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Our Opinion on Palm Oil Matters
EU Legislation on Deforestation Palm Oil’s Moment to Shine
The European Union is expected to pass legislation to reduce deforestation in its consumption.
As reported in Bloomberg and other mainstream media:
The European Commission, the 27-nation bloc’s executive arm, wants the regulation to cover soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa and coffee, as well as some derived products such as chocolate, leather and furniture. The plan will require backing from member states and the European Parliament to enter into force.
Assuming that the regulation which targets imports specifically is approved by the European Parliament, this will be a moment for the global palm oil industry to shine. Read More
The European Union is expected to pass legislation to reduce deforestation in its consumption.
As reported in Bloomberg and other mainstream media:
The European Commission, the 27-nation bloc’s executive arm, wants the regulation to cover soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa and coffee, as well as some derived products such as chocolate, leather and furniture. The plan will require backing from member states and the European Parliament to enter into force.
Assuming that the regulation which targets imports specifically is approved by the European Parliament, this will be a moment for the global palm oil industry to shine. Read More
Did Indonesia Just Set A Global Standard for Fighting Climate Change with Forests?
- Indonesia may have just shown the world that pledges to fight climate change must be backed by action.
- Indonesia was a signatory of the Glasgow Deforestation Pledge which went viral on November 2, 2021.
- The Pledge was shared by UK Minister for the International Environment and Climate, and UK Animal Welfare and Forests, Zac Goldsmith who hailed the ‘unprecedented’ deal at Cop26 to save world’s forests as “More than 100 leaders to commit to halting and reversing deforestation and land degradation by 2030.” Read More
Palm Oil. A Convenient Distraction for Weak Policies on Climate Change
Shell. The brand is synonymous with fossil fuels which has brought so much grief to the world as a primary cause of climate change. The company must have heard the death knell on fossil fuels as it ramps up its transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Shell has been making the moves to avoid being a victim of climate change itself. According to information on its website. Read Commentary
Shell. The brand is synonymous with fossil fuels which has brought so much grief to the world as a primary cause of climate change. The company must have heard the death knell on fossil fuels as it ramps up its transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Shell has been making the moves to avoid being a victim of climate change itself. According to information on its website. Read Commentary
India Plans to Go Big on Palm Oil
India wants to reduce its dependence on imported vegetable oils. As one of the largest importers of vegetable oils, the country produces less than 2% of its requirements. The rest is imported from Indonesia and Malaysia.
The plan will support small farmers to expand areas under oil palm cultivation to 1 million hectares from the current 350,000 hectares. Read Commentary
India wants to reduce its dependence on imported vegetable oils. As one of the largest importers of vegetable oils, the country produces less than 2% of its requirements. The rest is imported from Indonesia and Malaysia.
The plan will support small farmers to expand areas under oil palm cultivation to 1 million hectares from the current 350,000 hectares. Read Commentary
Towards net zero palm oil
The Malaysian palm oil industry is making moves towards net zero palm oil.
Science and new technology is driving Malaysia’s push towards net zero. On top of initiatives towards led by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board towards reducing the environmental impact of Malaysian palm oil, Malaysian scientists and academicians are pushing the industry towards a net zero goal. Read Commentary
The Malaysian palm oil industry is making moves towards net zero palm oil.
Science and new technology is driving Malaysia’s push towards net zero. On top of initiatives towards led by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board towards reducing the environmental impact of Malaysian palm oil, Malaysian scientists and academicians are pushing the industry towards a net zero goal. Read Commentary
Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Insights
The Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) which is charged with the certification of palm oil under Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) has finished its public consultations on the draft standards.
The public consultation had asked experts and interested parties to provide comment as the MSPO looks towards becoming a global standard.
We reached out to the MPOCC to gain some insights into the feedback received through the consultation. Read full article
The Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) which is charged with the certification of palm oil under Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) has finished its public consultations on the draft standards.
The public consultation had asked experts and interested parties to provide comment as the MSPO looks towards becoming a global standard.
We reached out to the MPOCC to gain some insights into the feedback received through the consultation. Read full article
New EU Renewables Policy Includes Palm Oil?
As the EU Commission prepares to present its draft for the review of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) the palm oil industry is abuzz with its implications for palm oil.
The draft was leaked in mid June which prompted a backlash against the new proposal from NGOs that are opposed to the use of biomass from wood sources as renewable energy. Use of woody biomass increased dramatically after the EU Commission’s Delegated Act pinpointed palm oil as a source to be phased out for energy use.
Forester Defenders Alliance EU criticized the draft and published its analysis of what must be changed.
Birdlife Europe on its Twitter feed shouted: Read Commentary
As the EU Commission prepares to present its draft for the review of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) the palm oil industry is abuzz with its implications for palm oil.
The draft was leaked in mid June which prompted a backlash against the new proposal from NGOs that are opposed to the use of biomass from wood sources as renewable energy. Use of woody biomass increased dramatically after the EU Commission’s Delegated Act pinpointed palm oil as a source to be phased out for energy use.
Forester Defenders Alliance EU criticized the draft and published its analysis of what must be changed.
Birdlife Europe on its Twitter feed shouted: Read Commentary
Belgium Challenges EU Commitment to Climate Change
In the global war against climate change, Belgium appears to have chosen to be missing in action as the Kingdom fudges its commitment to the European Union’s ambition to lead the global fight.
As a backgrounder, the Federal Minister for Environment and Climate, Belgium, Zakia Khattabi, announced bombastically last month that Belgium will ban the use of soy and palm oil for biofuels “in order to eliminate deforestation.” Read Commentary
In the global war against climate change, Belgium appears to have chosen to be missing in action as the Kingdom fudges its commitment to the European Union’s ambition to lead the global fight.
As a backgrounder, the Federal Minister for Environment and Climate, Belgium, Zakia Khattabi, announced bombastically last month that Belgium will ban the use of soy and palm oil for biofuels “in order to eliminate deforestation.” Read Commentary
Palm Oil Council to Ramp Up Media Communications
The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) is aiming to ramp up its public communications with a media campaign.
The success of its hard hitting series of blogs has been able to reach key audiences as the CPOPC tackled hot media topics like Greenpeace’s report “Destruction: Certified.” This communications success has inspired the CPOPC to expand the reach of its information campaign.
We reached out to the CPOPC to gain some insights into the information campaign.
Read full article
The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) is aiming to ramp up its public communications with a media campaign.
The success of its hard hitting series of blogs has been able to reach key audiences as the CPOPC tackled hot media topics like Greenpeace’s report “Destruction: Certified.” This communications success has inspired the CPOPC to expand the reach of its information campaign.
We reached out to the CPOPC to gain some insights into the information campaign.
Read full article
Destruction Certified. Greenpeace Slams Voluntary Certifications Schemes
Greenpeace launched a salvo against voluntary certifications in its latest report Destruction: Certified.
“Certification is not a solution to deforestation, forest degradation and other ecosystem conversion. In this report, we show how certification on its own has not helped companies meet their 2020 commitments to exclude deforestation from their supply chains.
Ultimately the aim is to inform decision making by governments and companies on what role certification can play as a tool for cleaning up supply chains, what reforms are required and what other measures are needed to address the wider biodiversity and climate crises.” Read Commentary
Greenpeace launched a salvo against voluntary certifications in its latest report Destruction: Certified.
“Certification is not a solution to deforestation, forest degradation and other ecosystem conversion. In this report, we show how certification on its own has not helped companies meet their 2020 commitments to exclude deforestation from their supply chains.
Ultimately the aim is to inform decision making by governments and companies on what role certification can play as a tool for cleaning up supply chains, what reforms are required and what other measures are needed to address the wider biodiversity and climate crises.” Read Commentary
Malaysia Caught in the Cross-fire of Geopolitics between China and USA
The on-going struggle between the US and China for economic and political influence in Southeast Asia is leaving a victim in its wake: Malaysian palm oil.
The bone of contention between the US and China is the South China Sea where the two superpowers are jostling for supremacy in Asia’s maritime heartland. Even in its last days in office, the Trump administration slapped more sanctions on Chinese firms over Beijing's actions in the South China Sea.
Read Commentary
The on-going struggle between the US and China for economic and political influence in Southeast Asia is leaving a victim in its wake: Malaysian palm oil.
The bone of contention between the US and China is the South China Sea where the two superpowers are jostling for supremacy in Asia’s maritime heartland. Even in its last days in office, the Trump administration slapped more sanctions on Chinese firms over Beijing's actions in the South China Sea.
Read Commentary
EU Running Out of Renewables Options
500+ Scientists Demand Stop to Tree Burning as Climate Solution
According to the scientists, burning trees is "carbon-inefficient. Overall, for each kilowatt hour of heat or electricity produced, using wood initially is likely to add two to three times as much carbon to the air as using fossil fuels."
