Palm Oil News. May 2023
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May 31, 2023
Indonesia rejects palm oil discrimination in EUDR before EU NGOs
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Government, through Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto, voiced rejection to the European Union (EU) over palm oil discrimination through EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) while meeting with Non-Governmental Organizations' (NGOs') and Civil Society Organizations' (CSOs') representatives.
"Implementation of the EUDR will clearly hurt and harm plantation and forestry commodities that are so important to us, such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, wood products, and palm oil," Hartarto noted in Brussels, Belgium, according to an official statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday.
According to Hartarto, the EUDR policy undermined all of Indonesia's commitments to solving problems related to climate change issues to protecting biodiversity in accordance with multilateral agreements and conventions, such as the Paris Agreement.
“CPOPC (Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries) members have strictly implemented various policies in the field of forest conservation. Even the level of deforestation in Indonesia fell by 75 percent in the 2019-2020 period. Indonesia has also succeeded in reducing the area affected by forest fires to 91.84 percent," Hartarto noted. Antara News
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EU open to addressing concerns over deforestation regulation, says Fadillah
Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof says the European Union understands the difficulties faced by palm oil producers Malaysia and Indonesia.
PETALING JAYA: The European Union is willing to work with the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) to address its concerns over the EU’s deforestation regulation, says deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the five EU leaders he met in Brussels yesterday took a serious view of the council’s concerns, including the impact of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on smallholders in Malaysia and Indonesia, Bernama reported.
“I am generally satisfied, especially because the majority of EU leaders we met today agreed with our views,” he said in a statement after the meeting. Free Malaysia Today
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EUDR: POSITIVE REACTION FROM LEADERS OF EU COMMISSION ON MALAYSIA, INDONESIA VISITS
BRUSSELS, May 31 (Bernama) -- There has been positive reaction from the various leaders of the European Union (EU) Commission and Parliament that had meetings with Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
“Constructive discussion with #Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and #Indonesia's Minister Airlangga Hartarto on bilateral matters, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).”
“Confirming our shared objective of fighting climate change and deforestation,” EU foreign affairs and security policy high representative Josep Borrell-Fontelles wrote on his micro-blogging site, Twitter on Wednesday.
Fadillah, who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister, is currently in Brussels, Belgium to represent Malaysia in a joint mission with Indonesia in response to the implementation of the EUDR announced by the EU on Dec 6, 2022, which is aimed at preventing deforestation due to agricultural activities.
“Very good meeting with Deputy Prime Minister (Fadillah) Yusof and Coordinating Minister (Airlangga) Hartarto.”
“We strongly agree on the need for climate and environmental action and will operationalise partner talks on the implementation of the EU's anti-#deforestation law in Malaysia and Indonesia,” executive vice-president of European green deal and commissioner for climate action policy, Frans Timmermans twitted.
Commissioner for the environment, oceans and fisheries and member of European Parliament, Virginijus Sinkevičius said he was very pleased with Fadillah as well as Airlangga.
He said his discussions with both policymakers were surrounding the implementation of the EU law on deforestation, a key tool to tackle it and promote sustainable supply chains.
Earlier, Fadillah mentioned that the EU representatives will be coming to Indonesia and Malaysia to engage with the stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Committee on International Trade (INTA) chair Bernd Lange has expressed the committee’s support for Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Ready to support our partner countries!”
“Getting ready for my upcoming trip to Indonesia, had a great exchange with Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs @airlangga_hrt (Airlangga Hartarto) and Malaysia's Vice PM Fadillah Yusof to find joint answers to environmental challenges.”
He tweeted with the hashtag #collaboration. Bernama
Indonesia rejects palm oil discrimination in EUDR before EU NGOs
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Government, through Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto, voiced rejection to the European Union (EU) over palm oil discrimination through EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) while meeting with Non-Governmental Organizations' (NGOs') and Civil Society Organizations' (CSOs') representatives.
"Implementation of the EUDR will clearly hurt and harm plantation and forestry commodities that are so important to us, such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, wood products, and palm oil," Hartarto noted in Brussels, Belgium, according to an official statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday.
According to Hartarto, the EUDR policy undermined all of Indonesia's commitments to solving problems related to climate change issues to protecting biodiversity in accordance with multilateral agreements and conventions, such as the Paris Agreement.
“CPOPC (Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries) members have strictly implemented various policies in the field of forest conservation. Even the level of deforestation in Indonesia fell by 75 percent in the 2019-2020 period. Indonesia has also succeeded in reducing the area affected by forest fires to 91.84 percent," Hartarto noted. Antara News
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EU open to addressing concerns over deforestation regulation, says Fadillah
Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof says the European Union understands the difficulties faced by palm oil producers Malaysia and Indonesia.
PETALING JAYA: The European Union is willing to work with the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) to address its concerns over the EU’s deforestation regulation, says deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the five EU leaders he met in Brussels yesterday took a serious view of the council’s concerns, including the impact of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on smallholders in Malaysia and Indonesia, Bernama reported.
“I am generally satisfied, especially because the majority of EU leaders we met today agreed with our views,” he said in a statement after the meeting. Free Malaysia Today
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EUDR: POSITIVE REACTION FROM LEADERS OF EU COMMISSION ON MALAYSIA, INDONESIA VISITS
BRUSSELS, May 31 (Bernama) -- There has been positive reaction from the various leaders of the European Union (EU) Commission and Parliament that had meetings with Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
“Constructive discussion with #Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and #Indonesia's Minister Airlangga Hartarto on bilateral matters, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).”
“Confirming our shared objective of fighting climate change and deforestation,” EU foreign affairs and security policy high representative Josep Borrell-Fontelles wrote on his micro-blogging site, Twitter on Wednesday.
Fadillah, who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister, is currently in Brussels, Belgium to represent Malaysia in a joint mission with Indonesia in response to the implementation of the EUDR announced by the EU on Dec 6, 2022, which is aimed at preventing deforestation due to agricultural activities.
“Very good meeting with Deputy Prime Minister (Fadillah) Yusof and Coordinating Minister (Airlangga) Hartarto.”
“We strongly agree on the need for climate and environmental action and will operationalise partner talks on the implementation of the EU's anti-#deforestation law in Malaysia and Indonesia,” executive vice-president of European green deal and commissioner for climate action policy, Frans Timmermans twitted.
Commissioner for the environment, oceans and fisheries and member of European Parliament, Virginijus Sinkevičius said he was very pleased with Fadillah as well as Airlangga.
He said his discussions with both policymakers were surrounding the implementation of the EU law on deforestation, a key tool to tackle it and promote sustainable supply chains.
Earlier, Fadillah mentioned that the EU representatives will be coming to Indonesia and Malaysia to engage with the stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Committee on International Trade (INTA) chair Bernd Lange has expressed the committee’s support for Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Ready to support our partner countries!”
“Getting ready for my upcoming trip to Indonesia, had a great exchange with Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs @airlangga_hrt (Airlangga Hartarto) and Malaysia's Vice PM Fadillah Yusof to find joint answers to environmental challenges.”
He tweeted with the hashtag #collaboration. Bernama
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May 30, 2023
Malaysia, Indonesia call EU's anti-deforestation rules discriminatory | Video
Malaysian and Indonesian leaders said the European Union's new anti-deforestation law, scheduled to come into force in less than two years, is discriminatory especially against their palm oil exports. They are in Brussels this week to voice their concerns. Melissa Goh with more. CNA
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Malaysia to fight discriminatory trade practices against agricommodity sector
BRUSSELS: The government will fight against any discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia's agricommodity sector, says Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
As a producing and trading country, Malaysia is deeply concerned over the implementation of the law and the implications not only for palm oil but also its other main commodities such as timber, cocoa, and rubber, said Fadillah, who is on a Malaysia-Indonesia joint trade mission to the European Union (EU) to defend the palm oil industry following the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
"Some aspects of the risk-assessment process of the regulation are counter-productive to commitments to curb global deforestation and run the risk of disincentivising producing countries," he said at the luncheon with the Malaysian diaspora here today. New Straits Times
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Malaysia-We’ll fight new EU legislation on commodities, says Fadillah
BRUSSELS: The government will fight any discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia’s commodities sector, says deputy prime minister and plantation and commodities minister Fadillah Yusof.
