DekelOil (LON:DKL) said it has made "significant progress" towards being formally recognised a producer of sustainable palm oil.
Ultimately it is aiming to become the first company in West Africa to certified by a world body called the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
The environmental and social consulting group, Proforest, will help get the mill signed off first, with the palm plantation certification coming three years after
Director Lincoln Moore said: "We are strongly committed to developing a quality, sustainable palm oil operation in West Africa and are delighted to have commenced this process with RSPO.
This follows swiftly on the back of our appointment as an approved supplier to a World Bank-backed programme focused on improving the palm oil industry in Cote d'Ivoire to support local communities.
“Both these developments demonstrate the increasing recognition our project is receiving from prestigious international organisations, and are testament to our pledge to positively impact our surroundings.”