Palm oil production is a leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss, however output is expected to rise at a slower rate in 2018 than last year. But the figures are still alarming, with the predicted production for Indonesia alone expected to reach 40 million tonnes.
This intensive, mono-culture approach to palm oil farming is bad for the planet and is often bad for the people involved too, particularly for women and their children working on these vast plantations.
There is evidence to suggest the use of child labour in the industry, with children as young as eight years old working in the plantations. 1.5 million children are thought to be working in Indonesia in the commercial cultivation of rubber, tobacco and palm oil.
And in many circumstances employment rights for women workers classed as casual labourers, are particularly poor or non-existent. Often the working conditions and harmful effects on health are particularly acute for women who are employed to apply herbicides and pesticides.
Palm oil certification (RSPO) is the most effective way of bringing about change. Smallholder farming backed by shopper demand is key to the increased production of sustainable palm oil and the empowerment of women working in this industry.
It is acknowledged that there have been difficulties in thoroughly enforcing and monitoring all aspects of the criteria required for certification. With a growing consumer market for sustainable palm oil, there are increased incentives for small holders to consistently adhere to the standards required.
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