Cultivating a New Future in the Peruvian Amazon

In the Amazon region of Ucayali, Peru, hundreds of palm oil producing families are demonstrating that sustainability transforms lives. What was once an area marked by illicit crops and limited opportunities is now becoming an example of resilience and responsible production, thanks to the work of smallholders who have found in sustainable palm oil an alternative for building a more stable future for their communities.

At the heart of this transformation is the Central Committee of Palm Growers of Ucayali (COCEPU), an organisation that for more than 35 years has supported producers in implementing sustainable and competitive practices. Today, COCEPU brings together 844 active members organised across 11 local associations and continues strengthening a model that integrates environmental sustainability, social development and economic growth.

The organisation’s vision goes far beyond agricultural production. Guided by the motto “I am a palm grower, sustainability first,” producers work to ensure that every cultivated hectare generates meaningful benefits for families while contributing to the protection of the Amazon territory. This commitment reached an important milestone in 2024 when COCEPU achieved RSPO certification, reflecting years of effort to meet internationally recognised sustainability and traceability standards.

COCEPU’s model is further strengthened through strategic partnerships with companies such as OLAMSA (Oleaginosas Amazónicas S.A.) and AOPSA (Agroindustrias Oleaginosas del Perú S.A.), allowing producers themselves to participate as shareholders within the value chain. This approach helps ensure that the value generated remains within the communities and strengthens local economies.

The impact of this work continues to attract international attention. In 2025, sustainability representatives from RSPO member companies such as The Hershey Company, Grupo Bimbo and Natura & Co visited Ucayali as part of an RSPO-organised tour designed to connect Latin American smallholders with buyers committed to responsible supply chains.

Meanwhile, COCEPU continues supporting more than 500 smallholders in adopting the RSPO Standard, strengthening capacities and creating new opportunities for future generations.

More than a story about agricultural production, this process reflects how collaboration, community organisation and collective commitment can help build a more resilient future for communities across Latin America.