The Letter was addressed to US President Biden, President von der Leyen of the European Commision, Prime Minister Suga of Japan and stated specifically that:
“The European Union needs to stop treating the burning of biomass as carbon neutral in its renewable energy standards and in its emissions trading system. Read Commentary
500+ Scientists Demand Stop to Tree Burning as Climate Solution
According to the scientists, burning trees is "carbon-inefficient. Overall, for each kilowatt hour of heat or electricity produced, using wood initially is likely to add two to three times as much carbon to the air as using fossil fuels."
The Letter was addressed to US President Biden, President von der Leyen of the European Commision, Prime Minister Suga of Japan and stated specifically that:
“The European Union needs to stop treating the burning of biomass as carbon neutral in its renewable energy standards and in its emissions trading system. Read Commentary
On Valentine’s Day Share the Love With Cocoa Farmers
This Valentine’s Day 2021 in the midst of a pandemic that has taken so many of our loved ones, spread the love beyond the person whose affection we desire and share it with those who produce the symbol of our affection: chocolates.
The Covid10 pandemic-induced slowdown in global chocolate demand has led to a pile-up of about 100,000 tonnes of cocoa beans in Ivory Coast's interior, as farmers struggle to get by with lower-than-promised prices. Read Commentary
This Valentine’s Day 2021 in the midst of a pandemic that has taken so many of our loved ones, spread the love beyond the person whose affection we desire and share it with those who produce the symbol of our affection: chocolates.
The Covid10 pandemic-induced slowdown in global chocolate demand has led to a pile-up of about 100,000 tonnes of cocoa beans in Ivory Coast's interior, as farmers struggle to get by with lower-than-promised prices. Read Commentary
Looking Ahead to the EU-ASEAN JWG on palm oil
Indonesia’s powerful lobby group, GAPKI – Indonesian Palm Oil Association – has spelled out its position on the EU-ASEAN Joint Working Group on palm oil which is to be held in January 2021.
For some background information, read our previous post on the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.
GAPKI has made its position clear in a blog post that stated among other things: Read Commentary
Indonesia’s powerful lobby group, GAPKI – Indonesian Palm Oil Association – has spelled out its position on the EU-ASEAN Joint Working Group on palm oil which is to be held in January 2021.
For some background information, read our previous post on the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.
GAPKI has made its position clear in a blog post that stated among other things: Read Commentary
What's happening at the Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar 2021?
For event highlights, key takeaways and closing comment from the CEO of MPOC, Datuk Kalyana Sundram, Read our coverage
For event highlights, key takeaways and closing comment from the CEO of MPOC, Datuk Kalyana Sundram, Read our coverage
Is palm oil good for you? Is palm oil bad for you?
Palm oil may not be a home kitchen staple like olive oil or canola oil but researchers are taking another look at the health benefits of this widely produced tropical oil.
Palm oil in the north American diet experienced a boom in demand when the US and Canada banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils, the main dietary source of artificial trans fats, after determining they are not safe to use in food. Read commentary
Palm oil may not be a home kitchen staple like olive oil or canola oil but researchers are taking another look at the health benefits of this widely produced tropical oil.
Palm oil in the north American diet experienced a boom in demand when the US and Canada banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils, the main dietary source of artificial trans fats, after determining they are not safe to use in food. Read commentary
EU ASEAN Joint Working Group on Vegetable Oils
The elevation of relationships between the EU and ASEAN countries to strategic partnership has created a new platform for the palm oil industry to present its best face.
Members of ASEAN including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand represent some of the biggest producers of palm oil globally. Read Commentary
The elevation of relationships between the EU and ASEAN countries to strategic partnership has created a new platform for the palm oil industry to present its best face.
Members of ASEAN including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand represent some of the biggest producers of palm oil globally. Read Commentary
Malaysian Farmers Want Industry and Government to Support Their Fight Against Climate Change
Ugak Sanggau, a Dayak farmer in the Malaysian state of Sarawak is bringing the concepts behind regenerative agriculture to Malaysia.
Quoting the environmental impact of agriculture and how developed countries are addressing the emissions, Ugak sees soil health as a major element of sustainable farming that is missing in Malaysia.
There is scientific support to back up his concerns. Read Commentary
Ugak Sanggau, a Dayak farmer in the Malaysian state of Sarawak is bringing the concepts behind regenerative agriculture to Malaysia.
Quoting the environmental impact of agriculture and how developed countries are addressing the emissions, Ugak sees soil health as a major element of sustainable farming that is missing in Malaysia.
There is scientific support to back up his concerns. Read Commentary
Screenshot from AP report on palm oil
Palm Oil Industry Pushes back in Media Wars
It looks like its open hunting season on palm oil. The media war against palm oil has ramped up in these latter days of Covid19 as news of vaccines and the US Presidential election failed to provide enough fodder for media.
In their attempts to capture readers imagination, some media platforms may have sacrificed journalistic ethics and integrity.
Read Commentary
It looks like its open hunting season on palm oil. The media war against palm oil has ramped up in these latter days of Covid19 as news of vaccines and the US Presidential election failed to provide enough fodder for media.
In their attempts to capture readers imagination, some media platforms may have sacrificed journalistic ethics and integrity.
Read Commentary
UK Legislations on Agriculture’s Impacts and Deforestation
The British Government is getting serious about fighting climate change.
Reports have surfaced that the UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 as part of its plans to reduce emissions.
This is on top of a flurry of announcements from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office. Read Commentary
The British Government is getting serious about fighting climate change.
Reports have surfaced that the UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 as part of its plans to reduce emissions.
This is on top of a flurry of announcements from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office. Read Commentary
MPOC calls for Equal Treatment for all Edible Oils
Malaysian Palm Oil Council CEO, Dr Kalyana Sundram, has made a call for all edible oils to be treated equally in terms of sustainability. As the European government and the United Kingdom looks to reduce deforestation in imports, Dr Sundram’s call is justified but unrealistic as other edible oils lag so far behind palm oil in proving their sustainability.
As part of his presentation at IPOSC 2020, a platform for the global palm oil industry, Dr Sundram lashed out at the absence of sustainability demands on other vegetable oils and fats. The full presentation can be accessed on the IPOSC website.
Read Commentary
Malaysian Palm Oil Council CEO, Dr Kalyana Sundram, has made a call for all edible oils to be treated equally in terms of sustainability. As the European government and the United Kingdom looks to reduce deforestation in imports, Dr Sundram’s call is justified but unrealistic as other edible oils lag so far behind palm oil in proving their sustainability.
As part of his presentation at IPOSC 2020, a platform for the global palm oil industry, Dr Sundram lashed out at the absence of sustainability demands on other vegetable oils and fats. The full presentation can be accessed on the IPOSC website.
Read Commentary
Darrel Lea, the Australian brand which manufactures chocolates and licorice announced that it has removed palm oil from its chocolates.
The move was reviewed by Eco Business with contributing statements from a spokesperson for a palm oil company who lamented the move from a certified product in palm oil, to an uncertified palm oil replacement in sunflower oil.
Darrel Lea in trying to capture consumer sentiment copied the Iceland Supermarket marketing ploy and published its own cutesy animated video of an orangutan playing drums.
Read Commentary
The move was reviewed by Eco Business with contributing statements from a spokesperson for a palm oil company who lamented the move from a certified product in palm oil, to an uncertified palm oil replacement in sunflower oil.
Darrel Lea in trying to capture consumer sentiment copied the Iceland Supermarket marketing ploy and published its own cutesy animated video of an orangutan playing drums.
Read Commentary
Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil. What you should know
The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification scheme or MSPO as it is popularly known as, has made some remarkable progress in the certification of Malaysia’s palm oil production.
For some background on the MSPO, the certification scheme was introduced as a voluntary scheme in 2015 to address the certification shortfalls of international certification schemes including the RSPO and the ISCC. The foundations were actually laid in 2013 when the standards for MSPO were launched. Following that, the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) was incorporated in 2014 as an independent body to oversee certification. Its early success in certification led to a ministerial decision Read Commentary
The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification scheme or MSPO as it is popularly known as, has made some remarkable progress in the certification of Malaysia’s palm oil production.
