Ecobiz.asia — PT ESGIN Global Partners (ESGIN) and Cambodia-based Heritage Group Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop sustainable agriculture and carbon projects in Cambodia, initially focusing on the rice industry.
The cooperation will combine Heritage Group’s agricultural operations and affiliate network in sustainable rice cultivation, biochar and organic compost with ESGIN’s capabilities in carbon project development, climate finance, investment structuring and carbon credit commercialization.
The parties said the cooperation aims to develop integrated projects that can improve agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods, utilize agricultural residues, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attract investment into Cambodia’s sustainable agriculture sector. The partnership will also support Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and broader sustainable economic and rural development objectives.
Under the MOU, the companies will explore cooperation in contract farming, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), organic and sustainable rice cultivation, farmer engagement and training. The cooperation will also cover paddy procurement, rice milling and processing, product quality improvement, market development and rice exports. Another key area is the development of carbon projects associated with methane emission reductions from rice cultivation and improved water management.
The parties will also explore productive uses of rice husk and other agricultural residues for biochar, energy and other value-added or low-carbon products, as well as the production and application of organic compost and other soil-enhancement products.
ESGIN will contribute expertise in carbon project origination and development, climate and project finance, investment structuring, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV), AI-based verification, carbon standard selection, project registration, carbon credit issuance and commercialization. The company will also support carbon credit offtake arrangements and forward sales.
Heritage Group, through its affiliate Signature Rice Co., Ltd. (Signature Rice), will serve as the principal operating platform for rice-related activities under the cooperation. Signature Rice’s activities include farmer engagement, sustainable rice cultivation, paddy procurement, rice milling and processing, product quality improvement, market development and rice exports.
“This MOU creates a strong platform for combining Heritage Group’s diversified agricultural operations with ESGIN’s expertise in carbon markets, climate finance and sustainable project development,” said Brandon Keam, President Director and CEO of ESGIN in a press statement on Wednesday. He said the cooperation across sustainable rice, biochar and organic compost could support the development of scalable projects that improve farmer livelihoods, strengthen local industries and generate measurable environmental benefits.
Oknha Chan Sokheang, Chairman and CEO of Heritage Group, said the group has developed operating capabilities across several areas of Cambodia’s agricultural economy. “Our cooperation with ESGIN will connect these businesses with carbon project development and climate finance, creating new opportunities for farmers, local communities and Cambodia’s sustainable growth,” he said.
The companies said the MOU establishes an integrated platform linking Heritage Group’s agricultural businesses with ESGIN’s carbon development, financing and commercialization capabilities. The cooperation is expected to combine local agricultural operating expertise with international carbon market and investment experience to develop projects that generate economic and environmental value. ***