As a producing and trading country, Malaysia is deeply concerned over the EU’s implementation of its deforestation regulation (EUDR) law and the implications it has on palm oil, timber, cocoa and rubber, Fadillah said. Free Malaysia Today
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Malaysia-Putrajaya to fight discrimination against agricommodity sector
THE government will fight against discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia’s agricommodity sector, says Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Fadillah Yusof.
As a producing and trading country, Malaysia is deeply concerned about laws against not only its palm oil, but also other main commodities such as timber, cocoa, and rubber, said Fadillah, who is on a Malaysia-Indonesia joint trade mission to the European Union (EU) to defend the palm oil industry following the activation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“Some aspects of the risk assessment process of the regulation are counter-productive to commitments to curb global deforestation, and run the risk of disincentivising producing countries,” he said at the luncheon with Malaysian diaspora in Brussels today. The Malaysian Insight
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Malaysia-Fadillah confident meeting on EUDR will be fruitful
BRUSSELS: Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, expressed his confidence that the meeting here on the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will be fruitful amid the higher level of engagement.
He noted that all this while, engagements had been at officers' level."Now the commitment is from ministry level. Not only ministry. I am coming to represent the Malaysian government, not only as the Plantation and Commodities Minister but also as Deputy Prime Minister," he told the Malaysian media at a press conference here, today. New Straits Times
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Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Assn., (DOPPA) signs MoU with DIBIZ to Enable Smallholder inclusion for EUDR compliance
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, May 30, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- The Palm Oil Industry's First-of-its-Kind Blockchain Platform & B2B Marketplace - DIBIZ and the SARAWAK DAYAK OIL PALM PLANTERS ASSOCIATION (DOPPA) -Malaysia sign an MOU through which 48,000 Dayak smallholders will have Free access to DIBIZ Apps.
DIBIZ's Blockchain-powered platform enables all supply chain stakeholders to embrace sustainability while minimizing costs and democratizing the value of sustainability premiums, including for smallholders.
Currently, many smallholders are excluded from organized supply chains due to a lack of digital workflows to track Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB). However, with the substantial and projected growth in demand for Sustainable Palm Oil, it is crucial to include smallholders in the supply chain and provide transparent visibility of their contributions to end buyers.
DIBIZ offers a comprehensive solution to address the various challenges faced by smallholders by simplifying their inclusion through a user-friendly mobile application that is available for free on both Android and iOS devices. EINNEWS
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Sarawak’s Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA) signs MoU with Dibiz Global For Transparent Supply Chain
DOPPA signs Memorandum of Agreement with Dibiz Global as a proactive measure to meet European Union Deforestation Regulations
Indigenous Dayak oil palm smallholders represent a stakeholder in sustainable palm oil that is unmatchable. Our license, issued by the MPOB, is evidence that it is legal and deforestation-free”— Napolean NingkosMIRI, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA, May 30, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- The Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Dibiz Global as a proactive measure to meet European Union Deforestation Regulations.
According to the President of DOPPA, Napolean Ningkos, indigenous Dayak oil palm farmers in Sarawak state represent a vital source of palm oil fruits to the Malaysian palm oil industry.
“The EU Deforestation Regulations and its enforcement measure in Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence are double threats to the livelihoods of indigenous Dayak oil palm smallholders.
Indigenous Dayak farmers have been a major contributor to the export of Malaysian agricultural products even before independence. Our forefathers worked rubber and oil palm farms to produce what the Europeans needed and there was no problems. Now, under the pretext of stopping deforestation, the European Union wants to restrict imports of rubber and palm oil under conditions which the average Dayak farmer cannot meet.
This is why we perceive the EUDR as a protectionist move for the European rapeseed industry which is not bound by any regulations to show that their industry is sustainable.” EINNEWS
Malaysia, Indonesia call EU's anti-deforestation rules discriminatory | Video
Malaysian and Indonesian leaders said the European Union's new anti-deforestation law, scheduled to come into force in less than two years, is discriminatory especially against their palm oil exports. They are in Brussels this week to voice their concerns. Melissa Goh with more. CNA
---------
Malaysia to fight discriminatory trade practices against agricommodity sector
BRUSSELS: The government will fight against any discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia's agricommodity sector, says Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
As a producing and trading country, Malaysia is deeply concerned over the implementation of the law and the implications not only for palm oil but also its other main commodities such as timber, cocoa, and rubber, said Fadillah, who is on a Malaysia-Indonesia joint trade mission to the European Union (EU) to defend the palm oil industry following the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
"Some aspects of the risk-assessment process of the regulation are counter-productive to commitments to curb global deforestation and run the risk of disincentivising producing countries," he said at the luncheon with the Malaysian diaspora here today. New Straits Times
---------
Malaysia-We’ll fight new EU legislation on commodities, says Fadillah
BRUSSELS: The government will fight any discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia’s commodities sector, says deputy prime minister and plantation and commodities minister Fadillah Yusof.
As a producing and trading country, Malaysia is deeply concerned over the EU’s implementation of its deforestation regulation (EUDR) law and the implications it has on palm oil, timber, cocoa and rubber, Fadillah said. Free Malaysia Today
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Malaysia-Putrajaya to fight discrimination against agricommodity sector
THE government will fight against discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia’s agricommodity sector, says Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Fadillah Yusof.
As a producing and trading country, Malaysia is deeply concerned about laws against not only its palm oil, but also other main commodities such as timber, cocoa, and rubber, said Fadillah, who is on a Malaysia-Indonesia joint trade mission to the European Union (EU) to defend the palm oil industry following the activation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“Some aspects of the risk assessment process of the regulation are counter-productive to commitments to curb global deforestation, and run the risk of disincentivising producing countries,” he said at the luncheon with Malaysian diaspora in Brussels today. The Malaysian Insight
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Malaysia-Fadillah confident meeting on EUDR will be fruitful
BRUSSELS: Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, expressed his confidence that the meeting here on the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will be fruitful amid the higher level of engagement.
He noted that all this while, engagements had been at officers' level."Now the commitment is from ministry level. Not only ministry. I am coming to represent the Malaysian government, not only as the Plantation and Commodities Minister but also as Deputy Prime Minister," he told the Malaysian media at a press conference here, today. New Straits Times
---------
Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Assn., (DOPPA) signs MoU with DIBIZ to Enable Smallholder inclusion for EUDR compliance
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, May 30, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- The Palm Oil Industry's First-of-its-Kind Blockchain Platform & B2B Marketplace - DIBIZ and the SARAWAK DAYAK OIL PALM PLANTERS ASSOCIATION (DOPPA) -Malaysia sign an MOU through which 48,000 Dayak smallholders will have Free access to DIBIZ Apps.
DIBIZ's Blockchain-powered platform enables all supply chain stakeholders to embrace sustainability while minimizing costs and democratizing the value of sustainability premiums, including for smallholders.
Currently, many smallholders are excluded from organized supply chains due to a lack of digital workflows to track Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB). However, with the substantial and projected growth in demand for Sustainable Palm Oil, it is crucial to include smallholders in the supply chain and provide transparent visibility of their contributions to end buyers.
DIBIZ offers a comprehensive solution to address the various challenges faced by smallholders by simplifying their inclusion through a user-friendly mobile application that is available for free on both Android and iOS devices. EINNEWS
---------
Sarawak’s Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA) signs MoU with Dibiz Global For Transparent Supply Chain
DOPPA signs Memorandum of Agreement with Dibiz Global as a proactive measure to meet European Union Deforestation Regulations
Indigenous Dayak oil palm smallholders represent a stakeholder in sustainable palm oil that is unmatchable. Our license, issued by the MPOB, is evidence that it is legal and deforestation-free”— Napolean NingkosMIRI, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA, May 30, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- The Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Dibiz Global as a proactive measure to meet European Union Deforestation Regulations.
