Palm oil progress in four regions
A leaflet and series of fact sheets published this month describe Solidaridad’s palm oil projects and impact in all major palm oil producing regions (PDF). In Colombia, for example, Solidaridad was able to improve working conditions for about 4,000 palm oil producers, thanks to the collaboration of partners in the Sustainable Trade Platform (STP). Solidaridad has also helped set up the Smallholder Education Hub in Jambi, Indonesia. In addition, Solidaridad’s Sustainable West Africa Palm Oil Programme (SWAPP) trained an extra 2,000 smallholder farmers in good agricultural practices this year.
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15 mills committed to the Sustainable Trade Platform in Colombia
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2,186 independent smallholders trained in good agricultural practices in Indonesia
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€1.5 million in seed capital invested in sustainable mill upgrades in West Africa
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3,400 farmers completed financial literacy training in West Kalimantan
Supporting sustainable production
Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil on the planet, which is reflected in the density and diversity of its applications – from food, to fuel, to beauty products. Production challenges such as poor farming practices and land mismanagement in the palm oil sector need focused solutions. Solidaridad seeks to provide country and context-specific solutions for smallholders, mills, and companies by bringing stakeholders together and supporting the implementation of sustainable practices.
The Solidaridad palm oil programme establishes and manages coalitions of partners and projects to:
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Develop national initiatives to transition palm oil sectors towards RSPO standards
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Stimulate best management practices among smallholders and mills
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Improve labour conditions by implementing RSPO best practices
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Develop innovative models for (independent) smallholder inclusive supply chains
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Stimulate sustainable market linkages and influence international sustainability policies