Unilever Supports Indonesia's Palm Oil Smallholder  

TEMPO.CO, Medan - Amanah Oil Palm Independent Smallholders Association, which represents almost 350 smallholders, has become a success story in achieving sustainable palm oil industry. Three months after the association received its RSPO certification for sustainable oil palm management, Amanah immediately gained support from Unilever.

The company honor Amanah's commitment in establishing a sustainable oil palm industry by purchasing their GreenPalm certificates. This will allow the smallholders to further increase their sustainable practices and will generate positive environmental, economic and social impacts.

Amanah is the first Indonesian independent smallholders association to receive RSPO certification, and the second in the international level. Through the World Wildlife Foundation Indonesia (WWF-Indonesia), which facilitates the certification process, Amanah gain continuous support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Provincial and District Government of Riau, RSPO, Asian Agri, and Carrefour Foundation International. After the certification, the next step for that must be taken is to gain market support for their products.

"WWF-Indonesia appreciates Unilever commitment to support the first certified oil palm smallholders from Indonesia, Amanah. This support will help these local smallholders to maintain their good work to comply with sustainable oil palm management standard, and invest for skill and capacity development. We hope this will also motivate other independent smallholders to apply sustainable principles in their practice. At the same time, we expect more companies are willing to show their commitment in supporting RSPO certified smallholders group as they are growing," said Dr. Efransjah, CEO of WWF-Indonesia

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