In Cambodia, 85 % of the total population is dependent on agricultural activities.The rural system encompasses rice production, palm sugar production, cattle breeding and truck farming.

While the sugar palm tree, often grows in various Asian countries (Cambodia, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, India), it is known to be part of Cambodian national heritage and an important natural resource. It plays an important role in Cambodia’s rural system and produces several products such as juice, sugar, building wood, fruit and root for traditional medicine. The sugar palm tree, therefore widely contributes to rural life.

Unfortunately, the sugar palm tree is still a victim of illegal mass logging. Thus, Confirel offers a unique opportunity to preserve this tree

The sugar palm tree is considered as a multipurpose tree since it demonstrates greate potential by providing different products for humans, as well as for animal feeding. The role of the palm tree in the mixed farming system is as follows:

- To provide juice, fruits, germinated seeds for human consumption and animal feeding
- To use as the green fence around the house, as well as on the bunds of rice fields
- To prevent erosion since the sugar palm tree has a deep root system (up to 15m)
- To provide leaves that can be used to manufacture roofs, mats, hats, etc... The leaves are also used to manufacture a typical Cambodian box called SMOCK, which is now used by Confirel to pack palm sugar.

The juice is harvested every morning. Farmers climb up the tree very early to incise the buds and harvest the sweet nectar, which leaks from the flowers. Two hours later, they climb again in order to collect the filled recipients. The juice is kept in bamboo tubes called "Bampong."