To live by our sustainability goals protecting nature and enhancing lives, we partnered up with Earthworm Foundation (EF) many years ago. This collab has lead to the support of local projects on the ground, with a focus on palm oil production. Our sustainability officer Laura Iacobelli was invited by Earthworm to take a 3-day trip on August 1st - 3rd straight to the palm mills and plantations. Curious to hear more? So were we!
Sustainability Officer Laura Iacobelli visited EF's project on the ground in Malaysia: “As Vandemoortele is supporting this project in the Southern Central Forest Spine (SCFS) along with other private sectors companies*. The project focuses on the palm production in Malaysia, and I was invited to see the progress of this project with my own eyes."
Day 1 - visiting the mill (Raub district)
Laura: “On the first day, we embarked on an exciting journey of discovery thanks to a captivating introduction from the mill manager who left us eager to learn more. He proudly presented the achievements and steps forward the mill has made together with EF within the project. For example, they now implemented a grievance mechanism for the workers."
"We then delved deeper into the heart of the mill, unveiling the process of collecting and processing the palm fruits. With great enthusiasm we were guided through the impressive machinery that brings the entire operation to life. The visit ended with a cup of coffee and some local Malaysian snacks, when we got an insight in the next steps of the chain.”
Day 2 (morning) - meeting the local farmers (Rompin district)
Laura: “The following day brought us a warm welcome from a vibrant community deeply involved in the landscape project. With great hospitality, the village chief and spiritual leader guided us through their domain.”
“Here, we engaged in an enlightening conversation with one of the smallholders of the community. He generously shared his insights, walking us through the way of working, while introducing us to the challenges he faces: from the lack of workforce, to the damages to plantations from elephants. Amidst the conversation, he revealed a personal facet of his life – having eleven children at home. This emphasised the significance of sustainable income.”
A farmer walked us through his challenges: from the lack of workforce, to the damages from elephants
“To enhance his ability to invest more in palm cultivation, the man showed the income diversification fostered by the project. He had ventured into mushroom farming, on top of growing rubber gum trees, as clever alternative ways to boost his proceedings and ability to invest more into his palm plantation."
“During this meeting, a challenge for local farmers became clear. To meet the governmental requirements, every landowner needs to have the GPS coordinates of their lands - making traceability possible. As not every smallholder has the tools to get the coordinates, Earthworm Foundation assists and helps the smallholders in their land mapping.
DAY 2 (EARLY AFTERNOON) - Discovering the ecotourism
Laura: “Ecotourism is an integral aspect of this multifaceted project, adding yet another layer of intrigue to our experience as we got the privilege to be the first tourists!”
“Our day unfolded with a heart-warming welcome by the schoolchildren who greeted us with beaming smiles. They exuded an infectious enthusiasm that set the tone for our visit.”
"During our visit, we experienced part of the life of this Malaysian community. They graciously welcomed us into their world, opening us up to their culinary world with freshly caught fish. Later, they displayed their impressive leaf-woven baskets, and showed us what a typical hunter looked like. The cherry on top of this local visit, where the ‘crowns’ they handmade for us."
DAY 2 (Late afternoon) - collection centre
Laura: “During our visit to one of the collection centres, the centre's owner, and two local mill managers who supply his facility answered all our questions. They candidly discussed the processes and challenges they face, providing us with valuable insights into their industry."
“So how does it work? The palm producers enter the centre with their trucks and drive on a scale to measure the weight of the loaded truck. Once they unloaded the palm fruits, the truck passes on the scale a second time. Their earnings is based on the weight difference, corresponding to the amount of palm.”
Day 3: meeting the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil board (Kuala Lumpur)
Laura: “Our trip came to an end after sitting down for a governmental meeting with the Malaysia Palm Oil Board, that set up the mandatory requirements for the industry. While their local certification (Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil - MSPO) may be still progressing to the same level of standards as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), it should be recognised as a proactive step forward for the industry, signifying a significant move toward establishing more sustainable practices as the norm for the sector”.
* The Southern Central Forest Spine (SCFS) landscape is a collective action implemented by Earthworm Foundation with collaborators in the field where the following partners pool investment to achieve sustainability outcomes: Nestlé, Ferrero, Oleon, Hershey, Cargill, Fuji Oil, Vandemoortele, Upfield, Target.
👉Looking back on Travelling to the heart of our malaysian palm project
DID YOU KNOW PALM OIL HAS MORE THAN 25 NAMES AND HAS BEEN USED FOR OVER 1000 YEARS?
>> READ MORE IN OUR PALM PROGRESS REPORT 2022
