Golden Agri-Resources: Pioneering Sustainable Palm Oil Through Innovation and Collaboration
June 1, 2025, 4:45 am
In the lush landscapes of Indonesia, a quiet revolution is brewing. Golden Agri-Resources (GAR), a titan in the palm oil industry, is stepping up its game. With a new partnership with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), GAR is setting the stage for a greener future. This collaboration is not just a handshake; it’s a commitment to innovation and sustainability in palm oil production.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Jakarta marks a significant milestone. It builds on over 25 years of collaboration between GAR and CIRAD, a relationship that has evolved like a sturdy tree, growing deeper roots with each passing year. Together, they aim to tackle the pressing challenges facing the palm oil sector, from climate change to biodiversity loss.
The backdrop of this agreement is the Indonesia-France Business Forum 2025, where dignitaries from both nations witnessed the signing. This event underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues. The partnership aims to blend scientific expertise with practical solutions, a marriage of knowledge and action.
GAR’s commitment to sustainability is not new. The company has invested nearly IDR 550 billion in research and development since the inception of its collaboration with CIRAD. This investment is akin to planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations. The focus has been on sustainable palm oil production, environmental management, and precision agriculture. These are not just buzzwords; they are the lifeblood of a responsible agribusiness.
The biennial International Conference on Oil Palm and the Environment (ICOPE) is another testament to this partnership. It serves as a platform for global researchers to share insights on critical topics like climate resilience and biodiversity. The latest conference in February 2025 showcased innovative research, proving that knowledge is power in the fight for sustainability.
The renewed MoU emphasizes practical, science-based solutions. It aims to enhance scientific knowledge, improve climate change adaptation, and boost productivity in the palm oil sector. This is not just about GAR; it’s about uplifting the entire ecosystem, including independent smallholders who rely on palm oil for their livelihoods. The partnership seeks to develop new agroforestry approaches, contributing to Indonesia’s food security while reducing carbon emissions.
GAR’s President Director, The Biao Leng, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. It’s about harnessing global scientific expertise to address local realities. The goal is to create scalable solutions that benefit not just plantations but also the farmers who cultivate them. This is a vision of inclusivity, where everyone has a stake in the future.
CIRAD’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, Jean-Marc Roda, echoed this sentiment. The collaboration demonstrates how international partnerships can yield tangible results. It’s a holistic approach to transforming the palm oil sector, addressing sustainability challenges head-on.
But GAR’s ambitions don’t stop at partnerships. The company recently published its Sustainability Report 2024, revealing its climate ambitions and commitments. The report highlights a year of evolution, where sustainability became the core of GAR’s business strategy. It’s a shift from viewing sustainability as an add-on to recognizing it as the foundation of future growth.
For the first time, GAR conducted a double materiality assessment. This approach examines both the company’s impact on environmental and social issues and how these factors influence its operations. It’s a proactive step, preparing GAR for future reporting requirements while validating its sustainability priorities.
The theme of the report, “Growing Together with Purpose,” encapsulates GAR’s vision. The company has set ambitious targets for emissions reduction by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment is not just a number; it’s a lifeline for the planet. The company plans to cut Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG emissions by 42% from its 2022 baseline.
Despite a 3% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, GAR’s total emissions increased by 7% in 2024. This highlights the complexity of supply chain emissions, which account for 79% of GAR’s carbon footprint. Addressing these emissions requires ongoing engagement with suppliers and collecting first-party emissions data. It’s a challenging but necessary journey.
Transparency and traceability are also at the forefront of GAR’s sustainability efforts. The company has achieved 99.5% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP) in its Indonesian palm oil supply chain. This commitment extends to other commodities, ensuring responsible production across the board. The launch of the blockchain-powered SmartTrace system is a game-changer, providing consumers with insight into the journey of their palm oil products.
GAR’s Bright Future Initiative is another pillar of its sustainability strategy. This initiative supports communities by empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhancing livelihoods. In 2024, GAR supported 189 projects, demonstrating that sustainability is not just about the environment; it’s about people.
