Latest news with #GAR
Korea Herald
30-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
GAR's Sustainability Report 2024 Shows Company, Customers and Communities Growing Together with Purpose
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) today published its Sustainability Report 2024, covering a year that saw the company establish the scale and scope of its climate ambitions while continuing to deliver on core commitments to tackle deforestation, enhance traceability and promote thriving, resilient agricultural communities. GAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Franky O. Widjaja, explained how the company's sustainability foundations have helped GAR to navigate a year of global challenges, from economic shifts and evolving regulatory demands to extreme weather conditions. "The world is changing, and so is the future of agribusiness," he said. "At GAR, sustainability isn't just a part of our business strategy; it is our business strategy. We believe that sustainability leadership starts with action; with choices that reflect our values and shape a better future." For the first time, GAR has published a double materiality assessment, addressing both the company's impact on environmental and social issues and how these topics may influence GAR's operations, long-term resilience, and financial performance. In addition to preparing the company for upcoming reporting requirements, this assessment validates GAR's priorities for action on sustainability. Widjaja continued: "As extreme weather and regulations intensify, investing in responsible agriculture matters more than ever. Our 2024 theme of Growing Together with Purpose reflects a year of evolution for GAR's sustainability policies and practice. Over the past year, we have set bold targets for emissions reduction by 2030 and developed a new sustainability framework, Collective for Impact, that provides a clear path forward for the next stage of our sustainability journey – a journey we're taking together with partners, suppliers and smallholders." Notable developments include: Launching Collective for Impact Since 2015, the GAR Social and Environmental Policy (GSEP) has been the foundation of the company's sustainability commitments, implemented in its own operations and across the company's palm oil supply chain in Indonesia. Now, GAR has launched a new framework, Collective for Impact, marking the next phase of its sustainability ambitions. Covering three key areas: Sourcing Responsibly, Caring for our Planet, and Empowering People, this new business strategy extends beyond GAR's Indonesian palm oil supply chain to include its entire business and value chain, operationally and geographically. Anita Neville, GAR's Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, described how this framework builds on the company's existing initiatives to address critical areas for action. "It has never been more urgent to act on climate change, eliminate exploitation, and protect natural ecosystems," she said. "We know that what got us here will not necessarily get us where we want and need to go," she continued. " Collective for Impact strengthens our resilience, creates long-term value and builds trust to keep us ahead of global expectations. This is not just a sustainability vision; it is a business strategy that touches every part of GAR." Advancing Net Zero Commitments In 2024, GAR set bold 2030 targets to cut absolute emissions as a milestone on its pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. The company will cut Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG emissions by 42% from its 2022 baseline. Last year, GAR reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its direct operations by 3% through continued implementation of No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies, coupled with energy efficiency initiatives and increased renewable energy use. However, GAR's total emissions increased by 7% year on year, from 32.7 million tonnes of CO 2 equivalent in 2023 to 35 million tonnes in 2024, driven by a 10% increase in Scope 3 emissions. These supply chain emissions account for 79% of GAR's total carbon footprint, underscoring the critical role of ongoing supplier engagement and collecting first party emissions data; two core pillars of the company's Scope 3 reduction efforts. Leading in Transparency and Traceability GAR has continued to map its Indonesian palm oil supply chain and has now reached 99.5% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP). The company is intensifying efforts to address the final 0.5% of TTP, addressing variability within its supply chain and extending its partnerships with smallholders to implement traceability while supporting them to improve yields and livelihoods. Elsewhere, the company has successfully expanded its traceability commitments to its other commodities, implementing 100% Traceability to the Mill (TTM) for soy, sugar, sunflower and coconut globally. The company has also launched the blockchain-powered SmartTrace system, giving users a window on the full journey of a palm oil product from plantation to purchase. Together with satellite monitoring, mapping, and supplier transformation initiatives, GAR is continuing to ensure responsible production across its supply chain, helping customers to prepare for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and future regulations. Action for Communities GAR's Bright Future Initiative continues to help communities build better livelihoods. In 2024, the company supported 189 projects, and empowering 113 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with skills from farming and technology to operations training, helping them grow and reach new markets. About Golden Agri-Resources Ltd (GAR) GAR is a leading fully-integrated agribusiness company. In Indonesia, it manages an oil palm plantation area of more than 500,000 hectares (including plasma smallholders) as of 31 March 2025. It has integrated operations focused on the technology-driven production and distribution of an extensive portfolio of palm-based products throughout its established international marketing network. Founded in 1996, GAR was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1999 and has a market capitalisation of US$ 2.6 billion as of 31 March 2025. Flambo International