PALMOILMAGAZINE, BOGOR – The Union of Palm Oil Smallholders (SPKS) together with other civil society organizations encourages sustainable commodities as the main choice for consumers. Sustainable palm oil is part of this commodity, without the practice of deforestation or forest destruction.
SPKS always emphasizes the importance of preserving nature and the sustainability of forests around Palm oil plantations. Palm oil plantations owned by smallholders are managed sustainably by prioritizing social wisdom and the preservation of the surrounding environment.
“SPKS members are always encouraged to do the best and sustainable cultivation practices in developing their palm oil plantations,” said SPKS Chairman, Sabarudin, as quoted from the information received by Palmoilmagazine.com written on June 25, 2024.
Although there are still shortcomings, all SPKS members are fully committed to developing sustainable Palm oil plantations. Where the existence of deforestation-free cultivation practice guidelines is also part of it. SPKS member farmers are also actively involved in pushing for the acceleration of Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification, which is mandatory for smallholders in Indonesia.
“Smallholders are often blamed for deforestation in Indonesia and then left out of the market. However, our collaboration with smallholders proves that they can practice deforestation-free. We hope that with these guidelines, smallholders will have fairer access to markets. They will also be able to help the government realize its commitment to reduce deforestation,” Sabarudin explained.
SPKS has also always voiced its support to the government to strengthen farmer partnerships, farmer organization, improvement of facilities and infrastructure as well as improvement of sustainable palm oil cultivation practices. Of course, the existence of SPKS as a farmer organization, will always be actively involved with members to preserve the sustainability and social welfare of the community.
“SPKS invites all palm oil plantation communities to always preserve the surrounding nature and maintain the sustainability of forests for future generations,” Sabarudin said.
For information, the deforestation-free cultivation practice guidelines launched are a collaboration of the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA), SPKS, Yayasan Petani Pelindung Hutan (4F), Greenpeace, and the High Conservation Value Network (HCVN).
The Deforestation-Free Guidance for Indonesian Smallholders has been co-developed over six years, including four years of field-testing with smallholders in West Kalimantan, to ensure the guidance is simple and adaptable for local communities. (P3)
