Three new publications on EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) preparations and oil palm smallholder inclusion in Indonesia

The European Forest Institute (EFI) has released three publications related to EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) preparations and oil palm smallholder inclusion in Indonesia, developed by its KAMI project.

Joint gap assessment of the EUDR information needs and information availability from the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification

Developed in collaboration with the ISPO Secretariat, this report compares information collected as part of ISPO certification with information required by EU operators under the EUDR, to identify what information is available through ISPO certification and where gaps exist. Adjustments to the ISPO certification are proposed to more closely align with EUDR information needs, increasing the utility of the certification scheme.

Strengthening sustainable oil palm plantation governance through the Revenue-Sharing Fund for Oil Palm Plantations (DBH Sawit)

Funding constraints have been identified as a cause of low productivity in smallholder oil palm plantations, slow issuance of smallholder cultivation registration certificates (STD-B), and missed ISPO certification targets. The Revenue-Sharing Fund for Palm Oil Plantations (Dana Bagi Hasil, or DBH Sawit) offers a means to strengthen sustainable palm oil production and through adjustments proposed in the brief, its role could be further optimised. 

The feasibility of establishing district-level registries of palm oil producers in Indonesia

District registries can provide market visibility to medium-and large-scale plantations and mills, by providing information on their legality and sustainability status. Registry data can often be compiled from existing sources, and could complement information included in a national traceability system under development in Indonesia. Such registries help supply chain actors in conducting due diligence risk assessments.

These publications contain useful information regarding the accessibility of EUDR information and potential solutions to increase oil palm smallholder inclusion in EU supply chains. They can also inform work in other countries and on other EUDR-relevant commodities.