For some background on the MSPO, the certification scheme was introduced as a voluntary scheme in 2015 to address the certification shortfalls of international certification schemes including the RSPO and the ISCC. The foundations were actually laid in 2013 when the standards for MSPO were launched. Following that, the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) was incorporated in 2014 as an independent body to oversee certification. Its early success in certification led to a ministerial decision Read Commentary
Poster from SPKS conference on Palm oil and Biodiesel
Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Demand Fair Share of Biofuel Subsidies
The Indonesian group, Serikat Petani Kelapa Sawit (SPKS) or Union of Palm Oil Farmers, which represents independent palm oil farmers of Indonesia are demanding their fair share of funds from the biofuels subsidies
Indonesia introduced a subsidy for palm-based biofuels which imposed a tax of $50 per ton on Crude Palm Oil to bridge the price gap between fossil fuels and biofuels. As reported by Reuters the fund was supposed to reduce Indonesia’s import of fuels AND finance replanting programs for smallholders.
In 2018, smallholders, through the SPKS sued for a judicial review of how the funds were used as they for a bigger portion of the funds.
“Only 1 percent of last year’s fund went to small farmers in the form of funding for a state-run replanting program. By contrast, 89 percent of the funds collected by the BPDP-KS were channeled to 19 large companies as biodiesel subsidies. ” Read Commentary
The Indonesian group, Serikat Petani Kelapa Sawit (SPKS) or Union of Palm Oil Farmers, which represents independent palm oil farmers of Indonesia are demanding their fair share of funds from the biofuels subsidies
Indonesia introduced a subsidy for palm-based biofuels which imposed a tax of $50 per ton on Crude Palm Oil to bridge the price gap between fossil fuels and biofuels. As reported by Reuters the fund was supposed to reduce Indonesia’s import of fuels AND finance replanting programs for smallholders.
In 2018, smallholders, through the SPKS sued for a judicial review of how the funds were used as they for a bigger portion of the funds.
“Only 1 percent of last year’s fund went to small farmers in the form of funding for a state-run replanting program. By contrast, 89 percent of the funds collected by the BPDP-KS were channeled to 19 large companies as biodiesel subsidies. ” Read Commentary
Sarawak Senator, Mdm Rita Insol
Embracing Change Key to Better Livelihoods for Dayaks in Sarawak
How is it that the Dayaks in Sarawak, one of the biggest indigenous groups in Malaysia, are doing so much better than their counterparts in Indonesia? There are similarities in land claims struggles between villages and corporate plantations but these tend to be far fewer than all the reported land conflicts in the Indonesian side of Borneo. Rita Insol who is a newly appointed state senator provided some insights, key of which is that the Dayaks in Sarawak embraced changed while those in Indonesia appear to have resisted it.
In reference to popular media reports on the challenges faced by the Dayaks in Borneo, Senator Rita Insol spoke to us to present some facts on Dayak women in Sarawak and palm oil. The state senator is the Vice President of the Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association and an outspoken champion of Dayaks in Sarawak. Read Opinion from Senator Rita Insol
How is it that the Dayaks in Sarawak, one of the biggest indigenous groups in Malaysia, are doing so much better than their counterparts in Indonesia? There are similarities in land claims struggles between villages and corporate plantations but these tend to be far fewer than all the reported land conflicts in the Indonesian side of Borneo. Rita Insol who is a newly appointed state senator provided some insights, key of which is that the Dayaks in Sarawak embraced changed while those in Indonesia appear to have resisted it.
In reference to popular media reports on the challenges faced by the Dayaks in Borneo, Senator Rita Insol spoke to us to present some facts on Dayak women in Sarawak and palm oil. The state senator is the Vice President of the Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association and an outspoken champion of Dayaks in Sarawak. Read Opinion from Senator Rita Insol
Image from conference at the Holy See on agriculture and development
Sustainable Palm Oil is About Much More Than Forests
There is no such thing as sustainable palm oil. Certified palm oil is a con.
These are common charges against Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) with the original certification scheme, the RSPO, as the target of these attacks.
The basis of these charges is loss of forests associated with the expansion of the palm oil industry in Southeast Asia.
Read Commentary
There is no such thing as sustainable palm oil. Certified palm oil is a con.
These are common charges against Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) with the original certification scheme, the RSPO, as the target of these attacks.
The basis of these charges is loss of forests associated with the expansion of the palm oil industry in Southeast Asia.
Read Commentary
EU Certification for Palm Oil. Smallholders the greatest challenge to Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil certification
The EU has made a decision to phase out palm oil as a feedstock for its renewable sources of energy under RED ll. This decision continues to be controversial as major palm oil producing countries are challenging it at the WTO. Indonesia filed its grievance with the WTO in December of 2019 which can be tracked on this WTO page. Malaysia has since stated on July 01, 2020 that it will be filing a similar complaint to the WTO.
While the current controversy has its focus on the use of palm oil for EU energy, the EU’s Green New Deal which started out as an ambitious concept to reduce EU emissions to “net zero” by 2050 has also met controversy as questions roil around the “net zero” policies. Read Commentary
The EU has made a decision to phase out palm oil as a feedstock for its renewable sources of energy under RED ll. This decision continues to be controversial as major palm oil producing countries are challenging it at the WTO. Indonesia filed its grievance with the WTO in December of 2019 which can be tracked on this WTO page. Malaysia has since stated on July 01, 2020 that it will be filing a similar complaint to the WTO.
While the current controversy has its focus on the use of palm oil for EU energy, the EU’s Green New Deal which started out as an ambitious concept to reduce EU emissions to “net zero” by 2050 has also met controversy as questions roil around the “net zero” policies. Read Commentary
EU Farm to Fork
Palm Oil Producing Countries Should Take Part in Development of Sustainability Standards for palm oil in the EU
THE EU’S FARM TO FORK (F2F) AND BIODIVERSITY STRATEGIES – SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR PALM OIL
AHEAD.
This was the warning issued by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council through its senior executives, Dr. Kalyana Sundram and Uthaya Kumar. Based on historical experience with decision making at the EU, the authors warned that:
“Along the lines of what happened with biofuels, it looks like the EU will once again move ahead with a unilateral approach to define sustainable food systems and sustainable foods.
Read Commentary
THE EU’S FARM TO FORK (F2F) AND BIODIVERSITY STRATEGIES – SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR PALM OIL
AHEAD.
This was the warning issued by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council through its senior executives, Dr. Kalyana Sundram and Uthaya Kumar. Based on historical experience with decision making at the EU, the authors warned that:
“Along the lines of what happened with biofuels, it looks like the EU will once again move ahead with a unilateral approach to define sustainable food systems and sustainable foods.
Read Commentary
Palm Oil Farmers Leading the Way to Organic Farming in Malaysia
Organic farming is making a come back to Malaysia, led not unsurprisingly by farmers who grow oil palm.
Ugak’s venture into producing organic fertilizers for the palm oil industry in Sarawak is paving a path for the reduction of the industry’s environmental impact. Unlike the new calls for environmentally friendlier farming practices to save biodiversity in Europe, Ugak’s venture was driven not by environmental concerns but a need... Read Commentary
Organic farming is making a come back to Malaysia, led not unsurprisingly by farmers who grow oil palm.
Ugak’s venture into producing organic fertilizers for the palm oil industry in Sarawak is paving a path for the reduction of the industry’s environmental impact. Unlike the new calls for environmentally friendlier farming practices to save biodiversity in Europe, Ugak’s venture was driven not by environmental concerns but a need... Read Commentary
Will Mondelez continue to abuse green palm certification?
Mondelez International issued a new press release May 08, 2020 under the glossy title "Mondelēz International Accelerates Progress in Delivering against its Sustainability and Well-being Goals"
The press release made bold claims that Mondelez, with operations from Algeria to Vietnam has "met or exceeded sustainability commitments and goals. For its ingredient supplies, Mondelez stated that it has maintained a 100% RSPO palm oil goal as pasted below.
Read Commentary
Mondelez International issued a new press release May 08, 2020 under the glossy title "Mondelēz International Accelerates Progress in Delivering against its Sustainability and Well-being Goals"
The press release made bold claims that Mondelez, with operations from Algeria to Vietnam has "met or exceeded sustainability commitments and goals. For its ingredient supplies, Mondelez stated that it has maintained a 100% RSPO palm oil goal as pasted below.
Read Commentary
WHO Continues to Blunder Along on Covid19
The organisation’s next big blunder on fighting Covid19 came about when the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of WHO (EMRO) issued a public health statement which it titled “Nutrition Advice for Adults During the Covid19 Outbreak.” The statement which claimed to be nutritional advice on fighting Covid19 claimed that: Read Commentary
The organisation’s next big blunder on fighting Covid19 came about when the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of WHO (EMRO) issued a public health statement which it titled “Nutrition Advice for Adults During the Covid19 Outbreak.” The statement which claimed to be nutritional advice on fighting Covid19 claimed that: Read Commentary
Deforestation Free Palm Oil and the EU
The EU Commission is on the right track towards reducing the deforestation impacts of EU consumers by taking on all imported goods with a known history of being a cause for tropical deforestation.
