IDH, Musim Mas, Unilever, PepsiCo, LUSH, GAPKI, Bupati Aceh Timur, Bupati Aceh Tamiang, and Aceh’s Provincial Government
IDH (The Sustainable Trade Initiative)’s Verified Sourcing Area (VSA) aims to verify the sustainability of major agricultural commodities at the entire district or province level rather than for each producer individually1.
We explored the concept of a VSA with IDH and other partners in Aceh Tamiang and Aceh Timur, aligned with Aceh’s government’s Green Growth Plan to engage growers and buyers.
The project aims to enhance the livelihoods of 1,000 smallholder farmers (via our collaboration and establishment of the Smallholders Hub in Aceh Tamiang) and 500 community members. It aims to improve sustainable agricultural production on 13,000 ha beyond palm. The project has secured local government commitment to improve sustainable production by 30%, reforestation, and certification of independent smallholders.
IDH’s Verified Sourcing Area (VSA) project also aims to conserve 230,000 hectares of HCV/HCS forest. It has integrated World Resources Institute’s (WRI) RADD monitoring and verification system for Aceh Tamiang. The project is also working with the Forest Management Unit to train locals on the RADD system.
In Aceh Tamiang, the VSA is being implemented with the support of private companies like Musim Mas and buyers like Unilever and PepsiCo.
More here.
1. IDH: https://www.idhsustainabletrade.com/news/what-are-verified-sourcing-areas-vsas/
