What was the process of onboarding onto the MSPO standard like for you?
The process was simple, transitioning from being an isolated rural smallholder to becoming a small part of a global palm oil industry community.
“I compost my farm waste and use it to supplement fertiliser for the palm trees and other plants, which means I can spend less on additional fertiliser”
How has the MSPO standard supported sustainable practices?
Starting with the awareness about the broad scope of MSPO, it helps smallholders like me realise the need to pay attention to social, biodiversity and environmental aspects in our farming activities.
Have your practices changed as a result of becoming MSPO-compliant? If so, how?
Yes, the practices on my farm have changed. First, I now purposely allow undergrowth to flourish in between palm rows so it promotes biodiversity. Second, I have eliminated the use of herbicides on the farm since I have no need to kill undergrowth. Third, I practise intercropping of cash crops which brings in additional income and reduces my household expenses. Fourth, I compost my farm waste and use it to supplement fertiliser for the palm trees and other plants, which means I can spend less on additional fertiliser.
What have been the key benefits of the MSPO certification scheme for you?
The greatest benefit for me is that it has made me more aware of the need to care for the environment and biodiversity.
This article was published as part of the Sustainability First supplement by the Center for Sustainable Palm Oil Studies (CSPO). The full supplement is available on: https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/magazine/issues/sustainability-first-supplement