With its focus on “partnerships with producer countries” to halt deforestation and encourage forest restoration, the EU Commission could save a lot more tropical forests in working with palm oil producing countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to bring about change Read commentary
The EU Commission is on the right track towards reducing the deforestation impacts of EU consumers by taking on all imported goods with a known history of being a cause for tropical deforestation.
With its focus on “partnerships with producer countries” to halt deforestation and encourage forest restoration, the EU Commission could save a lot more tropical forests in working with palm oil producing countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to bring about change Read commentary
3 MPCD report by Palm Oil Monitor attempts to severe CPOPC partners
The Indonesian palm oil industry appears to have voiced its dissatisfaction with its closest ally in the palm oil industry from the Malaysian industry over the issue of quality of palm oil for consumer markets.
In a criticism laden blog published by Palm Oil Monitor, the industry aired out all its grievances against its ally in Malaysia.
Read commentary
The Indonesian palm oil industry appears to have voiced its dissatisfaction with its closest ally in the palm oil industry from the Malaysian industry over the issue of quality of palm oil for consumer markets.
In a criticism laden blog published by Palm Oil Monitor, the industry aired out all its grievances against its ally in Malaysia.
Read commentary
ISPO. Tracking the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil scheme at CSPO Watch
The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil scheme or ISPO is being revamped in 2020 in an attempt for global acceptance of its certificates.
The key change to the ISPO certification scheme is that it has been upgraded from a Ministerial regulation to a Presidential regulation. As reported by Mongabay Indonesia:
Read our commentary
The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil scheme or ISPO is being revamped in 2020 in an attempt for global acceptance of its certificates.
The key change to the ISPO certification scheme is that it has been upgraded from a Ministerial regulation to a Presidential regulation. As reported by Mongabay Indonesia:
Read our commentary
Cropped screenshot of Microsoft webpage
Bill Gates Investment in Synthetic Palm Oil Dismissed by Malaysian Industry
Malaysia does not see the production of synthetic palm oil by US start-up company, C16 Biosciences, as a threat to natural palm oil supply chain, particularly when palm oil is produced under the best agricultural practices and sustainability standards.
Our view at CSPO Watch, is that the small investment in an alternative to palm oil is a clever distraction from the environmental impact of Bill Gates wealth.
Read full commentary
Malaysia does not see the production of synthetic palm oil by US start-up company, C16 Biosciences, as a threat to natural palm oil supply chain, particularly when palm oil is produced under the best agricultural practices and sustainability standards.
Our view at CSPO Watch, is that the small investment in an alternative to palm oil is a clever distraction from the environmental impact of Bill Gates wealth.
Read full commentary
Photo from a palm oil plantation in Ecuador
Palm Vs Coconut Oil: What's the More Sustainable Choice?
A rebuttal to Nithin Coca’s opinion as published in Triple Pundit and the Pulitzer Center
Triple Pundit, a popular website that “make(s) the business case for corporate responsibility and sustainability, and the private sector's leadership to secure social justice and fair economic opportunities for all” published an opinion by its contributor, Nithin Coca, which tried to sound authoritative on the sustainability of palm oil versus coconut oil. Read commentary
A rebuttal to Nithin Coca’s opinion as published in Triple Pundit and the Pulitzer Center
Triple Pundit, a popular website that “make(s) the business case for corporate responsibility and sustainability, and the private sector's leadership to secure social justice and fair economic opportunities for all” published an opinion by its contributor, Nithin Coca, which tried to sound authoritative on the sustainability of palm oil versus coconut oil. Read commentary
Traceability only a First Step towards Sustainability for Musim Mas.
Musim Mas Group, a Singapore based palm oil company, will be able to trace its supply of palm oil completely some time this year. According to a press statement shared by Food Navigator Asia, the company will be able to trace all of its palm fruits from company owned mills down to the small farmer in Indonesia.
Full traceability is an important feature for responsible sourcing as it is the only way to know supply impacts on the environment. Read more
Musim Mas Group, a Singapore based palm oil company, will be able to trace its supply of palm oil completely some time this year. According to a press statement shared by Food Navigator Asia, the company will be able to trace all of its palm fruits from company owned mills down to the small farmer in Indonesia.
Full traceability is an important feature for responsible sourcing as it is the only way to know supply impacts on the environment. Read more
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Malaysian Palm Oil Industry Seeks Cooperation from EU on Forests
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has filed its response to the EUs “Minimising risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products placed on the EU market.”
The MPOC, which represents the interests of Malaysian palm oil producers and exporters, is hoping that the European Union will provide a “consultative process that will ensure that legislative and regulatory outcomes be balanced, not unilateral, based on measurable science and data, non-discriminatory and in line with applicable World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.” Read commentary
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has filed its response to the EUs “Minimising risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products placed on the EU market.”
The MPOC, which represents the interests of Malaysian palm oil producers and exporters, is hoping that the European Union will provide a “consultative process that will ensure that legislative and regulatory outcomes be balanced, not unilateral, based on measurable science and data, non-discriminatory and in line with applicable World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.” Read commentary
What would Jesus Say to the Meaningful Chocolate company?
In these turbulent days of economic disasters with untold jobs being lost to the pandemic that is the coronavirus or COVID 19, it was most upsetting to see a post by Christian Today on the achievements of a chocolate company that sought to bring Jesus into the holy celebrations of Easter. Read commentary
In these turbulent days of economic disasters with untold jobs being lost to the pandemic that is the coronavirus or COVID 19, it was most upsetting to see a post by Christian Today on the achievements of a chocolate company that sought to bring Jesus into the holy celebrations of Easter. Read commentary
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The Malaysian Palm Oil Industry in 2020. An Interview with Dr. Kalyana Sundram
Malaysia is the second biggest producer of palm oil globally. With 5.85 million hectares under cultivation, the country has managed to optimize crop efficiency to turn this acreage into providing 8.6% and 8.8% of global oils and fats production and consumption respectively. However in the export scenario, Malaysia plays a crucial part since its palm oil exports of around 17.5 million MT annually often accounts for about 19.6% of all oils and fats exported. Read full interview |
The Facts on India's Palm Oil "Ban"
The biggest news on the global palm oil industry for 2020 is India’s reported “ban” on palm oil imports.
The “ban” was first reported by Reuters on January 08, 2020:
Read full commentary
The biggest news on the global palm oil industry for 2020 is India’s reported “ban” on palm oil imports.
The “ban” was first reported by Reuters on January 08, 2020:
Read full commentary
Satellites for Transparency in Palm Oil Supply Chains
Will the “eyes in the skies” improve sustainability of raw material supplies like palm oil?
Google Earth was a novel experience back in the day when it made it possible to view satellite images of your neighbors backyard or street views in cities thousands of miles away. Advancing technology is making it possible to watch what happens to locations far removed from curious eyes in real time.
Read full commentary
Will the “eyes in the skies” improve sustainability of raw material supplies like palm oil?
Google Earth was a novel experience back in the day when it made it possible to view satellite images of your neighbors backyard or street views in cities thousands of miles away. Advancing technology is making it possible to watch what happens to locations far removed from curious eyes in real time.
Read full commentary
Dayak Farmers Offer Intriguing View of Future for Indigenous Papuans
Having traveled extensively through the Malaysian state of Sarawak which lies on the island of Borneo, the similarities between its indigenous peoples and those of Papua province, Indonesia offers a peek into the future for native Papuans.
Both peoples are recognized as “orang asli” meaning they are the original peoples on their lands. Despite that acknowledgement, both the original peoples in Sarawak and in Papua continue to struggle for the rights to their lands albeit under different conditions. Read full commentary
Having traveled extensively through the Malaysian state of Sarawak which lies on the island of Borneo, the similarities between its indigenous peoples and those of Papua province, Indonesia offers a peek into the future for native Papuans.
Both peoples are recognized as “orang asli” meaning they are the original peoples on their lands. Despite that acknowledgement, both the original peoples in Sarawak and in Papua continue to struggle for the rights to their lands albeit under different conditions. Read full commentary
Indigenous Rights, Palm Oil and Exclusion From Sustainability
It is easy to fall for the narrative that indigenous peoples and the forests they live in are a solution for the climate crisis caused by others that live thousands of miles from them. Headlines like “They’ve managed the forest forever, it’s why they’re key to the climate change fight. LATimes” control the narrative. Sensational headlines offering a “secret weapon to curbing climate change” like this piece from World Resources Institute offer up an irresistible option to fighting climate change without affecting our personal consumption levels.
