Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food announces first RSPO certification for independent farmers
04/12/2023 (The Jakarta Post) - Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, a prominent global palm oil producer, announced that the first group of independent farmers under its Sawit Terampil program had successfully attained Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.
The achievement marks a historic moment, highlighting the company's commitment to transforming the supply chain and advocating for sustainable palm oil practices among independent farmers.
The Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara (PSPN) association, comprising 270 independent farmers from North Aceh, became the pioneering group under the Sawit Terampil program to receive RSPO certification. This recognition was granted at the Annual RSPO Roundtable Conference on Sustainable Palm Oil (RT2023) in Jakarta from Nov. 20 to 22.
RSPO certification empowers independent farmers by improving yields, accessing internationally certified sustainable palm oil markets, safeguarding livelihoods and minimizing land conversion risks.
Helena Lumban Gaol, Head of the Smallholders Innovation Department at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food said the RSPO certification for Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara signifies the success of the Sawit Terampil program and the company’s dedication to supporting Indonesian independent farmers.
“We are proud to assist these farmers in reaching this milestone and are committed to collaborating further to enhance sustainability and livelihoods," she said.
The Sawit Terampil program is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping independent farmers with essential knowledge and skills to enhance productivity and sustainable practices, ultimately improving their livelihood. Through group mentoring and individual guidance, the program facilitates the implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP), institutional development and other valuable skills for farmers.
The program's approach included both group and one-on-one training sessions, addressing fundamental agricultural practices often lacking among long-term farmers. The discussions touched on the involvement of independent farmers within Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food's supply chain, though the company does not directly purchase their produce. Instead, it is processed by suppliers connected to them.
Sudikan, chairman of the Association at Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara, North Aceh, expressed his gratitude for achieving RSPO certification and pledged to continue sustainable practices contributing to a more sustainable palm oil industry.
Independent farmers manage over 40 percent of Indonesia's oil palm plantations, significantly impacting global goals like the Agricultural Sector Roadmap toward 1.5 degrees Celsius and meeting international requirements such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Fauzan Kurniawan, Head of Supplier Transformation at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, stressed the importance of the milestone while aiming to support more farmers in achieving certification in the future.
RSPO certification is a globally recognized standard indicating responsible palm oil production. Guntur Cahyo Prabowo, Head of Smallholders at the RSPO, highlighted its significance in aligning with sustainability standards, enhancing market access and acknowledging Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food’s commitment to sustainable practices.
The certification process for sustainable palm oil involves meticulous documentation, essential for regulatory audits, but not all farmers willingly comply. While some adhere diligently due to past experiences, hesitance to join as a member persists due to existing commitments. Responsibilities include detailed record-keeping of activities like spraying schedules and harvest logs, resisted by many.
Though participation in certification is voluntary, it is hoped that there will be increased involvement from three more associations to become certification-ready by next year through their participation in the Sawit Terampil program.
Efforts focus on widespread training, aiming to change mindsets and encourage more certification under the RSPO and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). Challenges involve convincing long-standing farmers of the benefits, which requires familiarization and discussions. Strategies for meeting evolving market demands through sustainable practices are crucial, emphasizing traceability and compliance.
Overcoming the hurdles involves education, preparation and alignment with industry standards, aiming to bridge the gap between farmer expectations and industry demands for smoother transactions and mutual benefit.
Looking ahead, Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food aims to expand the Sawit Terampil program, intending to train 10,000 farmers across various regions by 2025. This expansion aligns with its commitment to supply chain transformation and global sustainability goals.