#Singapore #Nestlé #Musim Mas #AAK #Subulussalam

Renewed Partnership for Sustainability

Musim Mas, a prominent palm oil company, has joined forces once again with Nestlé and AAK for the fourth consecutive year in a commitment to support independent smallholders in Aceh Subulussalam, Indonesia. This partnership emphasizes tackling deforestation risks and addressing the broader environmental, social, and economic challenges faced by small-scale palm oil producers.

Foundation of Collaboration

At the heart of their collaboration lies the Subulussalam Smallholders Hub, an initiative aimed at providing training to small farmers and rural extension officers (VEOs) on good agricultural practices (GAP) as well as NDPE principles (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation). The VEOs serve as local trainers and knowledge multipliers within their communities.

Over the past three years, the initiative has exceeded expectations by training 1,581 small farmers, surpassing its original goal of 1,250, and 117 VEOs, outpacing the set target of 60. In the next phase, the top 20 performing VEOs will receive advanced training in line with Indonesia's ISPO certification, including modules on home composting to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Future Goals for Sustainability

With the renewal of the partnership for 2025, the initiative plans to directly train an additional 500 small farmers and 20 VEOs through the advanced training program, bringing the total outreach to over 2,000 small farmers and 40 VEOs with enhanced skills. Beyond ecological benefits, the partnership aims to promote long-term community resilience. Musim Mas intends to introduce new advanced training modules, integrating programs for women smallholders, youth participation, and financial education.

The focus on women continues with support in nutrition and business management, while initiatives will also engage male family members to foster an inclusive and supportive environment. Acknowledging the significance of involving the next generation, the program will introduce outreach activities targeting youth, educating them about sustainable agriculture, NDPE practices, and market expectations. Customized training platforms will be developed to inspire innovation and engagement among young farmers.

The initiative moreover addresses the necessity for financial planning, particularly as small farmers prepare for palm replantation cycles. Financial management training will empower them to make informed decisions, ensuring their long-term self-sufficiency.

Vision for Palm Oil Production

Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK reaffirm their shared vision for inclusive and sustainable palm oil production in Aceh. As the implementation of the EUDR approaches, their collaboration acts as a critical support mechanism to assist small farmers in overcoming compliance challenges and to ensure their continued active participation in global supply chains.

This renewed partnership is not only a testament to the commitment of these companies towards empowering local communities but also highlights a synchronized approach to yielding a positive impact on the environment and the economy. Through such initiatives, Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK are paving the way for a more sustainable future in the palm oil sector, striving to make meaningful changes that benefit both the environment and the livelihoods of small agricultural producers.