Read full commentary
It is easy to fall for the narrative that indigenous peoples and the forests they live in are a solution for the climate crisis caused by others that live thousands of miles from them. Headlines like “They’ve managed the forest forever, it’s why they’re key to the climate change fight. LATimes” control the narrative. Sensational headlines offering a “secret weapon to curbing climate change” like this piece from World Resources Institute offer up an irresistible option to fighting climate change without affecting our personal consumption levels.
Read full commentary
Can the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil scheme Enforce Ministerial Policies on Peat and Deforestation?
Malaysia’s Federal Minister for Primary Industries, Teresa Kok, has announced new policies to “ensure the sustainable cultivation” of palm oil in Malaysia.
Local media reports including one from The Rakyat Post summed up the new policies as:
1. Capping of the total oil palm cultivated area to 6.5 million hectares
2. Stopping planting of oil palm in peatland areas
3. Strengthening regulations concerning existing oil palm cultivation on peatland
4. Banning conversion of forest reserve areas for oil palm cultivation
5. Pledged to make oil palm plantation maps available for public access
Read our comment
Malaysia’s Federal Minister for Primary Industries, Teresa Kok, has announced new policies to “ensure the sustainable cultivation” of palm oil in Malaysia.
Local media reports including one from The Rakyat Post summed up the new policies as:
1. Capping of the total oil palm cultivated area to 6.5 million hectares
2. Stopping planting of oil palm in peatland areas
3. Strengthening regulations concerning existing oil palm cultivation on peatland
4. Banning conversion of forest reserve areas for oil palm cultivation
5. Pledged to make oil palm plantation maps available for public access
Read our comment
ExcelVite Adds Sustainability to Health Products
ExcelVite has added sustainability certification to the list of credentials achieved by the company. As a manufacturer of health ingredients derived from Malaysian red palm oil, the certification awarded by SIRIM (Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) for the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Supply Chain certification scheme assures buyers that the raw material used is sustainably produced. Read more
ExcelVite has added sustainability certification to the list of credentials achieved by the company. As a manufacturer of health ingredients derived from Malaysian red palm oil, the certification awarded by SIRIM (Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) for the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Supply Chain certification scheme assures buyers that the raw material used is sustainably produced. Read more
Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil MSPO Review
The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification is calling for first ever public comments on its standards. In an on-going drive towards global acceptance of the certification scheme, the governing body for the MSPO, which is the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC), has created a public input period from August 01,2019 to September 30, 2019. Read our comments
Take part in our survey on consumer opinions on the MSPO
The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification is calling for first ever public comments on its standards. In an on-going drive towards global acceptance of the certification scheme, the governing body for the MSPO, which is the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC), has created a public input period from August 01,2019 to September 30, 2019. Read our comments
Take part in our survey on consumer opinions on the MSPO
Preserving Biodiversity in Sime Darby’s Supply Chain
Sime Darby is determined to preserve biodiversity in its supply chain. Its initiatives to protect areas of High Conservation Value in its plantations was covered by our previous write up on company operations. In brief, the in situ initiatives have led to higher levels of biodiversity within company owned plantations. This achievement is something that Sime Darby believes, will add towards the company’s mission of sustainable production.
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Sime Darby is determined to preserve biodiversity in its supply chain. Its initiatives to protect areas of High Conservation Value in its plantations was covered by our previous write up on company operations. In brief, the in situ initiatives have led to higher levels of biodiversity within company owned plantations. This achievement is something that Sime Darby believes, will add towards the company’s mission of sustainable production.
Read more
World Orangutan Day
On World Orangutan Day 2019, there is much to celebrate as solid actions to preserve their forests have taken place in the past year.
The biggest announcement came from Indonesia, where orangutans are found in both Sumatra and Kalimantan. The President of Indonesia signed a permanent moratorium which will protect 66 million hectares of forests against further development for palm oil or timber.
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On World Orangutan Day 2019, there is much to celebrate as solid actions to preserve their forests have taken place in the past year.
The biggest announcement came from Indonesia, where orangutans are found in both Sumatra and Kalimantan. The President of Indonesia signed a permanent moratorium which will protect 66 million hectares of forests against further development for palm oil or timber.
Read more
Sime Darby Raising the Bar on Sustainability to Gain Market Share for Certified Palm Oil
Sime Darby is looking to raise the bar on the quality of its certified sustainable palm oil. The introduction of its tracking system, Crosscheck, was a sign of what it intends to do to prove that its supply of palm oil is sustainable. Read more
Sime Darby is looking to raise the bar on the quality of its certified sustainable palm oil. The introduction of its tracking system, Crosscheck, was a sign of what it intends to do to prove that its supply of palm oil is sustainable. Read more
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Socio-economic Impact Equally Important to Environmental Impact For Global Sustainability
A new report from CDP said that “70% of the 1,500 companies deemed to have a significant impact on deforestation or to be susceptible to deforestation risk failed to disclose forests data through CDP’s reporting platform in 2018.” Companies were asked to disclose on four commodities linked to deforestation: timber, palm oil, cattle and soy. Read more |
New Report on Orangutans Reveals Media Opportunity for MSPO
The WWF-Malaysia issued a new report on the orangutan populations in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The report was based on findings from research posted in PLOS which carried the title : Changes to Sabah’s Orangutan Populations in Recent Times: 2002-2017.
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The WWF-Malaysia issued a new report on the orangutan populations in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The report was based on findings from research posted in PLOS which carried the title : Changes to Sabah’s Orangutan Populations in Recent Times: 2002-2017.
Read more
Sime Darby Launches Palm Oil Traceability Tool for Consumer Confidence
The world’s biggest palm oil planter, Sime Darby, has released a new “easy tool to check the source” of their palm oil. This is a bold step undertaken by the company to bare itself for all to see.
If it works, the traceability tool will be a challenge for not just palm oil but all commodities that have become a part of our everyday lives.
Read more...
The world’s biggest palm oil planter, Sime Darby, has released a new “easy tool to check the source” of their palm oil. This is a bold step undertaken by the company to bare itself for all to see.
If it works, the traceability tool will be a challenge for not just palm oil but all commodities that have become a part of our everyday lives.
Read more...
Sarawak Natives Accuse Swiss NGO of Exploitation
Native tribes from the Mulu area of Sarawak accuse the Swiss NGO, Bruno Manser Funds, of exploiting some of their fellow villagers for the NGO’s financial gain.
The war of words between villagers that support development and those against have now boiled over into global media.
Read more
Native tribes from the Mulu area of Sarawak accuse the Swiss NGO, Bruno Manser Funds, of exploiting some of their fellow villagers for the NGO’s financial gain.
The war of words between villagers that support development and those against have now boiled over into global media.
Read more
Did Selfridges just Throw the Orangutans under the Bus?
Selfridges, the UK department store may have thrown orangutans under the bus when it decided to remove palm oil from store branded merchandise.
News coverage of the issue by Vogue, talked up the store’s environmental missions including the clothing that Selfridges sells.
“Selfridges tries to keep its brand at the forefront of ethical and environmental issues. Read more...
Selfridges, the UK department store may have thrown orangutans under the bus when it decided to remove palm oil from store branded merchandise.
News coverage of the issue by Vogue, talked up the store’s environmental missions including the clothing that Selfridges sells.
“Selfridges tries to keep its brand at the forefront of ethical and environmental issues. Read more...
Report on palm oil urges better management practices to prevent second biodiversity loss
Researchers from Bangor University and the University of Hull issued a new report on palm oil’s effects on biodiversity and warned that a second wave of biodiversity loss happens when oil palm plantations are replanted after their 25 year life span.
Read more...
Researchers from Bangor University and the University of Hull issued a new report on palm oil’s effects on biodiversity and warned that a second wave of biodiversity loss happens when oil palm plantations are replanted after their 25 year life span.
Read more...
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“Dirty Oils" and the EU
The European Union is looking to reduce its impact on global deforestation and has singled out palm oil in its biofuels as a target. This is being protested by palm oil producing countries of Malaysia, Indonesia and Colombia which collectively make up close to 90% of the global production of palm oil. Indonesia is threatening to take the case to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to argue its case against the background of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of poverty eradication. Malaysia has additionally said that any trade talks with the EU will be suspended until the palm oil dispute is settled. Public officials have even made statements suggesting that Malaysian procurement of defence weapons will favor only countries that support its palm oil industry. Read more... |
If Palm Oil Certification cannot Stop Deforestation...
In the case of palm oil, the other consumer product that is frequently accused of causing “massive deforestation globally,” a similar scenario exists with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). There’s no shortage of criticism of the RSPO. Purdue University published a report claiming that deforestation in areas where sustainable practices are required is higher than that of areas where no such requirements exist.
