Sinar Mas Empowers Aceh Farmers through Sustainable Palm Oil Certification

Transforming Independent Farmers through RSPO Certification

Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food has successfully supported 299 independent oil palm farmers from Subulussalam, Aceh, in achieving RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification. The certification, received at the RSPO Conference in Kuala Lumpur, covers over 650 hectares of independent palm oil plantations that have implemented sustainable agricultural practices. This achievement marks the third consecutive year that independent farmer groups have obtained RSPO certification with Sinar Mas' support, following previous successes in North Aceh (2023) and Langkat, North Sumatra (2024).

The Sawit Terampil Program: Empowering Smallholder Farmers

The Sawit Terampil program, initiated by Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, is designed to empower independent farmers by providing comprehensive support. This includes training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve yields, assistance in obtaining cultivation registration certificates (STDB) for land legality, and preparation for RSPO certification to access sustainable palm oil markets. As of 2025, the program has trained over 11,000 farmers, with a long-term target of reaching 100,000 independent farmers by 2035 as part of the Collective for Impact sustainability framework.

Impact on Farmers and Local Communities

The RSPO certification has significant implications for the farmers and local communities. It ensures that palm oil is produced legally and sustainably, without deforestation, while respecting workers' rights and community interests. For farmers like Risniati Tarigan, who not only cultivates palm oil but also acts as a trader collecting fresh fruit bunches from nearly 100 other farmers, the training has been transformative. It has led to better quality fruit, improved transparency in pricing, and stronger cooperative institutions.

Corporate Commitment to Sustainability

Helena Delima Lumban Gaol, Head of Smallholder Innovation at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, emphasized the company's long-term commitment to empowering smallholder farmers. The Sawit Terampil program demonstrates that achieving sustainability requires more than just short-term training; it demands ongoing support to improve farming practices, obtain legal land status, and access certified markets. This initiative aligns with Sinar Mas' broader focus on sustainable palm oil production and its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.