AGRICULTURE

The Kampot Pepper Association has launched price negotiations with Kampot pepper exporter Farmlink after sales fell this year, association President Nguon Lay said. It was targeting a price increase from US$10 to $17 per kilogram for white pepper, a jump from $8 to $15 for red pepper, and a $3 increase in the price of black pepper to $8. Negotiations began after sales dropped despite an increased marketing effort, including activities around a campaign to win geographic indicator status for the spice. “In 2008 all the pepper was sold, but this year only 11 out of 15 tonnes have been sold so far,” he said.