Read more...
In the case of palm oil, the other consumer product that is frequently accused of causing “massive deforestation globally,” a similar scenario exists with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). There’s no shortage of criticism of the RSPO. Purdue University published a report claiming that deforestation in areas where sustainable practices are required is higher than that of areas where no such requirements exist.
Read more...
Forest research group warns a palm oil ban could be disastrous for Indonesia's forests
Greenomics Indonesia, a forest research group, has issued a strongly worded caution to the EU, warning that the intended consequence of the EU's Delegated Act could backfire and result in the loss of more forests. The statement titled “ Worry EU move may prompt Jakarta to lift palm oil moratorium” warns that the moratorium placed on new palm oil licenses could be cancelled.
Read more...
Greenomics Indonesia, a forest research group, has issued a strongly worded caution to the EU, warning that the intended consequence of the EU's Delegated Act could backfire and result in the loss of more forests. The statement titled “ Worry EU move may prompt Jakarta to lift palm oil moratorium” warns that the moratorium placed on new palm oil licenses could be cancelled.
Read more...
Poverty in Papua's Rich Rainforests
Papua needs development. Anyone who has visited this remote province of Indonesia will attest to the fact that the level of poverty especially amongst its indigenous peoples is unacceptable in the 21st century. As one of the three semi-autonomous regions of Indonesia, Aceh and Yogyakarta being the other two, it is getting the lion’s share of development funds from the central government which is determined to bring development to this province which has long been side lined in Indonesia’s development.
The development plans which includes infrastructure in the Trans Papuan highway is however seeing its share of criticism from foreign environmentalists who attack any licenses for palm oil or timber plantations as well as the highway itself.Read more...Poverty in Papua's Rich Rainforests
Papua needs development. Anyone who has visited this remote province of Indonesia will attest to the fact that the level of poverty especially amongst its indigenous peoples is unacceptable in the 21st century. As one of the three semi-autonomous regions of Indonesia, Aceh and Yogyakarta being the other two, it is getting the lion’s share of development funds from the central government which is determined to bring development to this province which has long been side lined in Indonesia’s development.
The development plans which includes infrastructure in the Trans Papuan highway is however seeing its share of criticism from foreign environmentalists who attack any licenses for palm oil or timber plantations as well as the highway itself.Read more...Poverty in Papua's Rich Rainforests
EU Delegated Act and Palm Oil
The EU’s Delegated Act on palm oil was obviously heavily influenced by environmental groups if not written outright by them. Click here to download the Act.
The Delegated Act ignores the real world situations of growth and development and seeks to exclude late developing countries like Malaysia and Indonesia in the EU’s “sustainable” future by naming palm oil as the sole source of emissions that should be phased out of biofuels.
Will the proposed ban on palm oil in biofuels really save forests in tropical countries? Read more...
The EU’s Delegated Act on palm oil was obviously heavily influenced by environmental groups if not written outright by them. Click here to download the Act.
The Delegated Act ignores the real world situations of growth and development and seeks to exclude late developing countries like Malaysia and Indonesia in the EU’s “sustainable” future by naming palm oil as the sole source of emissions that should be phased out of biofuels.
Will the proposed ban on palm oil in biofuels really save forests in tropical countries? Read more...
Image credit. Tempo.co Papua has most child laborers
Papua. Sustainable development before certification
Papua. The word itself is enough to conjure up images of native peoples wearing only what nature provides while living in impossible tree top huts set in the background of dense tropical jungles. Divers would know Papua from the world famous dive sites around Raja Ampat islands.
As one of the least developed regions in Indonesia, the provinces of Papua and West Papua in Indonesia are described in romantically exotic words as this webpage did in its write up of Papua Burning Paradise.
Read more...
Papua. The word itself is enough to conjure up images of native peoples wearing only what nature provides while living in impossible tree top huts set in the background of dense tropical jungles. Divers would know Papua from the world famous dive sites around Raja Ampat islands.
As one of the least developed regions in Indonesia, the provinces of Papua and West Papua in Indonesia are described in romantically exotic words as this webpage did in its write up of Papua Burning Paradise.
Read more...
Image credit: Hariri Sadiman, MSPO certified farmer
EU Commission gives due recognition to small palm oil farmers
The small palm oil farmer in Malaysia and Indonesia may not know this yet as the global demand for vegetable oils remain depressed but the EU Commission just recognized the importance of palm oil to their livelihoods.
The long awaited decision from the EU Commission was expected to deal a death blow to palm oil use in biofuels for the EU. Demonified as many times worse than fossil fuels by European groups, the threat was real enough for palm oil producing countries Malaysia and Indonesia to counter threat with trade retaliations should the EU proceed with phasing it out. Read more...
The small palm oil farmer in Malaysia and Indonesia may not know this yet as the global demand for vegetable oils remain depressed but the EU Commission just recognized the importance of palm oil to their livelihoods.
The long awaited decision from the EU Commission was expected to deal a death blow to palm oil use in biofuels for the EU. Demonified as many times worse than fossil fuels by European groups, the threat was real enough for palm oil producing countries Malaysia and Indonesia to counter threat with trade retaliations should the EU proceed with phasing it out. Read more...
Sustainable palm oil. By what definition for Indonesia?
Indonesia signed a trade deal with EFTA countries - Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland in December 2018.
Heralded as a beachhead into the main EU market, palm oil which had been the sticky point in these negotiations looks like it will enjoy continued market access but this comes with terms and conditions.
Read more...
Indonesia signed a trade deal with EFTA countries - Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland in December 2018.
Heralded as a beachhead into the main EU market, palm oil which had been the sticky point in these negotiations looks like it will enjoy continued market access but this comes with terms and conditions.
Read more...
WHO report on palm oil studies poorly informed
A World Health Organization study into research on the health impacts of palm oil has been criticized by the Malaysian palm oil industry as sensationalism.
The study, titled, “The palm oil industry and non-communicable diseases” said that industry influence on research was similar to that of the tobacco and alcohol industries.
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A World Health Organization study into research on the health impacts of palm oil has been criticized by the Malaysian palm oil industry as sensationalism.
The study, titled, “The palm oil industry and non-communicable diseases” said that industry influence on research was similar to that of the tobacco and alcohol industries.
Read more...
Malaysia needs better branding to distinguish Malaysian palm oil
The supply of deforestation free palm oil for the biofuels market in Europe is also reinforced by the existing supply of ISCC certified palm oil from Malaysia. Even this may not be enough to distinguish it due to the elusive factor in Indirect Land Use Change where the theory is that demand will drive deforestation.
This is where national commitments to not only cap palm oil expansion but to also protect existing forested areas will be the key to assure the EU that the risk of deforestation from Malaysian palm oil is low. Read more...
The supply of deforestation free palm oil for the biofuels market in Europe is also reinforced by the existing supply of ISCC certified palm oil from Malaysia. Even this may not be enough to distinguish it due to the elusive factor in Indirect Land Use Change where the theory is that demand will drive deforestation.
This is where national commitments to not only cap palm oil expansion but to also protect existing forested areas will be the key to assure the EU that the risk of deforestation from Malaysian palm oil is low. Read more...
Image credit. Phys.org Norway boosts quota to revive whaling
Norway as a champion of conservation? Not
Norway wants to save tropical rainforests by heavily restricting the use of palm oil in biofuels. Celebrated widely on social media as a grand statement on the fight against climate change, Norway’s position is that tropical forests in other countries are needed to keep global temperature rise. Its nit picking on palm oil can only be described as a clever distraction from the real cause of climate change. This being fossil fuels which makes up over 50% of Norway’s exports.
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Norway wants to save tropical rainforests by heavily restricting the use of palm oil in biofuels. Celebrated widely on social media as a grand statement on the fight against climate change, Norway’s position is that tropical forests in other countries are needed to keep global temperature rise. Its nit picking on palm oil can only be described as a clever distraction from the real cause of climate change. This being fossil fuels which makes up over 50% of Norway’s exports.
Read more...
Will new standards on sustainable palm oil create an elite product?
One of the better known certification bodies for sustainability in palm oil, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil or RSPO as its popularly known, has approved a new set of standards for its members. Reaction to this news has been positive as headlines of “sweeping changes” and “transformative standards” have been used to share the news.
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One of the better known certification bodies for sustainability in palm oil, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil or RSPO as its popularly known, has approved a new set of standards for its members. Reaction to this news has been positive as headlines of “sweeping changes” and “transformative standards” have been used to share the news.
Read more...
Trade agreements may see the end of palm oil debates
The current trade relations between the EU and the three Southeast Asian palm oil producing countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand shows EU goods exports to the three countries amounted to EUR 39.5 billion in 2017 and supported at least 354,000 jobs in the EU. Unlike the wonky science of ILUC, these are hard facts and real European jobs that the EU must be prepared to lose if it insists on picking on palm oil.
