1 Million Hectare World Record for Certified Sustainable Palm Oil

This achievement follows on from the certification of the first Brazilian plantations by Agropalma, a leader in South America's palm oil industry. CSPO now totals over 5 million tonnes, representing 10 % of the annual global palm production.

Darrel Webber, RSPO Secretary General, welcomes the achievement: “We are undoubtedly at the threshold of significant transformation with much affirmative advancement. We must continue to contend with challenges. Only then, can we celebrate the exhilaration of victory, as we do today.

 With the certification of Agropalma in Brazil, RSPO marks a new phase of expansion in Latin America. We commend and applaud Agropalma as well as our RSPO members from around the world for their leadership, contribution and dedication towards promoting sustainable palm oil and for seeking harmony through diversity. Our priority is to fortify RSPO as a truly global effort in the production of sustainable palm oil according to good environmental, social and economic standards. Today’s landmark achievement encourages us to continue our vision and mission around the world”.

Marcello Brito, Commercial and Sustainability Director of the Agropalma Group comments: “The certification ensures the viability of sustainable production at the moment when we observe an increase in deforestation in the Amazon sphere. With this achievement, the Agropalma Group clearly illustrates the feasibility of developing a major crop production in the Brazilian Amazon region, according to the most relevant economic and social/environmental criteria, thus becoming an example to other producers and a new paradigm in the palm oil production in Brazil.”

Denilson Ferreira, Agroenergy Coordinator of Ministry of Agriculture in Brazil joins in the celebration: “The RSPO certification of Agropalma is a historic achievement to Brazilian agroindustry, a real source of pride. It positions the country on the world map, setting an inspiring benchmark of how Brazil exemplifies sustainable and responsible production. Agropalma should be recognized for inspiring the formulation of policies that constitute the Sustainable Palm Oil Production Program in Brazil, especially regarding biodiversity protection and social inclusion. It creates a deep conviction that we are doing what is right and that we are doing it in the right way. Congratulations to Agropalma.”

ebber concludes:  “RSPO is confident that the certification of Agropalma will also bring concrete benefits to the local communities where the company operates. RSPO Principles & Criteria include social criteria for plantations which are directed at strengthening local people’s livelihoods.”

With planned future expansion of the palm oil industry in Brazil this milestone lays done an important marker for future and current South American plantations to follow suit. It's announcement also demonstrates that the RSPO certification standard represents the true global solution in moving palm oil to a sustainable future. Reaching 1 million hectors and 10% of the market in 3 years shows the progress which has and continues to be made, working towards the tipping point where RSPO certified palm oil becomes the market norm rather than the niche.

Original story

 http://rspo.org/?q=content/1-million-hectare-world-record-certified-sustainable-palm-oil 

 

 

    

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