RSPO Inter-American Conference: One year later

A year after the first RSPO Inter-American Conference in Miami, both North America and Latin America have demonstrated their transformative approach to sustainable palm oil production, with record growth in RSPO CSPO production and sourcing. Looking ahead, the region is focused on identifying new opportunities for growth and innovation within the palm oil sector.

In May of 2023, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) hosted its inaugural Inter-American Conference in Miami, themed “From Emerging to Thriving: The Role of the Americas as Leaders in Sustainable Palm Oil.” This event brought together industry stakeholders from the western hemisphere to discuss the future of sustainable palm oil production. Reflecting on the progress made since, both regions have made significant strides toward achieving their ambitious sustainability goals.

Significant gains in certification

Currently, North America has reached an impressive 90% coverage of palm oil being sourced through the RSPO Certification system, the highest percentage globally. This marks a remarkable increase in sustainability commitments among companies that were once seen as reluctant participants in the palm oil supply chain.

In Latin America, the growth trajectory continues as well. The region has emerged as the fastest-growing area for RSPO CSPO production, with 35% of its total palm oil now RSPO Certified as of 2022. Certified growers and producers in the region hit the milestone of two million tonnes of CSPO in 2023, representing one-third of the region’s total palm oil production. Notably, smallholder producers, who have historically faced challenges in entering the sustainable palm oil market, are beginning to see significant progress. 

Reflecting on the conference, Cameron Plese, Deputy Director of North America at RSPO, said, “Latin America and North America were once considered as ‘emerging’ markets for sustainable palm oil, but both regions are fast becoming global leaders in driving the uptake of RSPO CSPO, proving clearly that there is a robust market for sustainable palm oil.”

Carbon neutral initiatives

The RSPO Inter-American Conference exemplified a proactive approach to sustainability, not only through discussions and commitments but also by addressing its own environmental impact. By partnering with Green Development, the RSPO team in Latin America conducted a detailed carbon footprint assessment, revealing that the event generated 244.31 tons of CO2e, primarily from attendee transportation. In a commendable response, RSPO initiated a reforestation project in Pullcapa, Peru, planting 575 trees to mitigate these emissions. This effort not only aims to offset the conference’s carbon footprint but also contributes to biodiversity and community development, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to making sustainability a core value in its operations.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Looking ahead, the focus will shift to maintaining momentum. The goal of achieving 100% RSPO coverage in North America by 2025 remains a priority. As both regions continue to collaborate, stakeholders are encouraged to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation within the palm oil sector. Future meetings are anticipated to facilitate further discussions on progress and strategies for overcoming ongoing challenges.

As preparations for the next conference are underway, the goal remains to reconvene to discuss advancements and share best practices – this collaborative spirit is vital as both regions strive to establish RSPO Certification as a standard requirement in all business models, government policies, and trade agreements.

Reflecting on the past year since the Miami conference, it’s evident that both North America and Latin America have transformed their approach to sustainable palm oil production. By building on this progress and addressing the challenges ahead, the RSPO and its stakeholders can solidify their roles as global leaders in sustainability. Continued commitment to transparency, and collaboration will be essential as we move forward, ensuring that both regions can thrive while safeguarding the environment and supporting local communities.Yasmina Neustadtl, RSPO Senior Manager of Market Transformation for the Americas, stated: “As we look back after a year since the Inter-American Conference, we reflect on the importance of bringing together both regions again soon. Not only does it make sense geographically, but in terms of markets we see greater collaboration between Latin American and North American members.”