According to the President of DOPPA, Napolean Ningkos, indigenous Dayak oil palm farmers in Sarawak state represent a vital source of palm oil fruits to the Malaysian palm oil industry.
“The EU Deforestation Regulations and its enforcement measure in Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence are double threats to the livelihoods of indigenous Dayak oil palm smallholders.
Indigenous Dayak farmers have been a major contributor to the export of Malaysian agricultural products even before independence. Our forefathers worked rubber and oil palm farms to produce what the Europeans needed and there was no problems. Now, under the pretext of stopping deforestation, the European Union wants to restrict imports of rubber and palm oil under conditions which the average Dayak farmer cannot meet.
This is why we perceive the EUDR as a protectionist move for the European rapeseed industry which is not bound by any regulations to show that their industry is sustainable.” EINNEWS
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May 29, 2023
Malaysia's DPM Fadillah arrives in Brussels for official visit
BRUSSELS: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof arrived in Brussels, Belgium, at 5.30 am Malaysia time for his official visit and trade mission to the European Union (EU).
Joining him in his first visit to Europe since taking office are Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) chairman Mohamed Helmy Othman Basha, Malaysian Palm Oil Council chairman Datuk Carl Bek-Nielsen, as well as Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Town Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The mission to the EU is a joint mission with the Government of Indonesia under the Council of Palm Producing Countries (CPOPC).
On Feb 9, 2023, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Plantation and Commodities and Dr (HC) Ir Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, mutually agreed to protect the interests of the palm oil sector by strengthening efforts in dealing with the discrimination against palm oil.
This is in response to the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), announced by the EU on Dec 6, 2022, which aims to prevent deforestation due to agricultural activities.
During the mission in Brussels, Belgium, both Ministers are expected to hold various meetings and engagement sessions with the EU's top leader to explain the Council of Palm Producing Countries (CPOPC) member countries' stand on the implementation of the EUDR, which not only targeted the palm oil industry but also affected the livelihood of millions of smallholders. New Straits Times
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Malaysian investors invited to invest in PNG
Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, made this known to Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Liew Chin Tong, at the margins of the APEC Trade Ministers Meeting in Detroit, in the United States.
Maru also invited Malaysian investors, especially those that have experience in global forestry product market, to come and invest in this sector.
“The agriculture and manufacturing industries in PNG have grasped the interest of the Malaysian investors and further extended the invitation to Malaysian investors to invest in PNG’s proposed SEZ sites,” Maru said.
Meanwhile, Minister Maru will visit Malaysia straight after the APEC meetings to meet with his counterpart Minister and potential investors who are interested in investing in coconut, palm oil, cattle, and manufacturing sector in PNG.
Plans have advanced to a point where Minister Maru will be in Malaysia to finalize discussions for two new coconut oil refineries to be built in Madang and Kokopo this year so PNG will for the first time, cease exporting crude coconut oil from the oil mills in Madang and in Rabaul.
“This exciting development will signal the start of the Marape Government’s efforts to downstream produce all our agriculture raw materials to final products to meet our own local demand and export to markets in other countries,” said Minister Maru. LOOP PNG
Malaysia's DPM Fadillah arrives in Brussels for official visit
BRUSSELS: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof arrived in Brussels, Belgium, at 5.30 am Malaysia time for his official visit and trade mission to the European Union (EU).
Joining him in his first visit to Europe since taking office are Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) chairman Mohamed Helmy Othman Basha, Malaysian Palm Oil Council chairman Datuk Carl Bek-Nielsen, as well as Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Town Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The mission to the EU is a joint mission with the Government of Indonesia under the Council of Palm Producing Countries (CPOPC).
On Feb 9, 2023, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Plantation and Commodities and Dr (HC) Ir Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, mutually agreed to protect the interests of the palm oil sector by strengthening efforts in dealing with the discrimination against palm oil.
This is in response to the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), announced by the EU on Dec 6, 2022, which aims to prevent deforestation due to agricultural activities.
During the mission in Brussels, Belgium, both Ministers are expected to hold various meetings and engagement sessions with the EU's top leader to explain the Council of Palm Producing Countries (CPOPC) member countries' stand on the implementation of the EUDR, which not only targeted the palm oil industry but also affected the livelihood of millions of smallholders. New Straits Times
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Malaysian investors invited to invest in PNG
Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, made this known to Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Liew Chin Tong, at the margins of the APEC Trade Ministers Meeting in Detroit, in the United States.
Maru also invited Malaysian investors, especially those that have experience in global forestry product market, to come and invest in this sector.
“The agriculture and manufacturing industries in PNG have grasped the interest of the Malaysian investors and further extended the invitation to Malaysian investors to invest in PNG’s proposed SEZ sites,” Maru said.
Meanwhile, Minister Maru will visit Malaysia straight after the APEC meetings to meet with his counterpart Minister and potential investors who are interested in investing in coconut, palm oil, cattle, and manufacturing sector in PNG.
Plans have advanced to a point where Minister Maru will be in Malaysia to finalize discussions for two new coconut oil refineries to be built in Madang and Kokopo this year so PNG will for the first time, cease exporting crude coconut oil from the oil mills in Madang and in Rabaul.
“This exciting development will signal the start of the Marape Government’s efforts to downstream produce all our agriculture raw materials to final products to meet our own local demand and export to markets in other countries,” said Minister Maru. LOOP PNG
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May 28, 2023
Malaysia, Indonesia, wants EU to recognize their work on the environment with regards to palm oil and EUDR
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia want the European Union to recognise their work on the environment and deforestation with regard to palm oil production, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) chairman Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said.
“We have done a lot in the last 10 to 15 years in the area of environment and deforestation and we want the EU to recognise this fact. We have improved a lot but we have not seen them reciprocate,” Mohamad Helmy, who is also Sime Darby Plantation group managing director, told Bernama.
“(Therefore) the message that we want to emphasise or deliver to Brussels is that we don’t want them to come out with any new laws that discriminate against our industry,” he said as he joined Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in his official eight-day visit and trade mission to the EU in Brussels, Belgium and London, the United Kingdom, starting today.
The trade mission to the EU is a joint mission with Indonesia under the Council of Palm Producing Countries (CPOPC). The Sun Daily
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Tree islands can counteract biodiversity loss in oil palm plantations
The widespread conversion of tropical forests into oil palm plantations leads to considerable losses of biodiversity and ecological functions. Currently, about 21 million hectares of palm oil plantations are cultivated worldwide, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Recently, an international team of scientists led by the University of Göttingen has found that planting islands of trees in such plantations could counteract the species loss caused by the intensive cultivation of oil palms and significantly increase biodiversity within a period of five years without reducing productivity.
“Even five years after the experiment began, the oil palms have continued to flourish. And this has been accomplished without the use of artificial fertilizer in the tree islands,” said study lead author Delphine Clara Zemp, an expert in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning at the University of Neuchâtel. “Our results show that the industry can benefit from this intervention. There is real potential to develop these methods to enrich biodiversity on a large scale.”
Between three to five years after establishing the experiment, the scientists analyzed the biodiversity of soil microorganisms, insects and other small invertebrates, plants, birds, and bats. In addition, they quantified the impacts in terms of water, nutrient cycle regulation, carbon, microclimate, soil quality, pollination, and control of biological communities and invasive species. Earth
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Nigeria-Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) has called on Government and international agencies on the need to support marginalised communities
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) has called on Government and international agencies on the need to support marginalised communities and introduce water and climate-smart farm practices to advance food security for sustainable employment, gender equality, and community development.
