Building a More Sustainable RSPO: GA23 Resolution and the Proposed Membership Fee Structure Changes

As part of the RSPO’s broader efforts to strengthen the organisation’s long-term operational sustainability, the RSPO Board of Governors is proposing a rebalance of the RSPO Membership Fee Structure. These important changes form part of a broader funding package, alongside the recent Trade Fee Changes announcement, to establish a more sustainable and balanced revenue base for RSPO.

The proposed Membership Fee Structure is intended to reinforce RSPO’s foundations for a stronger organisation, enabling continued investment in the standards, assurance systems, technology, expertise, and member support that deliver more value to members in a changing market. 

The proposed changes will be tabled for approval at the 23rd General Assembly (GA23) on 4 November 2026, with a proposed effective date of 1 January 2027 (subject to approval). 

We are sharing this information ahead of GA23 to help members understand the proposal, its implications and how it ties in with the recent Trade Fee changes to better prepare for this important discussion and decision.

Stronger Foundations for a Stronger RSPO

Over the past 22 years, RSPO has transformed substantially across standards, assurance, traceability, regulatory compliance, regional support, and member services. 

Despite these significant milestones, the Membership Fee Structure has not been reviewed since 2004. To match RSPO’s growing operational requirements, there is a need to update RSPO’s funding model to ensure long-term sustainability.

What are the Proposed Membership Fees?

The revised structure is designed to make contributions more proportionate to each membership category’s role and relationship with the RSPO system. The proposed structure also aims to maintain broad, effective, and inclusive participation across RSPO’s multi-stakeholder membership.

Under the proposal:

1. Fees for growers with mills are maintained
2. Fees for growers without mills are reduced
3. Fees for the Smallholder Group Manager category are reduced (from a tiered range to a flat rate)
4. Fees for NGOs are reduced
5. The Affiliate fee is maintained
6. The Jurisdictional and Honorary Members continue to pay no fee
7. Fees increase for processors/traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks/investors, and Supply Chain Associates

Why the Revised Membership Fee Structure and the Recent Trade Fee Changes Should be Viewed Wholistically

Although the recent Trade Fee changes are separate from the proposed Membership Fee Structure, it plays a complementary part in the broader funding package proposed by the Board. 

To date, RSPO has invested US$3 million across nine programmes through the RSPO Intermediary Organisation (IMO) Community Outreach and Engagement in seven countries, engaging more than 6,000 stakeholders and 200 grassroots organisations.

Should the proposed Membership Fee Structure be approved, RSPO will be in a position to commit a minimum of 10% of annual Trade Fee revenue to Stakeholder Inclusion and Impact Activities. This will provide more reliable, recurring funding to  enhance support for smallholders, NGOs and other essential stakeholders rather than relying on historical reserves and annual surpluses in the current funding model. 

More Value for Members in a Changing Market

RSPO’s impacts across People, Planet, and Prosperity continue to advance every year. Over the past five years, RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) volumes have increased, with 16.2 million metric tonnes, representing 20% of the global palm oil supply chain. According to the latest RSPO Impact Report, 551,637 hectares (ha) of High Conservation Value (HCV), High Carbon Stock (HCS) and peat areas were protected through RSPO Certified supply chain in 2025, representing an increase of more than 27% over the past three years. Since 2015, RSPO’s New Planting Procedure (NPP) has helped avoid an equivalent of 2.98 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (tCO2e) annually in emissions globally across the RSPO Certified supply chain.

RSPO’s impact also extends beyond environmental protection to smallholder livelihoods and communities. Smallholder participation has grown significantly, with the number of RSPO Certified Independent Smallholders (ISH) increasing from 11,729 to 46,248 between 2020 and 2024. Smallholders continue to benefit from training and financial support through the Smallholder Training Academy (STA) and the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund (RSSF). In 2025, independent smallholders generated US$7.9 million through IS-Credits sales. Meanwhile, 179,443 hectares of independent group land across nine countries and territories have achieved RSPO Certification. 

Today, RSPO Standards are increasingly aligned with major global reporting and disclosure frameworks that enable members to conduct the necessary due diligence to meet the complex regulatory and market requirements. The proposed Membership Fee Structure will further strengthen the value of RSPO Membership across the palm oil supply chain.

Shaping the Future of RSPO

With strong year-on-year growth in the organisation’s overall reputation, relevance, impact,  credibility, and recognition as the leading standard setter for sustainable palm oil, RSPO is on a positive trajectory. However, there is a strategic need and further scope to evolve. 

The RSPO Membership now has a vital opportunity to build on this momentum, support continuous improvements, and steer the future of the organisation at GA23. We encourage our members to make an informed choice on the proposed fee structure changes and what it means for the future of RSPO and its global partnership. 

Supporting the proposal would help ensure an operationally sustainable organisation that will continue to deliver value and meaningful impact for our members.

GA23: What to Expect 

The full proposed Membership Fee changes resolution will be included in the GA23 Notice, scheduled for publication on 7 October 2026, ahead of its consideration and approval at GA23 on 4 November 2026. 

We recognise that the proposed Membership Fee Structure changes will affect members differently.  We are committed to ensuring that our members have access to clear information, practical guidance and opportunities to raise questions ahead of GA23. 

We are encouraging our members to:

• Carefully review the proposal and supporting information.
• Consider its implications for your organisation.
• Engage with your constituency representatives, and participate in the GA23 voting.
• Consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for further details on the rationale behind the changes, and what the proposal would mean for different membership categories.

Support for Members

For further information or questions, please contact:

RSPO Membership Team:
[email protected]