| ID | 171911 |
| Title Proper | Breaching the black box |
| Other Title Information | the role of ramps in Thai sustainable palm oil certification |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Innocenti, Elena Degli |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Certification of sustainable palm oil as organised through the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil is based on a simplified understanding of the global palm oil value chain – according to which instructions about production practices can be directly translated from the palm oil mill to the primary producer. The reality of palm oil provision is much more complex than this as is shown in the case of Thailand. On the basis of qualitative field study in Southern Thailand this paper clarifies that intermediary stages, such as the collection of oil palm fruit bunches at the ramp, play a key role in the organisation of the chain. The fluidity and complexity of the palm oil flow at the local level complicates the promotion of sustainability through certification. Global and national stakeholders, such as processing and trading firms, non‐governmental organisations and national governments, should therefore open this black box of local dynamics to more effectively contribute to sustainability in palm oil supply. |
| `In' analytical Note | Asia Pacific Viewpoint Vol. 61, No.1; Apr 2020: p. 85-101 |
| Journal Source | Asia Pacific Viewpoint 2020-04 61, 1 |
| Key Words | Thailand ; Palm Oil ; Ramps ; Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil ; Sustainable Value Chains |