In conclusion, GAR is not just a player in the palm oil industry; it’s a leader in sustainability. Through innovative partnerships, ambitious targets, and a commitment to transparency, GAR is paving the way for a more sustainable future. The journey is long, but with each step, the company is proving that growth and responsibility can go hand in hand. As the palm oil sector evolves, GAR stands ready to meet the challenges ahead, ensuring that both people and the planet thrive.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Jakarta marks a significant milestone. It builds on over 25 years of collaboration between GAR and CIRAD, a relationship that has evolved like a sturdy tree, growing deeper roots with each passing year. Together, they aim to tackle the pressing challenges facing the palm oil sector, from climate change to biodiversity loss.
The backdrop of this agreement is the Indonesia-France Business Forum 2025, where dignitaries from both nations witnessed the signing. This event underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues. The partnership aims to blend scientific expertise with practical solutions, a marriage of knowledge and action.
GAR’s commitment to sustainability is not new. The company has invested nearly IDR 550 billion in research and development since the inception of its collaboration with CIRAD. This investment is akin to planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations. The focus has been on sustainable palm oil production, environmental management, and precision agriculture. These are not just buzzwords; they are the lifeblood of a responsible agribusiness.
The biennial International Conference on Oil Palm and the Environment (ICOPE) is another testament to this partnership. It serves as a platform for global researchers to share insights on critical topics like climate resilience and biodiversity. The latest conference in February 2025 showcased innovative research, proving that knowledge is power in the fight for sustainability.
The renewed MoU emphasizes practical, science-based solutions. It aims to enhance scientific knowledge, improve climate change adaptation, and boost productivity in the palm oil sector. This is not just about GAR; it’s about uplifting the entire ecosystem, including independent smallholders who rely on palm oil for their livelihoods. The partnership seeks to develop new agroforestry approaches, contributing to Indonesia’s food security while reducing carbon emissions.
GAR’s President Director, The Biao Leng, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. It’s about harnessing global scientific expertise to address local realities. The goal is to create scalable solutions that benefit not just plantations but also the farmers who cultivate them. This is a vision of inclusivity, where everyone has a stake in the future.
CIRAD’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, Jean-Marc Roda, echoed this sentiment. The collaboration demonstrates how international partnerships can yield tangible results. It’s a holistic approach to transforming the palm oil sector, addressing sustainability challenges head-on.
But GAR’s ambitions don’t stop at partnerships. The company recently published its Sustainability Report 2024, revealing its climate ambitions and commitments. The report highlights a year of evolution, where sustainability became the core of GAR’s business strategy. It’s a shift from viewing sustainability as an add-on to recognizing it as the foundation of future growth.
For the first time, GAR conducted a double materiality assessment. This approach examines both the company’s impact on environmental and social issues and how these factors influence its operations. It’s a proactive step, preparing GAR for future reporting requirements while validating its sustainability priorities.
The theme of the report, “Growing Together with Purpose,” encapsulates GAR’s vision. The company has set ambitious targets for emissions reduction by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment is not just a number; it’s a lifeline for the planet. The company plans to cut Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG emissions by 42% from its 2022 baseline.
Despite a 3% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, GAR’s total emissions increased by 7% in 2024. This highlights the complexity of supply chain emissions, which account for 79% of GAR’s carbon footprint. Addressing these emissions requires ongoing engagement with suppliers and collecting first-party emissions data. It’s a challenging but necessary journey.
Transparency and traceability are also at the forefront of GAR’s sustainability efforts. The company has achieved 99.5% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP) in its Indonesian palm oil supply chain. This commitment extends to other commodities, ensuring responsible production across the board. The launch of the blockchain-powered SmartTrace system is a game-changer, providing consumers with insight into the journey of their palm oil products.
GAR’s Bright Future Initiative is another pillar of its sustainability strategy. This initiative supports communities by empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhancing livelihoods. In 2024, GAR supported 189 projects, demonstrating that sustainability is not just about the environment; it’s about people.
In conclusion, GAR is not just a player in the palm oil industry; it’s a leader in sustainability. Through innovative partnerships, ambitious targets, and a commitment to transparency, GAR is paving the way for a more sustainable future. The journey is long, but with each step, the company is proving that growth and responsibility can go hand in hand. As the palm oil sector evolves, GAR stands ready to meet the challenges ahead, ensuring that both people and the planet thrive.