Together for impact: GAR’s vision for responsible agribusiness

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Posted: May 30, 2025 • 4 minute read • GAR • 5 Likes

When the world changes fast, the way we grow must change too.

In his message from the Sustainability Report 2024, our Chairman lays out a clear path: how GAR turns headwinds into momentum and responds to a fast-changing world with purpose and collective action.

Growing together with purpose

Dear Partners, Stakeholders, and Employees,

From economic shifts to extreme weather and evolving regulations, 2024 tested industries across the board. Palm oil was no exception.

But if there’s one thing challenges do, it’s open our eyes to new possibilities. They push us to grow – not just in scale but direction. To take control of where we’re headed and lead on our terms.

This means making decisions that stand the test of time, prioritising impact over quick wins, and finding solutions that support our business and those around us.

The way we grow matters – and this year’s results prove the strength of our business model, people, partnerships, and vision for sustainable growth.

A strong business in a challenging landscape

In FY2024, we achieved an EBITDA margin of 10% or US$1.1 billion. While palm product output dipped 7% to 2.7 million tonnes, it remains among the highest. At 4.8 tonnes per hectare, it reflects years of fine-tuning farming and sustainability practices. For future growth, we’re replanting with high-yield materials and using precision agriculture to boost productivity.

Meanwhile, our integrated processing, global reach, and diverse portfolio enable us to remain agile. Our priorities are clear: cost efficiency and value-added products.

“Challenges push us to grow – not just in size, but in direction. To take control of where we’re headed and lead on our terms.”

Meanwhile, our integrated processing, global reach, and diverse portfolio enable us to remain agile. Our priorities are clear: cost efficiency and value-added products.

Sustainability – our competitive edge

palm plantation aerial

Our strong foundation lays the groundwork for success. But sustainability secures our future.

As extreme weather and regulations intensify, investing in responsible agriculture matters more than ever. Better traceability and lower emissions make us more resilient.

Our sustainability framework: Turning challenges into opportunities

That’s why our strategy must grow with the world around us.

Since 2015, the GAR Social and Environmental Policy (GSEP) has been our foundation. But as challenges evolve, so must we. Our new framework, Collective for Impact, provides a clearer path forward. It has three key areas:

Sourcing responsibly

Caring for our planet

Empowering people

Accelerating our path to net zero

One of our biggest priorities is climate change – a challenge that defines our time.

In 2024, we set bold targets to cut absolute emissions from direct operations by 30 – 42% by 2030. Our goal is Net Zero by 2050. This supports Indonesia’s 2030 carbon sink goal and builds on our COP27 commitment to the Agriculture Sector Roadmap for a 1.5 °C pathway.

Our climate target:

30-42% emissions reduction from direct operation by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050

Leading with transparency & innovation

mill operations activity

Being the partner of choice begins with transparency – earning trust by knowing the origin of our raw materials and backing it with data.

That’s what makes traceability and responsible sourcing central to our approach. We’ve mapped 99.5% of our Indonesian palm supply chain to the plantation and are working with smallholders to reach 100% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP). In 2024, we also achieved 100% Traceability to the Mill (TTM) for palm oil, soy, sugar, sunflower and coconut globally.

To take it a step further, we launched SmartTrace. This blockchain-based system provides end-to-end visibility of our palm oil’s journey – from plantation to product. Together with satellite monitoring, mapping, and supplier empowerment, it helps customers and smallholders meet the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and future regulations.

Do You Know?

While blockchain is better known for its bitcoin application, it can also be used to lock every step of our supply chain into a secure, tamper-proof ledger.

This gives buyers, suppliers, and customers trust in product origins, real-time compliance for EUDR submissions, and a clear pathway to meet future deforestation-free requirements across global markets.

Collective action: How we do sustainability

*Bright Future Initiative helps communities turn ideas into sustainable businesses that lift rural livelihoods.*

Big challenges need big solutions – so we work with peers, suppliers, and smallholders to drive sustainability at every level. By joining global efforts like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), we share expertise, learn from one another, and scale our impact.

Bright Future Initiative:

189 projects with 113 MSMEs

Beyond our business, our Bright Future Initiative helps communities build better livelihoods. In 2024, we supported 189 projects, including 113 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). From farming and digital skills to operations training, we empower local entrepreneurs to grow and reach new markets.

The road ahead

“Sustainability is our business strategy – it’s how we grow, create better products, and make sure we’re here for the long run.”

The world is changing, and so is the future of agribusiness. At GAR, we believe leadership starts with action – with choices that reflect our values and shape a better future. That’s why we invest in sustainability, pursue practical innovation, and build shared solutions that last.

Sustainability is our business strategy – it’s how we grow, create better products, and make sure we’re here for the long run.

Over the years, we’ve seen one truth hold: the best progress is made together. This is more than just our journey – it’s one we share with our employees, partners, and stakeholders. Thank you for growing with us.

Together, we can go far, fast and beyond.

Sustainability needs more than words. Learn how we’re backing ours with bold actions. Read GAR’s full Sustainability Report 2024 here.