Key Takeaway:
- Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK extend their collaboration for a fourth year to support independent oil palm smallholders in Aceh Subulussalam.
- The initiative has trained over 1,580 smallholders and 117 Village Extension Officers (VEOs) since its launch in 2021.
- The renewed 2025 program will train 500 additional smallholders and 20 more VEOs.
- New modules will focus on women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and financial literacy.
- The partnership supports long-term resilience and regulatory preparedness, including for upcoming EUDR compliance.
Musim Mas Partnership Focuses on Smallholder Support in Aceh
Fourth year of collaboration targets sustainability and education
Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK have renewed their joint commitment to advancing sustainable palm oil practices in Aceh Subulussalam, Indonesia. First launched in 2021, the partnership supports independent oil palm smallholders through the Subulussalam Smallholders Hub, a landscape-based program led by Musim Mas.
The initiative focuses on training farmers and Village Extension Officers (VEOs) in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) standards. VEOs are trained to serve as community educators, spreading knowledge within their local regions.
Musim Mas Initiative Exceeds Initial Training Goals
Continued expansion planned for 2025
In its first three years, the program surpassed its original training targets, reaching 1,581 smallholders and 117 VEOs. In 2025, the renewed partnership aims to train an additional 500 smallholders and 20 more VEOs through an advanced curriculum aligned with Indonesia’s ISPO certification standards.
Recent modules introduced include home composting methods to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. Twenty top-performing VEOs have already undergone advanced retraining.
New Modules Support Broader Community Development
Focus expands to women, youth, and financial literacy
Beyond environmental impact, Musim Mas is introducing new training areas that focus on long-term community resilience. These include a women smallholders’ program that provides support in nutrition and business management, along with efforts to involve male family members to promote inclusivity.
Youth outreach initiatives will educate younger generations on sustainable farming practices, regulatory expectations, and market trends. In parallel, financial literacy training will help smallholders prepare for palm replanting and long-term business planning.
Musim Mas Partnership Builds Regulatory Readiness
Supporting smallholders amid evolving global standards
With the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaching implementation, the partnership among Musim Mas, Nestlé, and AAK offers practical support for smallholders navigating international compliance requirements.
By providing education, community engagement, and agronomic guidance, the collaboration aims to ensure that smallholders can maintain access to global supply chains while upholding sustainability goals.
