Program first to create partnerships within the palm oil supply chain to help independent oil palm smallholders meet the RSPO standards for sustainable palm oil production.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 June, 2013 – Cargill, in partnership with Malaysian-based social enterprise Wild Asia and the international non-governmental organization, Solidaridad, announced today they are launching an innovative independent oil palm smallholder sustainability support program in Malaysia. The three-year program will provide technical assistance, training and capacity building to over 2,500 independent oil palm smallholders.

It is one of the first programs in Malaysia that is focused on sustainable palm oil production through partnerships with independent smallholders, palm oil dealers, mills and refiners. The goal is to help smallholders employ sustainable palm oil production practices, to bring about higher oil palm fruit yields and increase farmer incomes.

The program is in line with the government’s efforts to help smallholders and independent millers meet sustainable palm oil production standards in Malaysia. Smallholders in the state of Perak will receive direct training and support on best agricultural practices and improved farm management practices covering key areas of health and safety, and environmental and social impact management.

Visit Wild Asia’s Group Scheme (WAGS) for more information on our work with smallholders.

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