The FONAP

Increased demand for sustainably produced and certified palm oil leads in the long term to changes in practices in the palm oil sector, especially in the producer countries. This understanding prompts and guides the work of the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP) and its members. All members of FONAP acknowledge their responsibilities in the global supply chain and strive to improve social, economic and environmental conditions in the producer countries. Their commitment to using only certified palm oil sends out a clear message to consumers, policy-makers and above all the producer countries.

Supporting sustainably designed agricultural supply chains with a focus on palm oil

Together, the members of the Forum on Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP) have agreed on the following individual targets:

1. Create transparency and traceability in the supply chain
2. Market transformation to 100% sustainably certified palm oil for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets
3. Improve existing certification systems
4. Promote deforestation-free supply chains
5. Anchor labor rights and human rights due diligence obligations more firmly
6. Preserve biodiversity, promote restoration of habitats and ecosystems
7. Support small-scale farmers in producer countries and integrate them into supply chains
8. Show visible commitment in producer countries
9. Engage in dialog: factual, solution-oriented and visible

Our approach

FONAP aims to bring about a tipping point in the various palm oil processing sectors. The tipping point is the point at which the amount of certified oil supplied to Germany and Europe exceeds the amount of non-certified oil. Experience tells us that once the tipping point has been reached market penetration accelerates.

FONAP pursues its aims by various means, including:

• Devising viable schemes to ensure that only certified palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil derivatives and fractions are supplied to and used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
• Producing and providing information on issues relating to sustainable palm oil production, production conditions in the countries of origin, preparation for certification and procurement of certified palm oil.
• Drawing up proposals for improvement and refinement of the existing certification schemes.
• Networking with other initiatives and with interested companies and non-governmental organisations in Europe with the aim of working

Good reasons for a membership

The Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil is a platform for the exchange of information and ideas on the production and procurement of certified sustainable palm oil. Joining the Forum has many benefits for interested companies, NGOs and associations. Members have access to information on best practices and to a wealth of knowledge and experience. FONAP regularly runs training sessions and seminars for its members and it can provide information on preparing for certification. In addition, small and medium-sized companies have access to FONAP’s guidelines on the procurement of certified palm oil.

Moreover, membership of FONAP, as a platform for the exchange of information and ideas on the production and procurement of certified sustainable palm oil, has other advantages:

• Access to information on best practices and to a wealth of knowledge and experience on all aspects of sustainable palm oil and guidance for small and medium-sized companies on procuring sustainable palm oil.
• Training sessions and seminars
• Information and assistance in connection with preparing for certification.
• Opportunities to participate in the preparation of suggestions for improving the certification schemes: the FONAP secretariat keeps members updated about developments affecting the certification systems and coordinates the formulation of joint statements by members.
• Networking with other initiatives with the aim of achieving Europe-wide consensus on the production, procurement and use of certified palm oil.
• Communication and media relations

Do you have any questions about sustainable palm oil? Are you interested in joining the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil? The Secretariat of the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil will be happy to assist you. Call us or send us an email.

Secretariat of the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil
Telephone: +49 228 4460-1346
E-Mail: sekretariat@forumpalmoel.org