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The current trade relations between the EU and the three Southeast Asian palm oil producing countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand shows EU goods exports to the three countries amounted to EUR 39.5 billion in 2017 and supported at least 354,000 jobs in the EU. Unlike the wonky science of ILUC, these are hard facts and real European jobs that the EU must be prepared to lose if it insists on picking on palm oil.
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Making sense of growing energy needs
It has been slightly over a week since the IPCC report on climate change was published. As expected, the news coverage came fast and furious with alarm calls that reducing emissions and saving tropical forests are key solutions to fighting climate change.
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It has been slightly over a week since the IPCC report on climate change was published. As expected, the news coverage came fast and furious with alarm calls that reducing emissions and saving tropical forests are key solutions to fighting climate change.
Read more...
Palm oil. Malaysia makes its case to the EU
A panel of experts from the EU is visiting Malaysia this week to get a firsthand look at the country’s palm oil industry. Key to the discussions will be the sustainability of Malaysian palm oil for the EU market, in particular for biofuels. Industry blogs have openly questioned whether this visit is a true fact finding mission or a token gesture.
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A panel of experts from the EU is visiting Malaysia this week to get a firsthand look at the country’s palm oil industry. Key to the discussions will be the sustainability of Malaysian palm oil for the EU market, in particular for biofuels. Industry blogs have openly questioned whether this visit is a true fact finding mission or a token gesture.
Read more...
Beyond certified palm oil. Conservation challenges in Malaysia
Malaysia has a problem with the public image of its palm oil and wants to change that with a countrywide certification to show that it is sustainable. As a global biodiversity hotspot working an industry that is commonly associated with biodiversity loss, will its certification of palm oil be an effective measure for conservation?
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Malaysia has a problem with the public image of its palm oil and wants to change that with a countrywide certification to show that it is sustainable. As a global biodiversity hotspot working an industry that is commonly associated with biodiversity loss, will its certification of palm oil be an effective measure for conservation?
Read more...
Smallholders. The neglected stakeholder in sustainable palm oil
Smallholders are by virtue of who they are and what they do, one of the most important stakeholders in sustainability.
They are a vital part of a sustainable future as they feed not only themselves but people in cities and the global village.
In the palm oil industry, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil estimates some...
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Smallholders are by virtue of who they are and what they do, one of the most important stakeholders in sustainability.
They are a vital part of a sustainable future as they feed not only themselves but people in cities and the global village.
In the palm oil industry, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil estimates some...
Read more...
Certified palm oil the only way forward for Malaysia
The 2018 conference for sustainable palm oil was held this month in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Organized by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, the prevailing topic was on the pending ban on palm oil for biofuels by the EU. Invited speakers included a wide range of stakeholders including Greenpeace, CIFOR, ISCC, FAO and industry representatives as well as local non-profits.
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The 2018 conference for sustainable palm oil was held this month in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Organized by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, the prevailing topic was on the pending ban on palm oil for biofuels by the EU. Invited speakers included a wide range of stakeholders including Greenpeace, CIFOR, ISCC, FAO and industry representatives as well as local non-profits.
Read more...
Palm oil in Sri Lanka. Self sufficiency in sustainable economies
Palm oil. As countries from South Asia to Africa look to sustain growing populations and their economies, environmentalists in Sri Lanka are warning that the palm oil industry will hurt traditional cash crops of tea and rubber. The debates for and against palm oil is on going and Plantations Minister Navin Dissanayake has called for evidence to support what he called an emotion based attitude.
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Palm oil. As countries from South Asia to Africa look to sustain growing populations and their economies, environmentalists in Sri Lanka are warning that the palm oil industry will hurt traditional cash crops of tea and rubber. The debates for and against palm oil is on going and Plantations Minister Navin Dissanayake has called for evidence to support what he called an emotion based attitude.
Read more...
Feronia setting the standard for sustainable palm oil in Africa
Multiple reports have been issued on the threat of “palm oil to primates” in Africa. The most recent one warns that “few areas reconcile high yields and primate protection.” The report has been shared widely but while it’s true that palm oil development in Africa will lead to the loss of some forests, the key question should be if monkeys and apes will fare better if palm oil was not developed at all. The desk top study did conclude that there was over 3 million hectares that could be developed impact with minimal impact. This point seems to have been lost amidst pop media’s rush to get the news out about palm oil’s latest threat to primates.
Read more....
Multiple reports have been issued on the threat of “palm oil to primates” in Africa. The most recent one warns that “few areas reconcile high yields and primate protection.” The report has been shared widely but while it’s true that palm oil development in Africa will lead to the loss of some forests, the key question should be if monkeys and apes will fare better if palm oil was not developed at all. The desk top study did conclude that there was over 3 million hectares that could be developed impact with minimal impact. This point seems to have been lost amidst pop media’s rush to get the news out about palm oil’s latest threat to primates.
Read more....
Labor Challenges in the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is home to impressive skyscrapers the most famous of which has to be the Petronas Towers. Along with the gleaming towers of glass and steel are endless cranes that seem to be competing to see who can reach higher. As one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a magnet for migrant workers from its neighboring countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal.
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Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is home to impressive skyscrapers the most famous of which has to be the Petronas Towers. Along with the gleaming towers of glass and steel are endless cranes that seem to be competing to see who can reach higher. As one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a magnet for migrant workers from its neighboring countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Read more...
Moratorium on palm oil as landscape approach in Sarawak takes final shape
The sustainable use of land and resources in the Malaysian state of Sarawak is taking final shape under the state’s Land Use Policy.
Central to the Land Use Policy is the establishment of six million hectares under Permanent Forest Estates, 2.7 million hectares under the Heart of Borneo area in Sarawak and one million hectares of Totally Protected Forests.
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The sustainable use of land and resources in the Malaysian state of Sarawak is taking final shape under the state’s Land Use Policy.
Central to the Land Use Policy is the establishment of six million hectares under Permanent Forest Estates, 2.7 million hectares under the Heart of Borneo area in Sarawak and one million hectares of Totally Protected Forests.
Read more...
Nestle’s position on palm oil shows corporate ethics needed beyond “certificates”
What just happened? The RSPO suspended Nestle in late June for “failure to pay its membership dues of $2350 and submit progress reports.” ACOP stands for Annual Communications of Progress and is a fairly simple document to create. Nestle’s suspension is one of the shortest ones in the RSPO’s history as it has been reinstated as of July 16 2018. Read more...
What just happened? The RSPO suspended Nestle in late June for “failure to pay its membership dues of $2350 and submit progress reports.” ACOP stands for Annual Communications of Progress and is a fairly simple document to create. Nestle’s suspension is one of the shortest ones in the RSPO’s history as it has been reinstated as of July 16 2018. Read more...
ILUC. The great excuse to keep fossil fuels
Earth is on fire. The consequence of global development run amok powered by the unbridled use of fossil fuels is being felt worldwide as wild fires burn out of control. The images and news stories are horrific but if the climate scientists are correct with their long term predictions, what is happening in 2018 is merely a taste of what is to come. Read more...
Earth is on fire. The consequence of global development run amok powered by the unbridled use of fossil fuels is being felt worldwide as wild fires burn out of control. The images and news stories are horrific but if the climate scientists are correct with their long term predictions, what is happening in 2018 is merely a taste of what is to come. Read more...
IUCN analysis of palm oil a good guide for certification schemes
The IUCN has released a new analysis on palm oil and its sustainability factors. The analysis which was compiled by the newly formed IUCN Oil Palm Task Force stated its objectives for the analysis as:
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The IUCN has released a new analysis on palm oil and its sustainability factors. The analysis which was compiled by the newly formed IUCN Oil Palm Task Force stated its objectives for the analysis as:
Read more
Malaysian Palm Oil Industry Positive on EU RED Decision
The Malaysian palm oil industry welcomed the EU decision to continue the use of palm oil as biofuel in the EU. In a press release received by CSPO Watch on June 19, 2018, the industry declared:
“This is a strong victory for Malaysia since from the very beginning we challenged the proposed ban by presenting evidence and various documents that demonstrated Malaysian palm oil industry was:
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The Malaysian palm oil industry welcomed the EU decision to continue the use of palm oil as biofuel in the EU. In a press release received by CSPO Watch on June 19, 2018, the industry declared:
“This is a strong victory for Malaysia since from the very beginning we challenged the proposed ban by presenting evidence and various documents that demonstrated Malaysian palm oil industry was:
Read more....
