InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — The push for more sustainable and inclusive palm oil production has received a significant boost with the launch of the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative. This collaborative program involves various stakeholders from the private sector and international non-profit organizations, including Musim Mas, Ferrero, Preferred by Nature, SAN, Agriterra, and is supported by funding from the Government of Denmark through the Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP).
Over the next five years, this initiative will be implemented in Rokan Hulu, Riau, focusing primarily on empowering 5,400 smallholder farmers. The goal is to expand the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, enhance productivity, reduce chemical usage, and improve resilience to climate change. A target of 2,500 farmers is set to obtain RSPO and ISPO certification, while 2,000 community members—60% of whom are women—will be encouraged to diversify their income.
The initiative also addresses ecosystem aspects. Through a landscape-based approach, the program fosters multi-stakeholder cooperation at the jurisdictional level to support environmental restoration and biodiversity protection, in line with global sustainability regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Preferred by Nature will act as the main coordinator of the program, aligning roles among partners and conducting field training. SAN will share expertise in regenerative agriculture with local partners Kaleka and Setara Jambi, while Agriterra will strengthen the institutional capacity and competitiveness of the Smallholder Farmers Association.
Musim Mas and Ferrero are ensuring that this program is integrated into their supply chains, reaffirming their commitment to the sustainability and traceability of the palm oil they use.
"Empowering smallholder farmers through training and support is key to building a resilient palm oil supply chain," said Olivier Tichit, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Musim Mas, in a statement received by InfoSAWIT on Thursday (May 29, 2025). He emphasized the landscape approach his company has employed through its Smallholder Hubs program.
Meanwhile, Nicola Somenzi from Ferrero added, “We aim to build a supply chain that provides real benefits to farmers and communities while ensuring environmental sustainability.”
This program will also strengthen Rokan Hulu's position as a concrete example of sustainable palm oil landscapes in Indonesia. By uniting the expertise of various parties—from the business sector, NGOs, to local communities—this initiative paves the way for a more socially and ecologically responsible palm oil industry.
"Sustainable palm oil production can only be achieved if smallholder farmers are given access to resources and markets," said Jakob Ryding, Senior Director of Projects at Preferred by Nature. He views cross-sector collaboration as crucial in addressing the systemic challenges faced by the palm oil industry.
Executive Director of SAN, Jose Joaquín Campos, also highlighted that the combination of regenerative agricultural practices and nature-based solutions can simultaneously enhance farmer welfare and restore ecosystems.
CEO of Agriterra, Marco Schouten, stated that strengthening farmer associations is a top priority. "Strong associations will pave the way for financial resilience and broader market access for farmers."
With this comprehensive cooperation scheme, the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative is not just a farmer empowerment project but also a milestone towards systemic transformation in national palm oil production. (T2)
