Mexico Reinforces Sustainable Palm Production: Key Players Expand MoU to Drive Positive Change

By: Juan Camilo Plazas

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), AAK Mexico, Solidaridad, and National Association of Edible Oils and Shortening Producers (ANIAME) recently signed the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was initiated in 2024, with the goal of continuing to promote sustainable and certified palm oil production in Mexico, with a focus on zero deforestation.

The expansion of the MoU is the result of the positive outcomes achieved during the first phase of the multilateral initiative, which focused on supporting smallholder palm oil producers in the Mexican states of Veracruz and Chiapas. In 2024, this pilot project, “Getting to Know the Smallholders”, allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the agricultural, social, and environmental practices of 260 smallholder producers from four palm oil mills in the region, leading to specific action plans to improve their performance, living conditions, and move towards certification under RSPO Standards.

The 2025 agreement was signed by Guntur Cahyo Prabowo, Head of Smallholders, RSPO; Luis Parra Mora, General Director, AAK Mexico and Colombia; Vania Rebeca Olmos Lau, Multi-Commodity Manager, Solidaridad Network; and Gregorio Gómez Sanz, President of the Board of Directors, ANIAME. Representatives from the palm oil  mills involved in the project, Oleosur, Zitihualt – PAPSA, Aceites de Palma and Palmeras Oleaginosas del Sur, also participated in the palm event, which was held in Mexico City.

Guntur Cahyo Prabowo of RSPO said,“As global palm oil regulations grow stricter, this collaboration reaffirms RSPO’s leadership in inclusive sustainability. RSPO offers a platform where smallholders are not only included, but championed. Through the Independent Smallholder Standard and our members’ commitment, we show that real progress means growing together, without leaving anyone behind.”

“This initiative is a remarkable way to showcase and consolidate the progress made so far with smallholders in southeast Mexico,” said Luis Parra Mora of AAK. “The programme stands as a strong example of AAK’s commitment to creating value in the local communities where we operate.”

A Collaborative Model Delivering Results

Among the main objectives of the MoU extension for 2025 is to expand its reach through ambitious goals and coordinated actions, with the premise of consolidating and implementing activities with smallholders, supporting and evaluating their progress toward RSPO Certification, identifying gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement, and strengthening the involvement of palm oil mills through training on best production practices, connecting market needs with the potential of local sustainable production.

AAK consolidated its sustainability vision by creating the Terranova: For a Better Earth programme (“Terranova: Por una Buena Tierra”), which will guide sustainability efforts that include a dedicated pillar to strengthen smallholder producers as a key priority. Through this programme, AKK is not only supporting livelihoods, but also empowering agents of change with technical knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable practices within the value chain.

The joint effort of the involved actors in this initiative is generating tangible benefits for smallholder sustainable palm oil producers in Mexico. Technical assistance, personalised support, and specialised training have increased their access to markets that value sustainability, improved their agricultural practices, and contributed to strengthening their livelihoods. Furthermore, by streamlining RSPO Independent Smallholder certification, this initiative empowers farmers to engage directly in a fairer, more transparent, and environmentally responsible global palm oil supply chain. 

This collaboration between RSPO, AAK, Solidaridad, ANIAME and the palm oil mills proves that diverse partnerships can overcome obstacles and efficiently advance sustainable, resilient palm oil production, delivering real advantages to local communities.

Representatives from RSPO, AAK, Solidaridad, and ANIAME, as well as from the palm oil mills involved in the project: Oleosur, Zitihualt PAPSA, Aceites de Palma, and Palmeras Oleaginosas del Sur.

Gregorio Gómez Sanz, President of the Board of Directors of ANIAME; Guntur Cahyo Prabowo, Head of Smallholders, RSPO; Luis Parra Mora, General Director, AAK Mexico and Colombia, and Felipe Hernández Hernandez, Palm Lider, Solidaridad México. 

“Through this event, AAK reinforces its sustainability commitments. This initiative will guide our long-term sustainability efforts and includes a dedicated pillar focused on empowering smallholder producers with the Terranova vision —highlighting their essential role in building a more resilient and inclusive supply chain.”
Lourdes Hernández, Americas Sustainability Manager of AAK

“For ANIAME, it is essential to support this project because it contributes to reaffirming our commitment to sustainability and zero deforestation, and particularly because it has the very special characteristic of strengthening smallholder producers.”
Gregorio Gómez Sanz, President of the Board of Directors of ANIAME

“Thanks to the use of one of Solidaridad’s digital tools, a baseline was generated based on the RSPO Smallholder Standard. We identified that occupational health and safety is the area with the greatest opportunity for improvement, which is why this year it will be our priority along with training, protocols, and specific committees.” – Vania Olmos Lau, Multi-commodity Program Manager for Solidaridad in Mexico”
Vania Olmos Lau, Multi-commodity Program Manager for Solidaridad in Mexico

“Our core mission is to foster the inclusion of smallholders in the palm oil supply chain through certification, empowering them to enhance their practices, improve their livelihoods, and overcome barriers that are difficult to address alone. Together with our partners and mills, we aim to integrate 260 producers into this initiative, showcasing the power of collaboration. We are committed to sharing our progress and results, inspiring others to adopt similar inclusive models across Latin America.”
Bella Sosa, RSPO Smallholder Manager (Latin America)