Projects
Central America
We are developing a model project for environmentally and economically sustainable, socially just palm oil production, providing a much needed influx of income into the region and creating a forest reserve around all primary growth tropical forests.
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
To ensure sound production of palm, the global Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, representing producers of 40% of the world's palm oil production, has developed a comprehensive and rigorous agricultural sustainability standard that will result in a required certification scheme for producer members. This will lead to the widespread and responsible cultivation of this highly efficient and important energy crop in many third world countries.
Through an independent auditor authorized by RSPO, we are conducting an environmental study to ensure that our palm oil plantations and extraction plants meet the criteria standards defining sustainable palm oil production set forth by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. Our project will continue to be dedicated to providing resources in support of these goals.
HEADQUARTERS:
Central America
SCOPE OF OPERATIONS:
25,000 Hectares
ECONOMIC IMPACT:
- Approximately 4,000 jobs and $11,250,000 per year to the region
- Land titling program to promote social welfare
- Development of public roads
- Fuel for villagers' machinery
- Renewable energy to the region
- Land and materials to build schools, churches, markets, and waste and water management facilities
- Savings and loan program for employees
- Independent Producers grower program to maximize local economic development potential
SOCIAL IMPACT:
- Responsible consideration of plantation employees and communities
- Comprehensive social and environmental planning
- Occupational health and safety plans and procedures
- Community health program for employees and local residents
- 4,000-hectare Independent Producers Project to support local economy
SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES:
- The project has allocated approximately $3 million to establish a private preserve of all primary forest land located on the plantations
- Compliance with the global Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil criteria standards to gain RSPO certification
- Biodiversity projects
- Systems to monitor samples for optimal and sustained yield with minimal inputs
- Integrated pest management techniques
- Maximum renewable energy usage
- Recovery of palm oil from EFB (empty fruit bunch) and effluent water
- Treatment of effluent water
- No burning of vegetation to create plantations
- Introduction of native and endemic species in the river borders for river basin management
Palm is the most efficient oil-producing crop in the world: Harvesting of a single hectare of oil palm can yield nearly 6,000 liters of crude palm oil—without clear cutting or burning tropical forests or draining tropical peatlands. Biodiesel made from palm oil is a renewable resource and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. Extensively tested as a substitute for diesel in taxis, buses, lorries, tractors and stationary engines, data on palm-based biodiesel indicate that engines run smoothly and produce reduced amounts of greenhouse gases. The economic viability of palm is playing a critical role in placing agriculture in the forefront as one of the largest wealth-generating sectors in Central America.