The YEDIS emphasized the importance of solid water management for building societal resilience against increased risks.
Speaking at the capacity Building Workshop and Empowerment of Marginalized Women and Girls in Agribusiness, at Obaagun, Osun State, the Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Olaore Rafiu Akinpelu, urged the young food farmers to pay attention to agrifood challenges and proactively manage any situation.
Akinpelu added that the United Nations’ interest in the agrifood transformation system is higher, therefore, emphasizes the promotion of agriculture in every community.
He said his NGO organized the capacity building workshop and empowerment for over 300 women and girls in palm oil and palm kernel seeds production by providing agri-entrepreneurship training for innovation. New TelegraphNG
Malaysia, Indonesia, wants EU to recognize their work on the environment with regards to palm oil and EUDR
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia want the European Union to recognise their work on the environment and deforestation with regard to palm oil production, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) chairman Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said.
“We have done a lot in the last 10 to 15 years in the area of environment and deforestation and we want the EU to recognise this fact. We have improved a lot but we have not seen them reciprocate,” Mohamad Helmy, who is also Sime Darby Plantation group managing director, told Bernama.
“(Therefore) the message that we want to emphasise or deliver to Brussels is that we don’t want them to come out with any new laws that discriminate against our industry,” he said as he joined Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in his official eight-day visit and trade mission to the EU in Brussels, Belgium and London, the United Kingdom, starting today.
The trade mission to the EU is a joint mission with Indonesia under the Council of Palm Producing Countries (CPOPC). The Sun Daily
---------
Tree islands can counteract biodiversity loss in oil palm plantations
The widespread conversion of tropical forests into oil palm plantations leads to considerable losses of biodiversity and ecological functions. Currently, about 21 million hectares of palm oil plantations are cultivated worldwide, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Recently, an international team of scientists led by the University of Göttingen has found that planting islands of trees in such plantations could counteract the species loss caused by the intensive cultivation of oil palms and significantly increase biodiversity within a period of five years without reducing productivity.
“Even five years after the experiment began, the oil palms have continued to flourish. And this has been accomplished without the use of artificial fertilizer in the tree islands,” said study lead author Delphine Clara Zemp, an expert in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning at the University of Neuchâtel. “Our results show that the industry can benefit from this intervention. There is real potential to develop these methods to enrich biodiversity on a large scale.”
Between three to five years after establishing the experiment, the scientists analyzed the biodiversity of soil microorganisms, insects and other small invertebrates, plants, birds, and bats. In addition, they quantified the impacts in terms of water, nutrient cycle regulation, carbon, microclimate, soil quality, pollination, and control of biological communities and invasive species. Earth
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Nigeria-Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) has called on Government and international agencies on the need to support marginalised communities
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) has called on Government and international agencies on the need to support marginalised communities and introduce water and climate-smart farm practices to advance food security for sustainable employment, gender equality, and community development.
The YEDIS emphasized the importance of solid water management for building societal resilience against increased risks.
Speaking at the capacity Building Workshop and Empowerment of Marginalized Women and Girls in Agribusiness, at Obaagun, Osun State, the Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Olaore Rafiu Akinpelu, urged the young food farmers to pay attention to agrifood challenges and proactively manage any situation.
Akinpelu added that the United Nations’ interest in the agrifood transformation system is higher, therefore, emphasizes the promotion of agriculture in every community.
He said his NGO organized the capacity building workshop and empowerment for over 300 women and girls in palm oil and palm kernel seeds production by providing agri-entrepreneurship training for innovation. New TelegraphNG
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May 27, 2023
Malaysia, Indonesia to send palm oil mission to EU next week
Delegation to make case for small farmers in crosshairs of deforestation rule
KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia and Indonesia are sending a "very crucial" mission to Brussels next week to argue against the European Union's new deforestation regulation, which will likely impact the Southeast Asian nations' agriculture sector.
Ministers from the countries, the world's biggest exporters of palm oil, have criticized the rule as harmful to small farmers.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was introduced last year to prevent EU sales of palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, rubber, timber and beef that was raised on land deforested after 2020. Under the new regulation, all companies involved in the trade of these products and their derivatives must adhere to strict due diligence requirements when exporting to or selling within the EU. The requirements include providing traceability and geolocation information.
EU officials earlier said the regulation would not affect palm oil produced by smallholders under Felda, Malaysia's state-run palm oil producer, given that since 1990 the company had not cleared any forests to open new plantations. Nikkei Asia
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Indonesia's anti-trust body fines cooking oil firms for restricting supply
JAKARTA, May 26 (Reuters) - Indonesia's anti-monopoly agency (KPPU) ordered seven cooking oil companies on Friday to pay fines of up to $2.8 million for restricting sales amid scarce supplies last year.
KPPU launched an investigation into the conduct of cooking oil companies last year after the Indonesian government placed a temporary cap on surging retail prices of the essential product and later a three-week export ban on palm oil.
Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil, commonly used as cooking oil.
Seven out of 27 companies investigated were found guilty of limiting distribution of their branded cooking oils while the retail price cap was in place in early 2022, said Dinni Melanie, who chaired the KPPU panel.
The seven companies include Salim Ivomas Pratama (SIMP.JK), a unit of Indonesia's largest food company Indofood Group, as well as two units of Wilmar Group.
The companies were ordered to pay fines ranging from 1 billion rupiah ($68,050.36) to 40.9 billion rupiah ($2.78 million).
Wilmar said in an e-mail to Reuters on Saturday it was disappointed with the decision and believed the facts "may have been misconstrued" by KPPU. Reuters
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Nigeria-NIFOR trains 30 extension agents on climate-smart oil palm production in Edo
The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) on Wednesday trained about 30 extension agents from Edo and Ondo States on climate-smart oil palm production guide.
The five-day pilot training organised by NIFOR in collaboration with IDH Foundation in Benin, began on Monday, May 22 and ended on Friday, May 26.
Declaring the training opened, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, said the training was part of efforts by the Federal Government to return Nigeria to its rightful place as the hub of oil palm production in Africa.
Abubakar, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Chukwuemeka Ukattah, said the training on climate-smart guide would help farmers to improve their yield in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
“The essence of the training is to take the climate-smart agricultural practices to the farmers and NIFOR has worked so hard to come up with climate-smart manual. Climate is changing and so we need to move away from our conventional way of production to climate-smart Oil Palm production. This training is to help the farmers adopt these best practices to increase productivity and limit the emissions of green house gases when producing oil Palm.” Tribune OnlineNG
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Uganda-Embrace oil palm growing, farmers told
Museveni revealed that he does not regret encouraging Islanders to embrace oil Palm Growing.
KALANGALA - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged more farmers to embrace oil palm growing as he applauded Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL) for its transformative agenda.
Addressing thousands of Oil Palm Growers under their umbrella body Kalangala Oil Palm Growers Trust (KOPGT) at Kibanda Primary School grounds on Friday, a jovial Museveni revealed that he does not regret encouraging Islanders to embrace oil Palm Growing.
"Initially when these investors came here, some doubting 'Thomas' did not believe how developmental these investors were but as time went by, their actions exonerated us and as they say, the rest is history", Museveni happily said challenging other islanders more so those from Kyamuswa County to embrace oil palm growing sooner than later.
At the same function, Museveni received a dummy cheque worth sh50b from Oil Palm Uganda Limited's General Manager-Damanik Saridin and C.E.O Africa Plantations Chin See Siong arising out of 10% of Government of Uganda's shareholding in Oil Palm Uganda Limited where the President directed that let this money be used as a revolving fund in addition to purchasing a ferry to carry farmer's produce. New VisionUG
Malaysia, Indonesia to send palm oil mission to EU next week
Delegation to make case for small farmers in crosshairs of deforestation rule
KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia and Indonesia are sending a "very crucial" mission to Brussels next week to argue against the European Union's new deforestation regulation, which will likely impact the Southeast Asian nations' agriculture sector.
