A review on the malaysian sustainable palm oil certification process among independent oil palm smallholders

Abstract

In recent years, palm oil faces various issues on the global market. Therefore, Malaysia launched the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification as the national scheme to systematically certify palm oil industry in Malaysia as an effort towards sustainable production as well to address some of the issues raised on the global market such as the requirement by importing countries for a completely certified sustainable palm oil supply chain. Various strategies have been developed to effectively certify independent smallholders such as the establishment of the Sustainable Palm Oil Clusters (SPOC). The aim of this article is to extend knowledge and experience gained towards MSPO certification approach among independent oil palm smallholders in Malaysia. It also provides a basis for operation frameworks towards certification approach for smallholders especially in developing countries. Apart from that, this article highlights the progress and national initiatives on the establishment of MSPO certification in Malaysia. It gives insight on the challenges and way forward of MSPO certification approach in Malaysia.