InfoSAWIT, BANGKOK – Independent palm oil farmers are proving they can adopt sustainable practices aligned with the Principles and Criteria (P&C) of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), traditionally associated with larger corporations.
This achievement was demonstrated by Karya Desa Mandiri Producers Cooperative, based in Simangalam Village, Kuala Hulu Selatan Subdistrict, Labuhanbatu Utara Regency, North Sumatra. On November 10, 2024, the cooperative officially received RSPO certification. The milestone was marked by a handover ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, where RSPO CEO Joseph D’Cruz presented the certification to the Cooperative Chairman.
The cooperative was established to address the challenges faced by independent palm oil farmers, who have long struggled with limited market access. Most farmers sell fresh fruit bunches (FFB) through middlemen, often at prices 30% lower than government-set rates. Additionally, access to subsidized fertilizers and technical support on sustainable cultivation practices has been minimal.
Supported by the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS), the cooperative not only tackled these issues but also encouraged its members to implement sustainable practices. With SPKS guidance, the cooperative embraced global markets’ increasing demand for sustainable palm oil products and set a goal to achieve RSPO certification by 2023.
This journey toward sustainability aligns with the Indonesian government’s push for sustainable palm oil certification through the Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) scheme. SPKS has also committed to a zero-deforestation policy in the cooperative’s plantation management, positioning it as a leader among independent farmers.
"As part of these efforts, the cooperative collaborated with SPKS and local governments to conduct training sessions, ensuring compliance with RSPO and ISPO standards. These sessions equipped farmers with knowledge about environmental preservation and global sustainability standards," the cooperative stated in a press release to InfoSAWIT on Thursday (28/11/2024).
For cooperative members, RSPO certification is more than a gateway to broader markets—it’s a tool for improving livelihoods. With certification, the cooperative aims to add value to its members’ FFB, enhance competitiveness in global markets, and contribute positively to environmental preservation.
The success of Karya Desa Mandiri Producers Cooperative underscores the untapped potential of independent farmers as key players in sustainable palm oil production. Such initiatives are expected to inspire cooperatives and farmers nationwide to follow suit. (T2)