Ministers from the countries, the world's biggest exporters of palm oil, have criticized the rule as harmful to small farmers.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was introduced last year to prevent EU sales of palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, rubber, timber and beef that was raised on land deforested after 2020. Under the new regulation, all companies involved in the trade of these products and their derivatives must adhere to strict due diligence requirements when exporting to or selling within the EU. The requirements include providing traceability and geolocation information.
EU officials earlier said the regulation would not affect palm oil produced by smallholders under Felda, Malaysia's state-run palm oil producer, given that since 1990 the company had not cleared any forests to open new plantations. Nikkei Asia
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Indonesia's anti-trust body fines cooking oil firms for restricting supply
JAKARTA, May 26 (Reuters) - Indonesia's anti-monopoly agency (KPPU) ordered seven cooking oil companies on Friday to pay fines of up to $2.8 million for restricting sales amid scarce supplies last year.
KPPU launched an investigation into the conduct of cooking oil companies last year after the Indonesian government placed a temporary cap on surging retail prices of the essential product and later a three-week export ban on palm oil.
Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil, commonly used as cooking oil.
Seven out of 27 companies investigated were found guilty of limiting distribution of their branded cooking oils while the retail price cap was in place in early 2022, said Dinni Melanie, who chaired the KPPU panel.
The seven companies include Salim Ivomas Pratama (SIMP.JK), a unit of Indonesia's largest food company Indofood Group, as well as two units of Wilmar Group.
The companies were ordered to pay fines ranging from 1 billion rupiah ($68,050.36) to 40.9 billion rupiah ($2.78 million).
Wilmar said in an e-mail to Reuters on Saturday it was disappointed with the decision and believed the facts "may have been misconstrued" by KPPU. Reuters
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Nigeria-NIFOR trains 30 extension agents on climate-smart oil palm production in Edo
The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) on Wednesday trained about 30 extension agents from Edo and Ondo States on climate-smart oil palm production guide.
The five-day pilot training organised by NIFOR in collaboration with IDH Foundation in Benin, began on Monday, May 22 and ended on Friday, May 26.
Declaring the training opened, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, said the training was part of efforts by the Federal Government to return Nigeria to its rightful place as the hub of oil palm production in Africa.
Abubakar, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Chukwuemeka Ukattah, said the training on climate-smart guide would help farmers to improve their yield in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
“The essence of the training is to take the climate-smart agricultural practices to the farmers and NIFOR has worked so hard to come up with climate-smart manual. Climate is changing and so we need to move away from our conventional way of production to climate-smart Oil Palm production. This training is to help the farmers adopt these best practices to increase productivity and limit the emissions of green house gases when producing oil Palm.” Tribune OnlineNG
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Uganda-Embrace oil palm growing, farmers told
Museveni revealed that he does not regret encouraging Islanders to embrace oil Palm Growing.
KALANGALA - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged more farmers to embrace oil palm growing as he applauded Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL) for its transformative agenda.
Addressing thousands of Oil Palm Growers under their umbrella body Kalangala Oil Palm Growers Trust (KOPGT) at Kibanda Primary School grounds on Friday, a jovial Museveni revealed that he does not regret encouraging Islanders to embrace oil Palm Growing.
"Initially when these investors came here, some doubting 'Thomas' did not believe how developmental these investors were but as time went by, their actions exonerated us and as they say, the rest is history", Museveni happily said challenging other islanders more so those from Kyamuswa County to embrace oil palm growing sooner than later.
At the same function, Museveni received a dummy cheque worth sh50b from Oil Palm Uganda Limited's General Manager-Damanik Saridin and C.E.O Africa Plantations Chin See Siong arising out of 10% of Government of Uganda's shareholding in Oil Palm Uganda Limited where the President directed that let this money be used as a revolving fund in addition to purchasing a ferry to carry farmer's produce. New VisionUG
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May 26, 2023
Global Biodiesel Market to Reach $49.4 Billion by 2030
In the changed post COVID-19 business landscape, the global market for Biodiesel estimated at US$33.3 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$49.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5% over the analysis period 2022-2030.
New York, May 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Biodiesel Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05817591/?utm_source=GNW
Vegetable Oils, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 5.2% CAGR and reach US$38.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Taking into account the ongoing post pandemic recovery, growth in the Animal Fats segment is readjusted to a revised 4.7% CAGR for the next 8-year period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at $5.4 Billion, While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.3% CAGR
The Biodiesel market in the U.S. is estimated at US$5.4 Billion in the year 2022. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$2.8 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.3% over the analysis period 2022 to 2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Europe and Canada, each forecast to grow at 4.3% and 4.6% respectively over the 2022-2030 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.5% CAGR. Led by countries such as India, Indonesia and Thailand, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$7 Billion by the year 2030. Globe Newswire
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The European feedstock market faces disruption as imported biodiesel contamination concerns mount
FEDIOL, the industry association representing the vegetable oil and protein meal sector, on 25th May raised concerns over the surge in imported biodiesel, highlighting its disruptive impact. Simultaneously, Mintec has learned, according to market players, that waste oil from China, labelled as Used Cooking Oil (UCO), may be contaminated with significant amounts of palm oil, undermining its green credentials.
With FEDIOL stressing the urgency of investigating the authenticity of these biodiesel imports and highlighting abnormal market behaviour, the rapeseed market has been severely affected. Over the past six months, rapeseed oil prices have plummeted significantly, reaching the lowest level since June 2022, according to Mintec's Benchmark Price for Rapeseed Oil FOB Rotterdam, which stood at €774.50/mt on 25th May. The decline in prices can be attributed, in part, to the reduced demand from the biodiesel sector. Market players have shown limited interest in purchasing rapeseed oil as they import second-generation biofuels from China due to supposed sustainability benefits.
Mintec reports here and industry sources suggest that substantial amounts of palm oil may have been mixed with the alleged used cooking oil, raising doubts about its green fuel status. Market contacts speculate that FEDIOL's announcement could result in increased scrutiny or a complete ban on Chinese waste fuel exports to the EU. This development could have far-reaching implications; UCO and other waste fuels have gained popularity for their perceived sustainability and competitive pricing compared to other vegetable oils suitable for biodiesel production. Consequently, industry insiders anticipate a surge in demand should action be taken on this front for alternative oils, potentially leading to price hikes. Mintec
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Nigeria-Agripalm wins big as Edo communities sign MoU for ease of doing business
The hope of the Management of Agripalm, a division of Premium Edible Oil Products Limited operating without any encumbrance has been brightened as it has finally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of ease of doing business with host communities in Edo state.
The Nigerian Tribune reports that Agripalm Nigeria Limited, a reputable agro-based industry is located in the Ikoha and Ugbogui communities in Ovia West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Fatai Afolabi, the Managing Consultant and Chief Officer of Foremost Development Services Limited, said the negotiation for the MoU took more than one year.
He said the MoU will provide an enabling environment for the company to operate in the two communities as well as for the development of the communities. Tribune OnlineNG
Global Biodiesel Market to Reach $49.4 Billion by 2030
In the changed post COVID-19 business landscape, the global market for Biodiesel estimated at US$33.3 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$49.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5% over the analysis period 2022-2030.
New York, May 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Biodiesel Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05817591/?utm_source=GNW
Vegetable Oils, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 5.2% CAGR and reach US$38.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Taking into account the ongoing post pandemic recovery, growth in the Animal Fats segment is readjusted to a revised 4.7% CAGR for the next 8-year period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at $5.4 Billion, While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.3% CAGR
The Biodiesel market in the U.S. is estimated at US$5.4 Billion in the year 2022. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$2.8 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.3% over the analysis period 2022 to 2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Europe and Canada, each forecast to grow at 4.3% and 4.6% respectively over the 2022-2030 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.5% CAGR. Led by countries such as India, Indonesia and Thailand, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$7 Billion by the year 2030. Globe Newswire
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The European feedstock market faces disruption as imported biodiesel contamination concerns mount
FEDIOL, the industry association representing the vegetable oil and protein meal sector, on 25th May raised concerns over the surge in imported biodiesel, highlighting its disruptive impact. Simultaneously, Mintec has learned, according to market players, that waste oil from China, labelled as Used Cooking Oil (UCO), may be contaminated with significant amounts of palm oil, undermining its green credentials.