Limited, an investment company, is GAR's largest shareholder, with a 50.56% stake. In addition, GAR's subsidiary, PT SMART Tbk was listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 1992. As an integrated agribusiness, GAR delivers an efficient end-to-end supply chain, from responsible production to global delivery. In Indonesia, its primary activities include cultivating and harvesting oil palm trees; the processing of fresh fruit bunch into crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel; refining CPO into value-added products such as cooking oil, margarine, shortening, biodiesel and oleo-chemicals; as well as merchandising palm products globally. GAR's products are delivered to a diversified customer base in over 110 countries through its global distribution network with shipping and logistics capabilities, destination marketing, onshore refining and ex-tank operations. GAR also has complementary businesses such as soybean-based products in China, sunflower-based products in India, and sugar businesses.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GAR's Sustainability Report 2024 Shows Company, Customers and Communities Growing Together with Purpose
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) today published its Sustainability Report 2024, covering a year that saw the company establish the scale and scope of its climate ambitions while continuing to deliver on core commitments to tackle deforestation, enhance traceability and promote thriving, resilient agricultural communities. GAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Franky O. Widjaja, explained how the company's sustainability foundations have helped GAR to navigate a year of global challenges, from economic shifts and evolving regulatory demands to extreme weather conditions. "The world is changing, and so is the future of agribusiness," he said. "At GAR, sustainability isn't just a part of our business strategy; it is our business strategy. We believe that sustainability leadership starts with action; with choices that reflect our values and shape a better future." For the first time, GAR has published a double materiality assessment, addressing both the company's impact on environmental and social issues and how these topics may influence GAR's operations, long-term resilience, and financial performance. In addition to preparing the company for upcoming reporting requirements, this assessment validates GAR's priorities for action on sustainability. Widjaja continued: "As extreme weather and regulations intensify, investing in responsible agriculture matters more than ever. Our 2024 theme of Growing Together with Purpose reflects a year of evolution for GAR's sustainability policies and practice. Over the past year, we have set bold targets for emissions reduction by 2030 and developed a new sustainability framework, Collective for Impact, that provides a clear path forward for the next stage of our sustainability journey – a journey we're taking together with partners, suppliers and smallholders." Notable developments include: Launching Collective for Impact Since 2015, the GAR Social and Environmental Policy (GSEP) has been the foundation of the company's sustainability commitments, implemented in its own operations and across the company's palm oil supply chain in Indonesia. Now, GAR has launched a new framework, Collective for Impact, marking the next phase of its sustainability ambitions. Covering three key areas: Sourcing Responsibly, Caring for our Planet, and Empowering People, this new business strategy extends beyond GAR's Indonesian palm oil supply chain to include its entire business and value chain, operationally and geographically. Anita Neville, GAR's Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, described how this framework builds on the company's existing initiatives to address critical areas for action. "It has never been more urgent to act on climate change, eliminate exploitation, and protect natural ecosystems," she said. "We know that what got us here will not necessarily get us where we want and need to go," she continued. "Collective for Impact strengthens our resilience, creates long-term value and builds trust to keep us ahead of global expectations. This is not just a sustainability vision; it is a business strategy that touches every part of GAR." Advancing Net Zero Commitments In 2024, GAR set bold 2030 targets to cut absolute emissions as a milestone on its pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. The company will cut Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG emissions by 42% from its 2022 baseline. Last year, GAR reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its direct operations by 3% through continued implementation of No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies, coupled with energy efficiency initiatives and increased renewable energy use. However, GAR's total emissions increased by 7% year on year, from 32.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023 to 35 million tonnes in 2024, driven by a 10% increase in Scope 3 emissions. These supply chain emissions account for 79% of GAR's total carbon footprint, underscoring the critical role of ongoing supplier engagement and collecting first party emissions data; two core pillars of the company's Scope 3 reduction efforts. Leading in Transparency and Traceability GAR has continued to map its Indonesian palm oil supply chain and has now reached 99.5% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP). The company is intensifying efforts to address the final 0.5% of TTP, addressing variability within its supply chain and extending its partnerships with smallholders to implement traceability while supporting them to improve yields and livelihoods. Elsewhere, the company has successfully expanded its traceability commitments to its other commodities, implementing 100% Traceability to the Mill (TTM) for soy, sugar, sunflower and coconut globally. The company has also launched the blockchain-powered SmartTrace system, giving users a window on the full journey of a palm oil product from plantation to purchase. Together with satellite monitoring, mapping, and supplier transformation initiatives, GAR is continuing to ensure responsible production across its supply chain, helping customers to prepare