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The world needs sustainable palm oil. In such a troubled time, palm oil is the only supply chain that is able to guarantee both the resilience to make the global food industry function and a proven and traced sustainability. This is the message launched during the prominent round-table “A sustainable friend in troubling times. Can we trust the palm oil supply chain?”.

The speakers brought to the table precious experiences that showed how palm oil production is taking huge steps to reach certified sustainability, demonstrating that sustainable practices are ensured by systems of traceability. Representing different countries from all over the world – Indonesia, Malaysia, Guatemala and Colombia – they have also testified the resilience of certified sustainable palm oil supply chain, which is global and allows to overcome local disruptions. And they are all driving towards a sustainable path.

“We have worked hard to develop a Sustainable Colombian Palm Oil Protocol, a system of traceability and monitoring throughout the supply chain and clear principles of sustainability practices. The efforts have been sustained by different stakeholders as palm oil can trigger huge opportunities, ensuring smallholders’ inclusivity, positive social and economic impact and environmental gains bringing minimum deforestation” – affirmed Ximena Mahecha, Executive Director, APS Colombia Corporation.

“Palm oil sector has a huge opportunity to foster sustainability and align with global, shared principles adhering to SDGs. In Indonesia sustainability is a crucial commitment and since 2011 we have established a national legislation to set the legislative frame guaranteeing sustainable practices, strengthening it throughout the years to align with the most restrictive international standards” – Fadhil Hasan, Head of Foreign Affairs, GAPKI, Indonesia.

“Traceability is key: we must ensure that consumers know exactly where the ingredients in food come from, their origin and that they are fully sustainable. In our country palm oil production is growing – Guatemala is the 3rd global exporter – and we feel our responsibility towards people all over the world, this is why we are focusing on sustainability as an essential precondition” – stated José Roberto Montenegro, President of Tropical Oil Division, AgroAmerica, from Guatemala.

“In Malaysia we are working towards both sustainable supply and sources, involving different stakeholders. In our MSPO certification scheme, Government must ensure that all palm oil is sustainably produced through incentives, equipment assistance, training and other tools; we aim to guarantee a transparent and traceable supply chain; we look at continuous improvement while granting equal market access to the local community” – stated Mohammad Hafezh bin Abdul Rahman, CEO, MPOCC from Malaysia.