With FEDIOL stressing the urgency of investigating the authenticity of these biodiesel imports and highlighting abnormal market behaviour, the rapeseed market has been severely affected. Over the past six months, rapeseed oil prices have plummeted significantly, reaching the lowest level since June 2022, according to Mintec's Benchmark Price for Rapeseed Oil FOB Rotterdam, which stood at €774.50/mt on 25th May. The decline in prices can be attributed, in part, to the reduced demand from the biodiesel sector. Market players have shown limited interest in purchasing rapeseed oil as they import second-generation biofuels from China due to supposed sustainability benefits.
Mintec reports here and industry sources suggest that substantial amounts of palm oil may have been mixed with the alleged used cooking oil, raising doubts about its green fuel status. Market contacts speculate that FEDIOL's announcement could result in increased scrutiny or a complete ban on Chinese waste fuel exports to the EU. This development could have far-reaching implications; UCO and other waste fuels have gained popularity for their perceived sustainability and competitive pricing compared to other vegetable oils suitable for biodiesel production. Consequently, industry insiders anticipate a surge in demand should action be taken on this front for alternative oils, potentially leading to price hikes. Mintec
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Nigeria-Agripalm wins big as Edo communities sign MoU for ease of doing business
The hope of the Management of Agripalm, a division of Premium Edible Oil Products Limited operating without any encumbrance has been brightened as it has finally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of ease of doing business with host communities in Edo state.
The Nigerian Tribune reports that Agripalm Nigeria Limited, a reputable agro-based industry is located in the Ikoha and Ugbogui communities in Ovia West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Fatai Afolabi, the Managing Consultant and Chief Officer of Foremost Development Services Limited, said the negotiation for the MoU took more than one year.
He said the MoU will provide an enabling environment for the company to operate in the two communities as well as for the development of the communities. Tribune OnlineNG
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May 25, 2023
Indonesia, Malaysia to visit Brussels over concern about EU deforestation law
JAKARTA, May 25 (Reuters) - The world's two biggest palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia will send top officials to the European Union next week to voice concern over a new deforestation law they believe could be detrimental to small farming businesses.
Indonesia and Malaysia accounts for about 85% of global palm oil exports and the EU is their third-largest market.
The European Parliament approved a landmark deforestation law last month to ban imports into the EU of coffee, beef, soy and other commodities unless companies could provide "verifiable" information the products were not grown on land that was deforested after 2020.
Those in violation would face hefty fines.
Indonesia and Malaysia both confirmed the visit to Brussels would take place on May 30 and May 31.
Both have accused the EU of discriminatory policies targeting palm oil and Malaysia had previously said it could stop exporting it to the EU over the deforestation law. Reuters
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Tree islands boost biodiversity in oil-palm plantations
The cultivation of oil palm is here to stay. However, a five-year study indicates that creating islands of native trees within oil-palm monocultures increases biodiversity and ecosystem functioning without notably lowering crop yields.
Here, we present the results of a large-scale, interdisciplinary ecosystem restoration experiment, in which the restoration outcomes across 52 tree islands established in a landscape dominated by an industrial oil palm plantation (140 ha) were observed and quantified three to five years after establishment. We assessed above- and below-ground biodiversity across ten indicators representing a broad range of Kingdoms (bacteria, fungi, plants and animals; Supplementary Table 1) and 19 indicators of ecosystem functioning associated with productivity of oil palms and planted trees, resistance to invasion, pollination, soil quality, predation and herbivory, carbon and nutrient cycling and water and climate regulation (Supplementary Table 2). To provide an holistic overview of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across the experiment, we calculated multidiversity and multifunctionality using the aforementioned indicators18, Nature
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The efficacy and safety of tocotrienol in children with atopic dermatitis
A group of researchers has conducted a clinical study to access the effectiveness and safety of a topical moisturizer containing tocotrienol in children with mild to moderate AD
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a prevalent skin condition that affects many children worldwide. It is characterised by symptoms such as dry, itchy and inflamed skin, which can lead to redness, swelling and even bleeding. This condition has a significant impact on the quality of life of children and their families. While there are multiple drug therapies available for atopic dermatitis, some may result in undesirable side effects. The use of natural topical antioxidants offers a non-invasive alternative for repairing the underlying cellular and molecular damage from oxidative-free radicals in AD subjects. Neutraceutical Business Review
Indonesia, Malaysia to visit Brussels over concern about EU deforestation law
JAKARTA, May 25 (Reuters) - The world's two biggest palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia will send top officials to the European Union next week to voice concern over a new deforestation law they believe could be detrimental to small farming businesses.
Indonesia and Malaysia accounts for about 85% of global palm oil exports and the EU is their third-largest market.
The European Parliament approved a landmark deforestation law last month to ban imports into the EU of coffee, beef, soy and other commodities unless companies could provide "verifiable" information the products were not grown on land that was deforested after 2020.
Those in violation would face hefty fines.
Indonesia and Malaysia both confirmed the visit to Brussels would take place on May 30 and May 31.
Both have accused the EU of discriminatory policies targeting palm oil and Malaysia had previously said it could stop exporting it to the EU over the deforestation law. Reuters
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Tree islands boost biodiversity in oil-palm plantations
The cultivation of oil palm is here to stay. However, a five-year study indicates that creating islands of native trees within oil-palm monocultures increases biodiversity and ecosystem functioning without notably lowering crop yields.
Here, we present the results of a large-scale, interdisciplinary ecosystem restoration experiment, in which the restoration outcomes across 52 tree islands established in a landscape dominated by an industrial oil palm plantation (140 ha) were observed and quantified three to five years after establishment. We assessed above- and below-ground biodiversity across ten indicators representing a broad range of Kingdoms (bacteria, fungi, plants and animals; Supplementary Table 1) and 19 indicators of ecosystem functioning associated with productivity of oil palms and planted trees, resistance to invasion, pollination, soil quality, predation and herbivory, carbon and nutrient cycling and water and climate regulation (Supplementary Table 2). To provide an holistic overview of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across the experiment, we calculated multidiversity and multifunctionality using the aforementioned indicators18, Nature
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The efficacy and safety of tocotrienol in children with atopic dermatitis
A group of researchers has conducted a clinical study to access the effectiveness and safety of a topical moisturizer containing tocotrienol in children with mild to moderate AD
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a prevalent skin condition that affects many children worldwide. It is characterised by symptoms such as dry, itchy and inflamed skin, which can lead to redness, swelling and even bleeding. This condition has a significant impact on the quality of life of children and their families. While there are multiple drug therapies available for atopic dermatitis, some may result in undesirable side effects. The use of natural topical antioxidants offers a non-invasive alternative for repairing the underlying cellular and molecular damage from oxidative-free radicals in AD subjects. Neutraceutical Business Review
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May 24, 2023
Malaysia-Sarawak to use palm oil by-products to produce fertiliser, animal feed, says state minister
KUCHING, May 23 — Sarawak is turning towards utilising oil palm by-products as raw material to produce fertiliser, animal feed and source of energy.
Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said this approach was intended to cushion the impact of soaring prices of fertiliser and animal feed.
-ADVERTISEMENT-
“At this juncture, we are focusing on animal feed so that we can reduce the price of meat and other products that is being imported or obtained locally,” he told a press conference at the sidelines of the State Assembly sitting here today.