for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and future regulations. Action for Communities GAR's Bright Future Initiative continues to help communities build better livelihoods. In 2024, the company supported 189 projects, and empowering 113 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with skills from farming and technology to operations training, helping them grow and reach new markets. About Golden Agri-Resources Ltd (GAR) GAR is a leading fully-integrated agribusiness company. In Indonesia, it manages an oil palm plantation area of more than 500,000 hectares (including plasma smallholders) as of 31 March 2025. It has integrated operations focused on the technology-driven production and distribution of an extensive portfolio of palm-based products throughout its established international marketing network. Founded in 1996, GAR was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1999 and has a market capitalisation of US$ 2.6 billion as of 31 March 2025. Flambo International Limited, an investment company, is GAR's largest shareholder, with a 50.56% stake. In addition, GAR's subsidiary, PT SMART Tbk was listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 1992. As an integrated agribusiness, GAR delivers an efficient end-to-end supply chain, from responsible production to global delivery. In Indonesia, its primary activities include cultivating and harvesting oil palm trees; the processing of fresh fruit bunch into crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel; refining CPO into value-added products such as cooking oil, margarine, shortening, biodiesel and oleo-chemicals; as well as merchandising palm products globally. GAR's products are delivered to a diversified customer base in over 110 countries through its global distribution network with shipping and logistics capabilities, destination marketing, onshore refining and ex-tank operations. GAR also has complementary businesses such as soybean-based products in China, sunflower-based products in India, and sugar businesses. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Golden Agri-Resources
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canton plans public education initiative before property revaluation starts
May 26—CANTON — The Canton communications and technology committee, a joint village and town committee, is launching a public education initiative to inform residents about the upcoming townwide property revaluation conducted by GAR Associates, Deputy Village Mayor Anna Sorensen said at the Village Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday night. According to Canton Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley, the revaluation project has been five years in the making and stems from significant tax roll inequities that have not been addressed since a 2008 assessment. The COVID-19 pandemic initially stalled efforts, but the town has since committed to a $180,000, two-year evaluation process. "This is about fundamental fairness," Ashley said at the Town Board meeting May 14. The committee aims to create and distribute easily understandable materials explaining the revaluation process, increase outreach efforts to aid resident comprehension, and emphasize the importance of responding to official notices. Educational materials will also clarify the revaluation's significance and timeline, while addressing common misconceptions about property assessments. At the meeting, Deputy Village Mayor Anna Sorenson said that the collective decision was to collaborate on a public education project concerning the property revaluation. The aim is to create accessible and comprehensive materials to educate the public on this matter. The material will be developed in June by the committee working alongside GAR Associates and will be available online and in the village and town offices later in the summer when GAR starts reaching out to property owners. GAR Associates is in the data collection phase and is relying on publicly available data and the work of town assessor Cindy Brand. Brand has collected information from every property in the town by visiting each one, taking a photo from the road and updating the information. There are more than 4,000 properties in the town. GAR will compile its information and mail it to each property owner to verify its accuracy sometime around the end of the summer.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What Does Memorial Day Signify? All About the Military Holiday
Memorial Day takes place on the last Monday in May every year in the United States The annual federal holiday is intended to serve as a day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the U.S. military It's generally advised not to wish people a "Happy" Memorial DayMemorial Day 2025, which takes place on the last Monday in May every year, falls on May 26, 2025. Over the years, Memorial Day has come to symbolize the first weekend of summer, but its meaning far exceeds the summer vibe. Memorial Day is an annual federal United States holiday that is dedicated to mourning and honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday, which was established in 1868, is intended for families, friends and others to pay tribute to fallen service members. Oftentimes, volunteers place American flags in cemeteries to honor their lives. There are over 150 national cemeteries —including Arlington National Cemetery and Gettysburg National Cemetery — across the country that will sport thousands of American flags every Memorial Day. In addition to Memorial Day, there is also Armed Forces Day, celebrating current military members on the third Saturday in May, and Veterans Day, honoring all veterans on Nov. 11 every year. Unlike Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day, it's generally discouraged to wish people a "Happy" Memorial Day, because it is a day of remembrance. Here's everything to know about Memorial Day. Memorial Day descends from the Southern tradition of "Decoration Day," when families traveled to the cemeteries where their ancestors were interred to place flowers on their graves, per Decoration Day in the Mountains. Often, large groups of extended families made the trip, religious ceremonies took place and food was served. Decoration Day used to reflect the cycles of farm life, taking place in late