Sustainable palm oil revolution: Denmark and companies promote small farmers

Sustainable palm oil revolution: Denmark and companies promote small farmers

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable palm oil production in Indonesia, the Danish government, together with numerous partners, has launched an initiative. This includes companies and NGOs, including Musim Mas, Ferrero, Preferred by Nature, Agriterra and the Sustainable Agriculture Network. The aim of the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods initiative is to improve the livelihood of small farmers and at the same time to promote environmental protection, such as [ots.at] (https://www.ots.at/presseaus-sung/ots_20250527_ots0001/ Zondemannebeit-der-Daenische-getred-prered-by-nature-ferro-san-and-musim-mas-fuer-sustainable-palmoelprodukt-in) reported.

The collaboration is financed by the Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP) Program of the Danish government. The five-year project aims to develop scalable solutions for sustainable palm oil production that correspond to the global standards, including the EU deforestation regulation. Part of the initiative is the support of 5,400 independent small farmers in the implementation of regenerative agricultural methods to reduce the use of synthetic substances and to strengthen the climate adaptability.

strengthening farmers' associations and diversification of the sources of income

Another focus is on strengthening farmers' associations and the support of 2,500 farmers in obtaining sustainability certificates such as RSPO and ISPO. In addition, 2,000 parishioners, including 60 % women, are being sought to offer diversified income opportunities. These measures are related to the overarching goal of protecting the biological diversity and reducing deforestation.

In addition, the establishment of an alliance of various interest groups is planned to promote the restoration of ecosystems and to support compliance with sustainability standards. Preferred by Nature takes over the project coordination and the capacity structure, while Agriterra focuses on strengthening cooperative business models. The challenges that the initiative faces contain low productivity, unequal access to knowledge and resource shortage.

sustainable palm oil production as an economic chance

As part of the project, training courses have already been carried out in order to guide small farmers for sustainable management. The establishment of the "Mitra Bersama" association is also a progress that is supposed to lead to the next project phase in which the certification of the Palm oil fields is sought. The developments are crucial because Indonesia, as the largest producer of palm oil, produces over 40 million tons annually worldwide.

international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The initiative includes the formation of multi-stakeholder partnerships between the authorities, companies and small farmers and the ensuring that all growing areas comply with sustainability criteria. Measures to protect forests and bogs are also part of the strategy that aims to promote the demand for sustainably produced palm oil and to increase their use in Germany.