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Independent Palm Oil Farmers Collaborate at Indragiri Hulu Farmers' Day, Welcoming ISPO and RSPO



Document: WEI for InfoSAWIT / Submission of Sustainable Certification
Independent Palm Oil Farmers Collaborate at Indragiri Hulu Farmers' Day, Welcoming ISPO and RSPO

InfoSAWIT, INDRAGIRI HULU - With a spirit of supporting sustainable palm oil initiatives, the Farmers' Day event in Titian Resak Village, Indragiri Hulu, Riau, held on December 18, 2024, was successfully organized under the theme "Encouraging Interest Among Independent Palm Oil Farmers and Various Parties to Build Palm Oil Businesses According to ISPO and RSPO Standards." Widya Erti Indonesia, in collaboration with Unilever and supported by local government and other stakeholders, made this event an important collaborative platform for farmers and various parties to promote environmentally friendly palm oil practices.

"Events like Farmers' Day serve as a strategic momentum to unite a shared vision in advancing the efforts of independent palm oil farmers. The government fully supports this initiative as part of its commitment to equalize and empower palm oil farmers," stated Defris Hatmaja, Head of the Riau Provincial Plantation Office, in an official statement quoted by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (December 21, 2024).

Farmers who participated in the Palm Oil Field School (SLKS) showcased their achievements and learning processes in front of stakeholders, while also promoting the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The main goal is to encourage good and sustainable cultivation techniques, enhance productivity, and strengthen support from various parties for the sustainability of the follow-up plans developed by SLKS alumni.

This event marked the graduation of 1,865 farmers in Indragiri Hulu, achieving a 100 percent graduation rate. By utilizing demo plots as practical learning spaces, farmers were able to gain a real understanding of good and sustainable plantation management.

One of the SLKS 2024 graduates, Jamalludin, witnessed the positive benefits of Best Agricultural Practices, stating, "Through the Field School, I have gained a better understanding of how to manage the plantation with the right techniques, as well as a deeper understanding of various regulations related to palm oil cultivation. Our harvests have improved, and we are more confident in meeting ISPO and RSPO standards."

In an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, the Farmers' Day event brought together various parties with a shared vision of building sustainable practices for independent palm oil farmers. Among those present were the Riau Provincial Plantation Office, the Indragiri Hulu Plantation and Fisheries Office, and companies such as PT BIM (managing Fresh Fruit Bunches) and ASD-Bakrie (palm seed producers). Additionally, local government representatives, sub-district heads, military and police officers, and farmer facilitators participated in this strategic moment.

Billy Hasbi, Program Manager of WEI, emphasized the importance of this collaborative role, stating that they believe multi-stakeholder synergy is key to accelerating the implementation of ISPO and RSPO standards. "Sustainable collaboration with stakeholders will strengthen the impact of programs, promote the independence of palm oil farmers, and contribute to achieving national sustainable palm oil targets," he said.

The Farmers' Day event is part of the Sustainable Independent Palm Oil Farmers Group Program, a collaboration between Widya Erti Indonesia and Unilever. This program has successfully reached over 4,500 palm oil farmers across three regions: Indragiri Hulu, Indragiri Hilir, and Rokan Hilir. This approach encourages farmers to adopt best agricultural practices, improve plantation productivity, and prepare to meet ISPO and RSPO certification standards. (T2)


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