 by the FAO, the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) is a membership-based, apolitical, and multi-stakeholder organization that promotes agricultural research and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. APAARI unites National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), international research centres, universities, NGOs, and private-sector actors from 33 countries. Its mission is to strengthen agri-food research and innovation systems for sustainable development and food security in the region.