CASIC Successfully Co-organized Regional Conference of TARASA25 in Lao PDR to Advance Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture in ASEAN

Vientiane, Lao PDR — From 24–27 November 2025, the Cambodia Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification Consortium (CASIC), in partnership with the Lao Initiative on Agroecology for ASEAN (LICA) and the Department of Land Administration and Management (DLAM) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) of the Lao PDR, co-organized an international conference titled “Transitioning Towards Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture: A Contribution to Food Systems Transformation (TARASA25).”

The high-level conference was presided over by H.E. Dr. Saynakhone Inthavong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR; H.E. Benedicte Deschamps, Ambassador of France to Lao PDR; H.E. Mark Gallagher, Ambassador of the European Union to Lao PDR; and H.E. Yoeu Asikin, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia and Vice Chair of the CASIC Steering Committee.

The event convened more than 230 participants from 20 countries across the Asia–Pacific region, including representatives from research institutions, development partners, farmers’ organizations, policymakers, youth leaders, civil servants, and private sector stakeholders, demonstrating strong regional commitment to advancing sustainable food systems.

A Cambodian delegation of 17 participants (including seven women) attended the conference, representing the General Directorate of Agriculture, CASIC, the Royal University of Agriculture, Swisscontact, ALiSEA, and CIRAD. The delegation actively contributed to knowledge exchange, technical discussions, and regional dialogue on scaling up agroecology and regenerative agriculture practices.

Throughout the four-day conference, participants shared practical experiences, innovations, and lessons learned while addressing key challenges and opportunities for transitioning toward more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Discussions focused on strengthening the implementation of ASEAN agroecology guidelines and policies, enhancing public–private partnerships, and fostering collaboration among governments, research institutions, and development partners.

The conference also emphasized the importance of collective regional action to accelerate agricultural and food systems transformation, promote climate resilience, and support smallholder farmers’ livelihoods.

CASIC’s participation reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to regional cooperation and knowledge sharing, while strengthening partnerships that will contribute to scaling up agroecological approaches and sustainable intensification across the country and the broader ASEAN region.

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