Biggest palm oil trader in the US publishes its second progress report
Since its last update in November, Cargill has visited mills, estates, small growers, smallholder farmers and dealers in Malaysia and Brazil in order to assess their performance against Cargill’s palm oil policy. This follows on from its announcement in April 2014 to commit to a deforestation-and-exploitation-free supply chain.
Supplier feedback has been useful in making progress in policy implementation; some of Cargill’s suppliers have said they were not sure what is expected of them. Based on that feedback, Cargill will improve its communications with suppliers and better incorporate them into future planning. It will also share its experiences gained from implementing policy commitments at its own plantations with suppliers.
TFT has helped identify compliance gaps so as to support suppliers develop time-bound corrective action plans. TFT has also partnered with Cargill on a series of palm oil road-shows, which inform suppliers of Cargill’s palm oil policies.
This helps them develop progressive practices. Feedback so far has been positive. Suppliers who participated report they have gained a better understanding of our policy and practices.
Cargill also acquired a new 50,000 hectare plantation on 30 December 2014 in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This will help to meet the growing demand for traceable, sustainable palm oil. Cargill is taking steps to bring it in line with the company’s palm oil policy. It is also working on a grievance procedure that will allow any stakeholder to raise issues and see them addressed fairly, effectively and in a reasonable amount of time.
The full version of Cargill’s current progress report, along with other updates, appears on Cargill’s member page.