Palm Oil Biofuels Gets a Break from EU RED
The palm oil biofuels industry has been given a break by the EU Parliament. Whether it came from the lobbying of biofuel producers in the EU or the threat of another trade war with palm oil producing countries of Indonesia and Malaysia, the key fact remains that the earlier proposed ban of palm oil as a biofuel feedstock for 2020, has now been pushed back to 2030. Read more...
The palm oil biofuels industry has been given a break by the EU Parliament. Whether it came from the lobbying of biofuel producers in the EU or the threat of another trade war with palm oil producing countries of Indonesia and Malaysia, the key fact remains that the earlier proposed ban of palm oil as a biofuel feedstock for 2020, has now been pushed back to 2030. Read more...
Palm oil biodiesel clears the air over European cities
Europeans can breathe easier in 2018 thanks to the increased use of palm oil biofuels in 2017. Reports from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) indicate a healthy rebound of palm oil imports to Netherlands which is the biggest importer of palm oil in the EU. The good news for Europeans is that approximately a third of palm oil imports into the EU is used for biofuels. This volume is projected to increase in the coming years as the demand and supply for biofuels corrects itself after the WTO ruled against the EU’s anti dumping measures on Indonesian biodiesel.
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Europeans can breathe easier in 2018 thanks to the increased use of palm oil biofuels in 2017. Reports from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) indicate a healthy rebound of palm oil imports to Netherlands which is the biggest importer of palm oil in the EU. The good news for Europeans is that approximately a third of palm oil imports into the EU is used for biofuels. This volume is projected to increase in the coming years as the demand and supply for biofuels corrects itself after the WTO ruled against the EU’s anti dumping measures on Indonesian biodiesel.
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No Deforestation Claims Losing Branding Value
It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the palm oil industry that the paper commitments to remove deforestation from supply streams is failing.
A new study on these commitments by the Imperial College of London identified the key challenges to putting the no deforestation words into action. Highlights of the study which can be accessed here are: Read more....
It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the palm oil industry that the paper commitments to remove deforestation from supply streams is failing.
A new study on these commitments by the Imperial College of London identified the key challenges to putting the no deforestation words into action. Highlights of the study which can be accessed here are: Read more....
French Farmers Protest Palm Oil but there is a different story behind the scenes!
French farmers who grow oilseed crops including sunflower and rapeseed are calling for nationwide protests at oil refineries over the approval of using palm oil at Total Energy’s refinery at La Mede. What may have inspired this action is the worry on the part of French farmers over the “influx of cheaper agricultural products” Read more...
French farmers who grow oilseed crops including sunflower and rapeseed are calling for nationwide protests at oil refineries over the approval of using palm oil at Total Energy’s refinery at La Mede. What may have inspired this action is the worry on the part of French farmers over the “influx of cheaper agricultural products” Read more...
Political change creates positive outlook on certified palm oil in Sabah
The recent Malaysian elections have the potential to create a positive impact on the certification of sustainable palm oil in Malaysia.
It is not clear at this moment whether Sabah state, under the new government will continue with jurisdictional certification by 2025 under RSPO or move forward with MSPO but a few facts should be pointed out.
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The recent Malaysian elections have the potential to create a positive impact on the certification of sustainable palm oil in Malaysia.
It is not clear at this moment whether Sabah state, under the new government will continue with jurisdictional certification by 2025 under RSPO or move forward with MSPO but a few facts should be pointed out.
Read more...
Certifying Sustainability in a Global Context
Sustainability is a slippery chameleon which defies capture and changes colors to match its environment. The refugee may ask if it could have brought peace to their homelands. The low income earner shopping in a dollar store in north America may well ask if it’s on sale. The farmer in Southeast Asia may ask if it means their children will not suffer the fate as they have. These are the people who must be included in defining sustainability because they have the greatest impact on what happens to the limited natural resources available globally. Read more...
Sustainability is a slippery chameleon which defies capture and changes colors to match its environment. The refugee may ask if it could have brought peace to their homelands. The low income earner shopping in a dollar store in north America may well ask if it’s on sale. The farmer in Southeast Asia may ask if it means their children will not suffer the fate as they have. These are the people who must be included in defining sustainability because they have the greatest impact on what happens to the limited natural resources available globally. Read more...
Papua. NDPE commitments could create exclusive certification
A battle over the forests of Papua is boiling over with foreign groups on one side pitched against the governments of Merauke and Boven Digoel districts in Indonesia’s poorest province, Papua.
There is no shortage of news on the “destruction” of Papua’s forests as foreign groups call it or “development” as the local governments call it.
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A battle over the forests of Papua is boiling over with foreign groups on one side pitched against the governments of Merauke and Boven Digoel districts in Indonesia’s poorest province, Papua.
There is no shortage of news on the “destruction” of Papua’s forests as foreign groups call it or “development” as the local governments call it.
Read more...
Are the orangutans going extinct?
Latest studies show that they are not going extinct. If we are to believe what the studies or media reports tell us, the population of orangutans, a great ape found only in the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, are actually increasing.
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Latest studies show that they are not going extinct. If we are to believe what the studies or media reports tell us, the population of orangutans, a great ape found only in the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, are actually increasing.
Read more...
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Malaysian palm oil to debunk misperceptions
Iceland Supermarket based in Deeside, UK may have opened up the proverbial can of worms when it announced that it would ban the use of palm oil in store brand products. Citing a concern for rainforests and orangutans, Iceland’s press release on the matter stated: “Iceland has made this ethical decision to remove palm oil in order to demonstrate to the food industry that it is possible to reduce the demand for palm oil whilst seeking solutions that do not destroy the world’s rainforest.”...Read more |
Image by Adcro: Wikimedia commons
Iceland Supermarket ban on palm oil an uninformed choice or marketing savvy?
UK supermarket, Iceland, created a buzz today when it announced that it would phase out the use of palm oil in its store-brand products. This move follows the company’s trend to remove controversial materials from its products like plastics. This is similar to its announcement on plastics where Iceland supermarket pledged to:...Read more
UK supermarket, Iceland, created a buzz today when it announced that it would phase out the use of palm oil in its store-brand products. This move follows the company’s trend to remove controversial materials from its products like plastics. This is similar to its announcement on plastics where Iceland supermarket pledged to:...Read more
Palm oil vs soy in Easter chocolates
Chocolate season otherwise known as Easter is over. As the Easter themed packages go on sale, questions about the sustainability of the palm oil used in them remain. Greenpeace reported last month that “global brands are divided over transparency efforts to tackle deforestation for palm oil.” Did the companies which refused to reveal their supply sources of palm oil have something to hide?
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Chocolate season otherwise known as Easter is over. As the Easter themed packages go on sale, questions about the sustainability of the palm oil used in them remain. Greenpeace reported last month that “global brands are divided over transparency efforts to tackle deforestation for palm oil.” Did the companies which refused to reveal their supply sources of palm oil have something to hide?
Read more...
Palm oil report on Colombia
Driving along a dusty road in Santa Marta with its sprawling fields of banana and palm oil plantations in sweltering tropical heat felt like driving through any agricultural landscape in Southeast Asia. The chatter on land grabs, displaced indigenous communities and forest clearing made it even more so but this is south America. Can Latin America do palm oil right?
Colombia certainly looks like it can. Read more...
Driving along a dusty road in Santa Marta with its sprawling fields of banana and palm oil plantations in sweltering tropical heat felt like driving through any agricultural landscape in Southeast Asia. The chatter on land grabs, displaced indigenous communities and forest clearing made it even more so but this is south America. Can Latin America do palm oil right?
Colombia certainly looks like it can. Read more...
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Palm oil report on Ecuador
The government of Ecuador has visions of becoming a global supplier of sustainable foods. As a major exporter of meat and plant products including cocoa and bananas, palm oil is currently a minor export commodity but there are plans to increase palm oil production. In a recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Ruben Flores and foreign journalists from Food Navigator, Food Processor and CSPO Watch, the Minister unveiled a new five year plan for developing the country’s agriculture sustainably with a focus on palm oil. Read more... |
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Looking Forward to 2020 For Forest Friendly Products2018 promises to be an exciting year as we begin the last leg of the journey towards 2020. This is the date which so many industries have used as a starting point for a sustainable future for us all. -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Is the Indonesian Palm Oil Industry Turning the Corner?BREAKING NEWS indeed as (Indonesian) Palm oil producers pledge to promote sustainability at UN Forum and the government seeks UNDP support for ISPO palm oil standard.
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Greenpeace calls upon the Indonesian Government to Get Serious About Saving OrangutansThe Indonesian “Orangutan Conservation Strategy and Action Plan” was launched in 2007 as a ten year program to ensure the survival of orangutans in Indonesia
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