Collaboration to support oil palm farmers in productivity, income diversification, and environmental stewardship from 2025 to 2028
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the Earthworm Foundation have renewed their strategic partnership for another three years, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices among Malaysia’s oil palm smallholders. The new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed at Rumah Adat, Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Mok, will guide collaboration from 2025 to 2028.
Since its inception in 2021, the MPOB–Earthworm initiative has provided tangible benefits for smallholder communities. Nearly 4,000 farmers have received training and on-site guidance to boost productivity while adopting environmentally sound practices. Over 1,000 smallholders have registered for the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, and around 100 have diversified their income through ventures such as mushroom, melon, bird’s nest, and chilli cultivation. These efforts not only strengthen household earnings but also enhance resilience against market fluctuations.
The programme has also connected smallholders to financial aid, created market access opportunities, and supported the adoption of safety and health standards in plantations, including proper chemical handling and the use of protective equipment. Community-led initiatives, such as the Sg. Mok Orang Asli Cooperative, have further united local farmers while promoting integrated farming models and sustainable land use.
“This renewed partnership reflects MPOB’s commitment to ensure that smallholders are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and innovations needed to thrive in an evolving market while upholding sustainability,” said Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Hj Ghulam Kadir, Director-General of MPOB.
Echoing this, Ooi Kiah-Hui, Malaysia Country Representative of Earthworm Foundation, said:
“This journey with MPOB and the smallholder community demonstrates how partnerships can enable farmers to improve their livelihoods while protecting the environment. The dedication of the smallholders themselves is at the heart of this success.”
The MOA signing was held alongside the Oil Palm Agronomy Centre (OPAC) Oil Palm Clinic, where smallholders took part in soil analysis, crop management workshops, and training to improve Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) quality. A guided site visit highlighted sustainable farming practices already in place under the cooperative.
The next three years of this collaboration aim to deepen support for smallholders by strengthening resilience, increasing productivity, diversifying incomes, and embedding sustainability at the core of Malaysia’s palm oil sector.
