Quick answer: Respecting land rights means that ingredients are not produced on land taken from people without their consent, and that farmers and communities keep secure use of their land. For buyers, it is part of responsible sourcing and human rights due diligence. Smallholder supply chains, where farmers own or use small plots, raise different questions from large plantations.
Key takeaways – Land rights are a core part of responsible sourcing. – Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) is a widely used principle. – Smallholder systems usually involve family-owned or long-used plots. – Buyers increasingly ask suppliers how land issues are checked.
Why do land rights matter in food supply chains?
Land conflicts can harm communities, damage trust and create legal and reputational risks for brands. Many international frameworks, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains, include respect for land tenure.
What is FPIC?
Free, prior and informed consent means that communities can agree or refuse a project that affects their land:
- Free: without pressure
- Prior: before the project starts
- Informed: with clear information
- Consent: a real choice
How is a smallholder supply chain different?
| Model | Land situation | Typical questions |
|---|---|---|
| Large plantation | Company-held land | How was the land acquired? |
| Smallholder supply | Farmer-owned or family-used plots | Are farmers free to sell where they choose? |
What can buyers check?
- Where raw materials come from
- Whether farmers own or rent their land
- Whether there are known disputes in the area
- Whether new land has been cleared for production
- How grievances can be raised
How does this link to other topics?
Land rights connect to deforestation rules, fair payment and community relations. A supplier that maps its sourcing areas is better able to answer these questions.
Where does IMC fit?
PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group), founded in 2012 in Central Java, Indonesia, sources coconut sap through smallholder farmers. Buyers who want details on sourcing areas can contact the IMC team.
Frequently asked questions
What is land tenure? The rights people have to use, control or own land.
Does FPIC apply to smallholders? It mainly applies to projects affecting communities; smallholders decide on their own land.
Why do buyers ask about land? It is part of human rights and environmental due diligence.
Which guidance covers this? Examples include the UN Guiding Principles and OECD-FAO guidance.
Looking for a reliable coconut sugar partner? Contact PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group) in Central Java, Indonesia: info@organic-coconut-sugar.com or WhatsApp +62 811 880 62273.
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