An ongoing initiative in the palm oil supply chain in Indonesia has been extended, aiming to enhance sustainability and support smallholder farmers. Originally launched in 2018, the project has been prolonged to adapt to the evolving needs of farmers, particularly amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Implemented in partnership with global and local organizations, the initiative focuses on providing technical education and training to independent smallholder farmers. Through Farmer Field School trainings, over a thousand farmers have received valuable knowledge in sustainable production practices, with hundreds achieving official certification from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
Efforts have also been made to assess the social and environmental impacts of the project. Social Impact and Environmental Impact Assessments have been conducted to ensure that the farmers’ fields remain free from deforestation or land conversion.
Moreover, to facilitate market access for smallholders, investments have been made in purchasing RSPO credits from newly certified farmers in the region. This not only supports the responsible sourcing of palm-based ingredients but also contributes to the broader commitment towards sustainability.
Additionally, initiatives like the Action for Sustainable Derivatives (ASD) Impact Fund have been established to provide support for on-the-ground projects addressing key issues in palm production landscapes.
Despite challenges, the project reflects a commitment to sustainable practices within the palm oil supply chain, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders.
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