May 2024

Improving rubber farmers’ livelihoods at the heart of Michelin's commitment

Michelin is continuing its support for natural rubber farmers  in Thailand by training them in agroforestry as part of a Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) project initiated at the end of 2021.

Agroforestry is an agricultural practice that complements rubber cultivation by combining other crops on the same plot to enable natural rubber farmers to improve their livelihoods.

In addition to healthier ecosystems - greater biodiversity, better soil quality, reduced use of agrochemical inputs, etc. - the ultimate goal is to diversify the income of natural rubber producers through optimized management of their land.

By March 2024, almost 650 farmers have already benefited from this program through training and visits to educational farms; the program is targeting 400 new smallholders by the end of the year.

With Renault joining the project, it is now possible to broaden the focus of training to target the most appropriate crops in rubber plantations, as well as providing additional support to highly committed natural rubber producers through the supply of seedlings of different crop varieties. Last but not least, a socio-economic study will provide a better understanding of the impact of agroforestry systems on improving farmers' living conditions. 

In this way, Michelin is fulfilling its corporate citizenship role by bringing together other stakeholders to help find solutions for a sustainable rubber industry.