Thai palm oil industry has adopted  the Rountable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standard to respond the climate crisis concern that makes consumers worldwide increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly production. Elevating the standards for palm oil production is therefore essential.

Palm oil is a significant economic crop for Thailand. The country is the third-largest producer of palm oil globally, with a total production of 18.27 million tons in 2023, yielding 3.33 million tons of palm oil. The export of Thai palm oil remains crucial, with significant markets in India and Myanmar. Aligning with RSPO standard enables Thailand to enhance the value of its products and create new opportunities for farmers. The RSPO standard is an international benchmark for sustainable palm oil production, focusing on eight principles: transparency, legal compliance, long-term economic stability, good practices among growers and operators, responsible development of new plantings, commitment to continuous improvement, environmental conservation, and social responsibility. RSPO certification ensures that palm oil production does not lead to deforestation and reduces environmental impacts.

Certification under the RSPO standard also allows farmers to access global markets with high demand for palm oil, particularly in the European Union, which has strict regulations regarding deforestation-free products. Additionally, countries like Indonesia, which have successfully sold RSPO-certified palm oil through the PalmTrace platform, serve as an excellent example of how to increase farmers' incomes.

The RSPO standard helps Thailand enhance the value of its palm products while promoting sustainable production that better meets global market demands. This marks a significant step towards higher income and sustainable development for Thailand's palm oil industry.

Additional information: Office of Trade Policy and Strategy

Phone: 0 2507 7895

Link: https://tpso.go.th