Farmers registered at the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Latin America announced the production of 2 million tons of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), as disclosed by RSPO.
This volume represents a third of the total palm oil production in the region, as reported by the organization on October 16. The milestone was reached four years after the region initially produced 1 million tons of CSPO. RSPO highlighted that this new volume reflects the consolidated efforts of certified producers located in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Peru, covering a total of 656,000 hectares of certified land.
Latin America, among all palm oil producing regions, has achieved the highest level of Certification and remains the fastest growing region in the world in terms of certification. Including among groups of small landowners, stated the RSPO.
Over the past two years, the association has reported that groups of small producers in Colombia and Mexico have achieved RSPO certification. Additionally, farmers from a group of small producers in Peru recently became the first members of the country's entity.
Joseph D'Cruz, CEO of RSPO, encouraged the region to lead by example. He highlighted how sustainable palm oil is a solution to global challenges such as food security and climate change.
The RSPO, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next April, has around 200 members in Latin America.
Source: Oils & Fats International
