RSPO Smallholders

Definition

More than 7 million smallholders and small-scale farmers make a living from palm oil globally. While their farmlands are small compared to industrial plantations, in Malaysia and Indonesia alone, smallholder production represents approximately 40% of the total oil palm plantation area, making smallholders significant contributors towards a sustainable oil palm industry. They often have to cope with inadequate information and knowledge on growing oil palms and selling Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), while their yields are also typically relatively low.

Smallholders are farmers who grow oil palm, alongside with subsistence crops, where the family provides the majority of labour and the farm provides the principal source of income, and the planted oil palm area are is less than 50 hectares.

Smallholder Certification

RSPO certification helps smallholders increase yields, penetrate international markets, improve their livelihoods, and reduce the risk of land conversion. Certification is a symbol of credibility and proof of sustainable practice in operations.

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Benefits to smallholders

Improved
management practices

Better quality
fresh fruit bunches (FFB)

Increased yield
and access to markets

Steps towards certification:

Form a group and assign a manager, whether an individual or an entity
Develop an Internal Control System (ICS) for group management
Facilitate training to ensure compliance with RSPO Principles & Criteria
Join RSPO as a member
Once ready, the Group Manager can approach a Certification Body for auditing

For smallholders, certification can be a complicated exercise, requiring funding, training, and guidance. This is why the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund (RSSF) has been established to aid smallholders through the process.