#Singapore #Nestlé #Musim Mas #AAK #Aceh Subulussalam

Renewed Partnership for Sustainability

In a compelling move toward sustainable agriculture, Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK have renewed their collaboration for the fourth consecutive year. This partnership, which began in 2021, is dedicated to supporting independent oil palm farmers in Aceh Subulussalam, Indonesia. The initiative addresses critical challenges, including deforestation and other significant environmental, social, and economic issues facing these farmers.

Focus on Smallholders

Central to this partnership is the Subulussalam Smallholders Hub, a project launched by Musim Mas. This initiative plays a crucial role in training smallholders and local village extension officers (VEOs) on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and NDPE principles—standing for No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation. The VEOs act as local trainers, imparting vital knowledge within their communities.

Over the past three years, the program has exceeded initial expectations, training 1,581 smallholders—surpassing the target of 1,250—and 117 VEOs, exceeding the goal of 60. In the upcoming phase, 20 top-performing VEOs will receive advanced recertification training on Indonesia’s ISPO certification, with additional modules focusing on home composting to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Expansion of Reach and Impact

With the renewal of their partnership in 2025, the initiative aims to train an additional 500 smallholders and 20 VEOs through advanced training programs. This expansion is projected to empower over 2,000 smallholders and 40 VEOs with advanced skills and knowledge. Beyond achieving environmental goals, the partnership seeks to bolster the long-term resilience of local communities.

Musim Mas plans to introduce new training modules focused on women smallholders, youth engagement, and financial literacy. Women will continue to receive support in nutrition and business management, while encouraging the involvement of male family members to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

Recognizing the importance of engaging the next generation, the program will also initiate outreach efforts targeting youth to promote sustainable agriculture, NDPE practices, and market expectations. Tailored capacity-building platforms will be developed to inspire innovation and participation among young farmers.

Financial Planning and Autonomy

The initiative also acknowledges the need for financial planning, particularly as smallholders prepare for the replanting cycles of oil palms. Financial management training will equip these farmers with the necessary skills to make informed decisions, enhancing their long-term autonomy.

The collective vision of Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK is to establish a sustainable and inclusive palm oil production system in Aceh. As the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaches, this partnership becomes a vital support mechanism for smallholders, helping them navigate compliance challenges and maintaining their role in global supply chains.

Conclusion

Through this innovative partnership, Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK reaffirm their commitment to building a sustainable future for palm oil production, ensuring both environmental stewardship and the economic viability of smallholder farmers. Their combined efforts not only contribute to the preservation of ecosystems but also empower communities to thrive in an increasingly challenging world.