Inolex has become a member of the Sustainable Castor Association (SCA), a not-for-profit organization initiated by Arkema, BASF, Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd, and Solidaridad.
The primary focus of the Sustainable Castor Association (SCA) is to improve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of castor farming within the supply chain. The organization aims to establish a more transparent and certified castor oil supply chain while also implementing programs that enhance the livelihoods of castor farmers.
One of the key initiatives managed by the SCA is the castor standard code, known as SuCCESS, which sets the certification criteria for sustainable castor production. Currently, SuCCESS certification covers approximately 1% of the global castor oil supply and involves over 6,200 farmers across 6,000 hectares. Beyond expanding the certified castor supply chain, the SCA community provides support to farmers by educating them on best agricultural practices to increase yields and promote water conservation.
Inolex highlights that castor is an inherently sustainable crop due to its natural drought resistance, adaptability to marginal soils, ability to be grown in rotation with other crops like cumin and mustard, non-competition with food sources, and repurposing of unused seed pod material as fertilizer. Additionally, the extended shelf life of castor as a cash crop provides farmers with flexibility and autonomy in the marketplace. It’s worth noting that 80% of the world’s castor seed supply is produced by smallholder farmers and their families in India.
Audrey Wesson, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Inolex, acknowledges the existing benefits of castor farming but emphasizes the continuous need to enhance support for growers and improve environmental, social, and governance aspects of farming. Wesson believes that the actions taken by members of the Sustainable Castor Association positively impact farmer livelihoods, local ecosystems, and the overall sustainability of the value chain. Inolex expresses enthusiasm about joining the SCA and contributing to these efforts.
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