According to him, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) which has five oil palm mills has been entrusted to manufacture animal feed using by-products from these mills. Malay Mail
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The Pathways To Biofuels: A Survey Of Why We Should Stop Fretting
We have enough waste biomass feedstock to fulfill all of our transportation needs, and the market and a bunch of bright people will figure out which ones are cheapest and lowest impact.
Recently, Ivo Sarjanovic, non-executive board member, agricultural commodities professor in Argentina and Switzerland, and venture capitalist agtech investor, reached out to ask me a really good question, one that I should have answered in writing before now. He’d been looking at and listening to my thoughts on biofuels and noted that I had said that there were seven or eight pathways to them, but never listed them. So he asked what they were. When I finally got around to it, it turns out there are ten that I’m aware of, at least the way I count them.
As a reminder or an introduction, here are the basics of my thinking. The first thing is that the only places we will need significant amounts of biofuels is in longer haul aviation and marine shipping. All ground transportation will simply electrify, although the USA’s rail fleet will take longer because of the dysfunction, arrogance, and stupidity of the US rail industry Clean Technica
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New EU Deforestation Regulation: Overview and Key Considerations for CompaniesThe European Union has adopted the new EU Deforestation Regulation, whereby applicable companies must implement a rigorous due diligence process to ensure that certain products and commodities sold in or out of the EU are not as a result of, or led to, deforestation or forest degradation. The commodities subject to the Regulation are cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm-oil, soya and wood, as well as any products that contain, have been fed with or made using these commodities e.g., leather, chocolate and beef. Once it enters into force, large companies will have 18 months to comply, while small and medium-sized companies will have 24 months. Failure to do so may result in a fine of at least 4% of total annual EU-wide turnover or the seizing revenue made from the sale of the commodities or products.
Companies should review whether (and how) they are caught by the new law and review existing processes, governance frameworks and supply chain risks to ensure that new obligations (e.g., with respect to due diligence) are adhered to. Global Trade & Sanctions Law
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Colombian palm farmers flag creeping crime, still see record crop
BOGOTA, May 23 (Reuters) - Colombia's palm oil farmers fear a rise in criminal rackets including extortion that could harm the key cash crop, the head of a national palm oil association said on Tuesday, following the kidnapping of one of the sector's leaders last month.
The warning from Nicolas Perez, head of the palm oil farmers federation Fedepalma, comes as the sector, nonetheless, expects a record harvest this year.
Colombia is the world's fourth-biggest producer of palm oil, which is used for cooking and to make a wide range of processed foods as well as cosmetics and cleaning products.
"Unfortunately, there's been a deterioration in security in all areas where palms are grown," said Perez, who added that criminals are extorting small-scale palm farmers, truckers, and company employees in addition to erecting road blockades. "It's something that hasn't really been seen in many years."
Perez said the rise in extortion is in part due to criminal groups switching from targeting those who produce illegal products, including coca paste, to legal ones like palm oil.
Even so, Perez estimates that palm oil production will likely hit a record 1.8 million tonnes this year, up more than 2% compared to the 2022 crop. Reuters
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Malaysia-Deputy Premier: Govt completes perimeter surveys on over 1 mln ha NCR land
KUCHING (May 24): A total of 1,091,547 ha (2,697,213 acres) of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land have been perimeter-surveyed as of April 30 this year, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development said from that figure, 842,465 ha (2,081,731 acres) have been gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserve under Section 6 of the State Land Code.
He said the perimeter surveys were carried out under the state government’s new NCR Land Survey Initiative, which began in 2010.
“This is to ensure that NCR land surveys are implemented more efficiently and effectively. The gazetting of the remaining areas that have been surveyed in perimeter will be implemented continuously,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Awang Tengah stressed that the Sarawak government always recognises and defends the people’s rights to their land. The Borneo Post
Malaysia-Sarawak to use palm oil by-products to produce fertiliser, animal feed, says state minister
KUCHING, May 23 — Sarawak is turning towards utilising oil palm by-products as raw material to produce fertiliser, animal feed and source of energy.
Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said this approach was intended to cushion the impact of soaring prices of fertiliser and animal feed.
-ADVERTISEMENT-
“At this juncture, we are focusing on animal feed so that we can reduce the price of meat and other products that is being imported or obtained locally,” he told a press conference at the sidelines of the State Assembly sitting here today.
According to him, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) which has five oil palm mills has been entrusted to manufacture animal feed using by-products from these mills. Malay Mail
---------
The Pathways To Biofuels: A Survey Of Why We Should Stop Fretting
We have enough waste biomass feedstock to fulfill all of our transportation needs, and the market and a bunch of bright people will figure out which ones are cheapest and lowest impact.
Recently, Ivo Sarjanovic, non-executive board member, agricultural commodities professor in Argentina and Switzerland, and venture capitalist agtech investor, reached out to ask me a really good question, one that I should have answered in writing before now. He’d been looking at and listening to my thoughts on biofuels and noted that I had said that there were seven or eight pathways to them, but never listed them. So he asked what they were. When I finally got around to it, it turns out there are ten that I’m aware of, at least the way I count them.
As a reminder or an introduction, here are the basics of my thinking. The first thing is that the only places we will need significant amounts of biofuels is in longer haul aviation and marine shipping. All ground transportation will simply electrify, although the USA’s rail fleet will take longer because of the dysfunction, arrogance, and stupidity of the US rail industry Clean Technica
---------
New EU Deforestation Regulation: Overview and Key Considerations for CompaniesThe European Union has adopted the new EU Deforestation Regulation, whereby applicable companies must implement a rigorous due diligence process to ensure that certain products and commodities sold in or out of the EU are not as a result of, or led to, deforestation or forest degradation. The commodities subject to the Regulation are cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm-oil, soya and wood, as well as any products that contain, have been fed with or made using these commodities e.g., leather, chocolate and beef. Once it enters into force, large companies will have 18 months to comply, while small and medium-sized companies will have 24 months. Failure to do so may result in a fine of at least 4% of total annual EU-wide turnover or the seizing revenue made from the sale of the commodities or products.
Companies should review whether (and how) they are caught by the new law and review existing processes, governance frameworks and supply chain risks to ensure that new obligations (e.g., with respect to due diligence) are adhered to. Global Trade & Sanctions Law
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Colombian palm farmers flag creeping crime, still see record crop
BOGOTA, May 23 (Reuters) - Colombia's palm oil farmers fear a rise in criminal rackets including extortion that could harm the key cash crop, the head of a national palm oil association said on Tuesday, following the kidnapping of one of the sector's leaders last month.
The warning from Nicolas Perez, head of the palm oil farmers federation Fedepalma, comes as the sector, nonetheless, expects a record harvest this year.
Colombia is the world's fourth-biggest producer of palm oil, which is used for cooking and to make a wide range of processed foods as well as cosmetics and cleaning products.
"Unfortunately, there's been a deterioration in security in all areas where palms are grown," said Perez, who added that criminals are extorting small-scale palm farmers, truckers, and company employees in addition to erecting road blockades. "It's something that hasn't really been seen in many years."
Perez said the rise in extortion is in part due to criminal groups switching from targeting those who produce illegal products, including coca paste, to legal ones like palm oil.
Even so, Perez estimates that palm oil production will likely hit a record 1.8 million tonnes this year, up more than 2% compared to the 2022 crop. Reuters
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Malaysia-Deputy Premier: Govt completes perimeter surveys on over 1 mln ha NCR land
KUCHING (May 24): A total of 1,091,547 ha (2,697,213 acres) of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land have been perimeter-surveyed as of April 30 this year, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development said from that figure, 842,465 ha (2,081,731 acres) have been gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserve under Section 6 of the State Land Code.
He said the perimeter surveys were carried out under the state government’s new NCR Land Survey Initiative, which began in 2010.
