At a workshop last Friday, in which officials from the Agricultural Ministry, NGOs, and farming organizations exchanged ideas on boosting the domestic vegetable market, famers were urged to reduce their reliance on pesticides in order to address the concerns of consumers who are worried about high levels of chemicals. A recent study from the Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation found 95% of consumers were concerned about the chemical levels in both Cambodian and imported vegetables. Hean Vanhan, director-general of the Ministry’s agriculture directorate, encouraged farmers to follow the Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) protocol to produce safe vegetables for consumers. GAP standards do not prohibit the use of all pesticides, but focus on reducing reliance on chemicals, using natural fertilizers and monitoring products to guarantee consumer safety and quality, he said. (Source: Khmer Times)