Agridence expands EUDR-ready traceability into Cambodia through Royal University of Phnom Penh partnership
MOU adds independent, on-the-ground verification to origin data as international buyers accelerate EUDR readiness ahead of the 30 December 2026 enforcement date.
MOU adds independent, on-the-ground verification to origin data as international buyers accelerate EUDR readiness ahead of the 30 December 2026 enforcement date.
SINGAPORE and PHNOM PENH, 25 August 2026. Agridence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) to strengthen EUDR data collection and verification for Cambodian producers and their international buyers. The partnership pairs Agridence''s traceability platform with RUPP''s on-the-ground research expertise to raise the quality of the origin data behind due diligence statements.
The EU Deforestation Regulation applies to large and medium operators from 30 December 2026. As enforcement approaches, buyers sourcing from Cambodia need geolocation and due diligence data they can defend, and origin-level data quality is becoming the deciding factor in sourcing decisions.
AgriTrace is deployed in Cambodia with full Khmer language support, allowing producers to capture geolocation and due diligence data at origin from day one. RUPP adds an independent layer of verification to that data and with its on-the-ground expertise, it gives international buyers a stronger basis for verification and mitigation evidence they submit under EUDR.
The partnership also aligns Agridence''s compliance framework with Cambodian national regulations, including labor laws, alongside EU buyer requirements under EUDR.
The MOU has been designed as a repeatable model, and not a one-off. It opens the door to digital verification for national schemes, including forest management for timber, and extends across multiple commodities as demand for verified origin data continues to accelerate.
“What we’re seeing is that enforcement is actually shifting the question from ‘does the origin data exist’ to ‘can it withstand scrutiny?’ By capturing data once at the source and verifying it independently, producers and their buyers are aligned around a single body of evidence. We believe this model can scale effectively to other agri-commodities in Cambodia, especially with the collaboration of Cambodia’s leading public university, the Royal University of Phnom Penh,” said Gerald Tan, CEO, Agridence.
“RUPP is committed to advancing digital innovation and preparing talent for a fast-evolving agricultural sector. Partnering with Agridence on agricultural mapping and EUDR compliance supports our digitalisation and education goals, while opening up research, knowledge exchange, and student engagement opportunities. It also helps strengthen Cambodia''s ability to generate origin data that meets international scrutiny, building a shared evidence base that benefits producers, buyers, and regulators alike. Together, we can strengthen Cambodia''s sustainable agriculture capabilities and enhance the global competitiveness of Cambodian commodities,” said Prof. Chet Chealy, Rector, Royal University of Phnom Penh.
The partnership puts verified Cambodian supply chains on the map for EU-bound trade and creates a template for origin-level verification in other producing countries. Agridence provides traceability foundations across natural rubber, palm oil, cocoa, coffee and cashew, connecting producers and buyers on a shared compliance backbone.
About the Royal University of Phnom Penh
The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) stands as Cambodia’s oldest and largest public university, widely recognized as the flagship institution for higher education in the nation in teaching and learning, research and innovation, and community services. The university offers high quality of education across a diverse array of disciplines, equipping graduates to be both academically proficient and socially responsible. Its programs prioritize critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability — skills that are vital for navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving society.
About Agridence
Agridence is building toward a world where all agricultural supply chains are auditable, transparent and trusted. Its mission is to empower clients with trusted traceability foundations that turn sustainability data into better procurement decisions, competitive advantage, and compliance readiness. Products include the Agridence Platform, AgriTrace, and ConnectHub, across natural rubber, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, cashew and other agricultural commodities, in Southeast Asia, Europe and LATAM.
Media contact
Sarah Granier
Head of Marketing and Communications
media@agridence.com
Sothun Nop
Head of Centre for Innovation and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Development Studies, RUPP
cisd.rupp@gmail.com