The RSPO changed its smallholder standard. Here is what actually changed.

The RSPO changed its smallholder standard. Here is what actually changed.

RSPO members adopted an updated Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard on 13 November 2024, at the 21st General Assembly in Bangkok, and it became effective for certification on 13 November 2025. RSPO reports that more than 40,000 independent smallholders in nine countries have been certified since the ISH Standard was launched in 2019. If you are working toward ISH certification, or advising smallholders who are, understanding what changed is more useful than knowing that something changed.

Why RSPO updated the standard

RSPO says the 2024 revision was written for stronger clarity across all indicators, to strengthen smallholder inclusion in physical supply chains. The aim is a standard that independent smallholders and their group managers can work with in practice, while keeping the environmental and social protections that give certified palm oil its market value.

The key changes in ISH 2024

First, the standard is more concise and its requirements are written more clearly. Smallholder groups have described it as a more practical approach than the previous version.

Second, the role of the group manager is strengthened, and the standard is linked to RSPO support mechanisms for smallholders, such as the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund (RSSF).

Third, records remain at the centre of compliance. Whatever the exact indicator wording for your group, a short written fertiliser management plan that shows the product, rate, timing and intended outcome is good agronomic practice and makes audits easier. Check the current standard text, and the national interpretation for your country where one exists, on rspo.org before you change your group's procedures.

What the CSPO premium looks like now

The premium for ISH-certified palm oil varies by market, buyer and year. Ask your group manager for the current figures and work out what they mean for your own production before you count on them.

The transition: what to do

The 2024 ISH Standard followed a 12-month transition period after its adoption and has applied to certification since 13 November 2025. If your group was certified under the 2019 standard, ask your group manager or certification body when your next audit moves to the 2024 version. Useful preparation: keep the GPS polygon maps of all production blocks up to date, use a record-keeping system you will actually maintain, and prepare a written fertiliser management plan. If you use Seed Activator or establish a cover crop such as Mucuna bracteata, record them in that plan as part of your soil management.

Fertiliser records in plain terms

A practical fertiliser management plan shows: which products you use (include brand names and nutrient content), how much you apply per hectare and per season, when you apply (month and growth stage), and what the target outcome is. Keep purchase receipts. Record each application with the date and block. Soil conditioners and organic inputs such as SoilBoost EA and CSB Organico belong in the same records, with the rate and date of each application.