Page 108 - APICAL_SR2023

Our
About This President’s About 2023 Apical2030 Approach to Transformative
Report Statement Apical Highlights Highlights Sustainability Partnerships

APICAL GROUP
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023
INCLUSIVE PROGRESS

SUPPORTING SMALLHOLDERS
A significant portion of Indonesia’s palm oil production
is attributed to smallholder farmers, who are key
to the industry. Smallholders face considerable
challenges in boosting production while adhering to
strict sustainability criteria.

Smallholder Inclusion for better Livelihood &
Empowerment Programme
SMILE Programme
The ‘Smallholder Inclusion for better Livelihood &
The second phase of the SMILE Programme
Empowerment Programme’ (SMILE) was launched
is to maintain engagement with smallholders,
in 2020 by Apical Group, KAO Corporation, and
applying insights from the first phase and
Asian Agri to support Indonesian Smallholders (ISH).
conducting gap analyses.
This 10-year initiative aims to enhance smallholders’
livelihoods by improving their productivity through
sustainable farming practices and by fostering The Programme aims targets smallholders
environmental stewardship in line with sustainable in North Sumatra, while continuing efforts
palm oil standards. in Riau and Jambi.
The SMILE programme has assembled a team of
experts in agronomy and plantation management SMILE has positively improved
to train 5,000 ISH overseeing around 18,000 ha of 3,083 smallholders.
plantations across North Sumatra, Riau and Jambi.
The programme has introduced specific strategies to We ensure that every aspect of the SMILE programme
achieve its goals, including: adheres to the RSPO framework and aligns with the
UN SDGs. Central to this commitment is our focus on
• Educating farmers on increasing yields using
empowering community-driven initiatives.
sustainable management practices and the
significance of adhering to NDPE policies;
Apical Group, KAO Corporation and Asian Agri
consistently interact with community leaders and
• Assisting smallholders in obtaining RSPO
certification by 2030; NGOs to offer training and pinpoint potential areas
for enhancing engagement effectiveness.
• Providing training on safety practices and the use
of safety equipment like fire extinguishers, helmets,
and gloves.

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