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RSPO standard includes smallholders

The Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) developed and implemented global standards for sustainable palm oil in 2005. As a result, to date, over 1.5 million tonnes of RSPO certified Crude Palm Oil is available on the market. In 2009, RSPO and Solidaridad entered into a partnership to include small scale producers in the certified supply chain.

Target

To provide support to small scale farmers and farm workers in the palm oil sector.

Reason

Sustainable production and trade is the way to improve the environmental and social impact of palm oil production. One third of the global production is delivered by small scale farmers. Yet for these producers, it is difficult to adhere to the criteria for certified palm oil. Small scale producers need support in achieving the RSPO requirements, so that they can participate in the certified supply chain.

Activities

  • Through RSPO's Task Force on Smallholders, Solidaridad promotes the interests of smallholders in the RSPO process.
  • Through the Palm Oil Producer Support Initiative, Solidaridad and RSPO work together in the implementation of certification support field tests.

Results

  • The RSPO standard has been adapted to the circumstances under which small scale producers work.
  • A draft certification protocol for small scale producers has been drawn up.
  • Groups of small scale producers in Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea have obtained the draft protocol certification.

Facts

Solidaridad's role in the RSPO: member of the Taskforce group that supports small scale palm oil producers in obtaining RSPO certification and access to the market.
RSPO is consortium partner within the Schokland Fund; a 4 year support intiative of Solidaridad, WWF US, RTRS, BSI and RSPO.
Participants in the RSPO: nearly 500 participants from 39 countries, 28 of them from the Netherlands, including: Cargill, ADM, Ahold, FrieslandCampina, Rabobank, Unilever, OxfamNovib, Nutreco, the product board for margarine, fats and oils, and NEVEDI, the branch organization for livestock feed producers.

Supply chains: 
Palm oil