A focus on increasing the productivity of existing oil palm plantations, when combined with good governance, could limit pressure on expansion into forest lands, and most importantly, addressing the productivity differentials between large plantations and smallholdings could benefit the poor. Improving access to markets and finance for independent smallholders, and strengthening farmer extension services, would also deliver additional benefits to local populations. Finally, adoption of voluntary commodity-based environmental and social standards that protect high-conservation value forests and promote equitable distribution of benefits is critical to the sustainable development of the sector.