Hi Everybody,
We've got some great news from Kellogg's, due to our petition and all your support, Kellogg's have released the most ambitious global palm oil policy in the industry!
Key points in the new approach are:
1. Work with smallholders to improve efficiency: almost half of the palm oil comes from small holders and Kellogg's are going to partner with an NGO on the ground, such as Pro Forest, to help farms double the efficiency of their land so less forest is cut down, ie global average yield is 3.5 tonnes per hectare but could be 11-18 tonnes.
2. Pro Forest will act as an independent, environmental advocate, as well as audit suppliers against the RSPO criteria. They will raise grievances for Kellogg's to manage using a live tracker and the system will be stronger, because if a mill is non-compliant Kellogg's will stop using the entire company, not just that mill.
2. Kellogg's use Green palm credits for 15% of palm oil and that will be phased out so they will be 100% certified sustainable by 2025.
3. Kellogg's will invest in restoring forests and the wildlife that thrives in them.
4. The policy helps safeguard against the exploitation of workers.
5. Kellogg's have joined the Palm Oil Transparency Coalition (POTC) this year and now require suppliers to participate in the No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) framework which tracks progress on NDPE commitments.
6. Kellogg's will work with the industry to help influence legislation to protect the rain forests..
Obviously, all of the above needs to be proved out in the next few years and we will measure their progress by:
- How they buy palm oil differently globally
- The new partnership with the environmental NGO
- How well they handle grievances
- How quickly they phase out Green Palm credits
This is fantastic progress and none of it would have been possible without your comments and support. These are tentative first steps on an exciting new journey and Kellogg's and the wider industry have much to prove.
Love to hear your thoughts and comments.
Asha, Jia & Harvinder