summer when farm work was lightest or in autumn after the seasonal harvest. (Some areas would also observe it on Sundays to coincide with church services.) According to a website dedicated to the holiday, Memorial Day — as we know it — was established on May 5, 1868, when Grand Army of the Republic (a Civil War veteran organization) General John A. Logan, the GAR's first commander-in-chief, declared May 30 to be Memorial Day and called on the GAR's membership to make it an annual occurrence. Some hold that the day was observed because it was the anniversary of a specific battle. In 2010, President Barack Obama's Memorial Day speech (via Associated Press) referenced the date being chosen because it was when flowers were optimally in bloom for decorating graves. Memorial Day as a national holiday did not become common until after World War II and wasn't even designated as the holiday's official name until 1967. The following year, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day from its fixed date (along with three other holidays) to the last Monday in May. The law went into action on the federal level in 1971; within a few years, all 50 states adopted the change. Memorial Day is not — as Veterans Day is — a blanket remembrance of those who have served in the nation's armed forces, according to VA's 2023 Veterans Day Teacher Guide. It is specifically designated to honor those who have died while serving, and because of its gradual erosion into a "start of summer" celebration, several organizations and individuals advocate for the return of the holiday to May 30, including both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The late former Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye, a World War II veteran, introduced a Congressional measure to return Memorial Day to May 30 in 1987 and continued to do so every year until his death in 2012. In 1999, he wrote, "Mr. President, in our effort to accommodate many Americans by making the last Monday in May Memorial Day, we have lost sight of the significance of this day to our nation. Instead of using Memorial Day as a time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by Americans in combat, many Americans use the day as a celebration of the beginning of summer." Writing on the now-defunct Listserv in 2013, U.S. Marine Tony Bundschuh elaborated on the idea: "There is a difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Veterans Day is the one where we give thanks to all that [sic] have served, but Memorial Day is supposed to be a somber day set aside for remembrance of those that [sic] have died serving their country. It is not a happy day." In December 2000, a resolution for a National Moment of Remembrance was passed, which calls for all Americans to "voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect" at 3 p.m. local time. Alternatively, people can also donate money to one of the many organizations that support families of combat-wounded or killed veterans or veterans themselves, like Hope for the Warriors, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or Homes for Our Troops. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Look Back: Ashley's Memorial Day parade considered oldest in Wyoming Valley
May 25—At 2:30 p.m. on May 30, 1882, the Decoration Day parade began at Ashley's Town Hall on Main Street that consisted of the Ashley Cornest Band, school students, members of the Ancient Order of Forresters, a drum corps, members of the Grand Army of the Republic and Civil War veterans and citizens in horse carriages. Their purpose was to pay respect at gravesites of Civil War soldiers at the Ashley Cemetery (today's Maple Hill Cemetery). "On arrival at the cemetery the processing opened ranks and the G.A.R. and soldiers passed through. The children of the schools sand 'America' and handed their flowers to the G.A.R. and societies," reported the Wilkes-Barre Record on May 31, 1882. The drum corps formed a circle around gravesites and beat their drums while Civil War veterans decorated the graves of their fallen comrades. Afterward, a dinner was held at Ashley's Union Hall. Although the city of Ironton, Ohio, might hold claim to hosting the country's oldest continuing Memorial Day parade, the Borough of Ashley holds claim as the oldest continuing Memorial Day parade in the Wyoming Valley. The second oldest Memorial Day parade in the valley is the West Side Memorial Day Parade that began 1891. Today's Memorial Day parade is Ashley's 143rd consecutive parade that began way, way back in 1882. Decoration Day originated after the Civil War to honor those who died in service. After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all American war dead. Memorial Day replaced Decoration Day by way of the Uniform Holidays Act of 1968 that marked the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. "Ashley and neighboring communities paid a glowing tribute to its heroic dead on Decoration Day yesterday. The business of the town was suspended, and hundreds of people gathered at Ashley Cemetery where impressive exercises were held in memory of the deceased veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and the World War," reported the Record on May 31, 1923. Ashley's 1923 Decoration Parade involved George Eike, who was the borough's sole surviving veteran of the Civil War. "Veteran Eike was accompanied by his son, George Eike, and as he passed along the line of march everywhere he was saluted and tendered the honor and respect due to the heroes of the 1860s," the Record reported. After the 1923 parade, Eike was the guest of honor at the annual Ashley Rescue Hose Co. banquet. "Mr. Eike having been a resident of Ashley for more than a half century is known by everyone in the community and his connection as a railroad engineer on the Jersey Central railroad for more than 40 years," reported the Record. Eike enlisted in the U.S. Union Army, the 28th Penn. Volunteers, in 1863, and was assigned to the 2nd Division, 20th Corps, and was credited with being engaged in seven notable battles in the deep south. This year's Ashley Memorial Day Parade, the 143rd, is in honor of Joseph Sapulak, charter member of the Ashley Sons of the American Legion, with guest of honor U.S. Army Captain Nathan Herr, a logistics officer for the 340th Military Police Battalion in Ashley.