“This is to ensure that NCR land surveys are implemented more efficiently and effectively. The gazetting of the remaining areas that have been surveyed in perimeter will be implemented continuously,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Awang Tengah stressed that the Sarawak government always recognises and defends the people’s rights to their land. The Borneo Post
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May 23, 2023
Indonesia, Iran sign preferential trade agreement
JAKARTA, May 23 (Reuters) - The leaders of Indonesia and Iran on Tuesday signed a preferential trade agreement to expand economic relations during an official visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, speaking after a signing ceremony that was streamed online by his cabinet secretariat, hoped the agreement "would increase trade between Indonesia and Iran" but did not provide details.
Raisi's visit comes as ties between Iran and the West become increasingly strained following Iranian security forces' violent crackdown on protests against the country's clerical elite after the death of a Kurdish woman in morality police custody last year.
Several countries including the United States have imposed broad sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme and alleged rights violations.
Trade between Indonesia and Iran dropped from $715.5 million to $141.6 million in 2019 after the United States imposed sanctions on Iran.
Raisi said on Tuesday via a translator that "sanctions and threats will not stop us".
"Partnerships and relationships with neighbouring countries and Islamic countries and countries with the same views are our priority," he added. Reuters
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Unilever PR: Building inclusive, deforestation-free palm oil supply chains
We’re working to increase supplies of sustainable and deforestation-free palm oil by sourcing directly from producers on the ground. This not only benefits the local environment, it’s also a win for smallholders, independent mills and our own supply chains.
At Unilever, we support and encourage the use of sustainable and deforestation-free palm oil. However, sourcing the traceable palm oil that we require can be challenging, due to high demand for the limited supply of these materials.
That’s why we are evolving how we buy palm oil to include direct sourcing. It allows us to get closer to the origin of our materials and improve the livelihoods of the people we are working with, while increasing the availability of traceable and deforestation-free palm oil. Unilever
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Nigeria-Traditional ruler, NBTI unveils Kasuk Palm oil, processing factory in Calabar
A traditional Ruler and Agropreneur , HRH Ntoe Ededem Ayito in collaboration with the National Board for Technology Incubation, an offshoot of the Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, has launch a premium brand of Palm oil “Kasuk Palm oil” including a 10-tonne per day Palm Oil Processing plant in Calabar.
Vanguard reports that Nigeria is the fifth largest producer of Palm Oil globally, with an annual production of 970,000 metric tonnes while Cross River State is the second largest producer in the country, after Edo state.
Speaking during the unveiling and inuagration of the processing plant on Saturday, Dr Mrs Agatha Efa, Centre Manager for Technology Incubation Calabar,TIC, said that the factory which is an initiative of Edimentos Limited, located in Calabar the Cross River State capital, can produce 3,000 bottles of 1litre of Palm Oil in 72 hours.
Her words : “Projects like this are reasons why the Technology Incubation Center (TIC ) was established in 1999.
“The goal is to boost the economy, provide employment breach the gap between the very rich and the poor, it is a plus to Nigeria.
“We have never had something like this from a Native of Cross River State. The capacity of the factory is capable of producing 3,000 bottles of Palm Oil within three days.” VanguardNGR
Indonesia, Iran sign preferential trade agreement
JAKARTA, May 23 (Reuters) - The leaders of Indonesia and Iran on Tuesday signed a preferential trade agreement to expand economic relations during an official visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, speaking after a signing ceremony that was streamed online by his cabinet secretariat, hoped the agreement "would increase trade between Indonesia and Iran" but did not provide details.
Raisi's visit comes as ties between Iran and the West become increasingly strained following Iranian security forces' violent crackdown on protests against the country's clerical elite after the death of a Kurdish woman in morality police custody last year.
Several countries including the United States have imposed broad sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme and alleged rights violations.
Trade between Indonesia and Iran dropped from $715.5 million to $141.6 million in 2019 after the United States imposed sanctions on Iran.
Raisi said on Tuesday via a translator that "sanctions and threats will not stop us".
"Partnerships and relationships with neighbouring countries and Islamic countries and countries with the same views are our priority," he added. Reuters
----------
Unilever PR: Building inclusive, deforestation-free palm oil supply chains
We’re working to increase supplies of sustainable and deforestation-free palm oil by sourcing directly from producers on the ground. This not only benefits the local environment, it’s also a win for smallholders, independent mills and our own supply chains.
At Unilever, we support and encourage the use of sustainable and deforestation-free palm oil. However, sourcing the traceable palm oil that we require can be challenging, due to high demand for the limited supply of these materials.
That’s why we are evolving how we buy palm oil to include direct sourcing. It allows us to get closer to the origin of our materials and improve the livelihoods of the people we are working with, while increasing the availability of traceable and deforestation-free palm oil. Unilever
---------
Nigeria-Traditional ruler, NBTI unveils Kasuk Palm oil, processing factory in Calabar
A traditional Ruler and Agropreneur , HRH Ntoe Ededem Ayito in collaboration with the National Board for Technology Incubation, an offshoot of the Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, has launch a premium brand of Palm oil “Kasuk Palm oil” including a 10-tonne per day Palm Oil Processing plant in Calabar.
Vanguard reports that Nigeria is the fifth largest producer of Palm Oil globally, with an annual production of 970,000 metric tonnes while Cross River State is the second largest producer in the country, after Edo state.
Speaking during the unveiling and inuagration of the processing plant on Saturday, Dr Mrs Agatha Efa, Centre Manager for Technology Incubation Calabar,TIC, said that the factory which is an initiative of Edimentos Limited, located in Calabar the Cross River State capital, can produce 3,000 bottles of 1litre of Palm Oil in 72 hours.
Her words : “Projects like this are reasons why the Technology Incubation Center (TIC ) was established in 1999.
“The goal is to boost the economy, provide employment breach the gap between the very rich and the poor, it is a plus to Nigeria.
“We have never had something like this from a Native of Cross River State. The capacity of the factory is capable of producing 3,000 bottles of Palm Oil within three days.” VanguardNGR
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May 20, 2023
Malaysian Palm Oil Industry Seeks More Trade Collaboration with China at WCIFIT | Insights
Chongqing - During its participation in the 5th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) being held in Chongqing from May 18-21, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) emphasized the potential for increased trade collaboration between Malaysia and China in the palm oil industry.
As 2023 marks the 49th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, the MPOB aims to strengthen business exchanges, explore new areas of cooperation, and achieve mutual economic benefits.
In iChongqing's exclusive interview with Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, the Director-General of MPOB, on May 18th at the 5th WCIFIT, he highlighted the importance of the palm oil industry to Malaysia's economy and its ongoing collaboration with China and Chongqing.
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Malaysia Shines as Guest Country of Honor at the 5th WCIFIT
Chongqing - The 5th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) opened on May 18th in Chongqing. Malaysia took center stage this year as the guest country of honor and held a grand opening ceremony at the Chongqing International Expo Center.
As the ceremony unfolded, a surge of visitors flooded into Malaysia's exhibition hall, eager to explore the diverse range of products and offerings on display. The pavilion showcased a variety of Malaysian specialties, including palm oil, the renowned Musang King durian, aromatic white coffee, and the exquisite bird's nest. Additionally, educational institutions offering consultation services for studying abroad in Malaysia were also present, catering to the interests of aspiring students.
Notably, Malaysia had an impressive presence at the fair, with 34 participating companies representing various sectors such as food, agriculture, and education. The showcased products were distinctively Malaysian and enjoyed significant recognition on the international stage. Chongqing
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Olam’s oil palm development in Gabon violated Forest Stewardship Council’s deforestation rules
Olam’s oil palm development in Gabon violated Forest Stewardship Council’s deforestation rules.
FSC ‘Policy for Association’ complaint against Olam Group’s deforestation in Gabon
An independent assessment commissioned by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has concluded that Olam Palm Gabon cleared over 24,000 hectares of forest, as well as between 900 and 1,823 hectares of non-forest areas with High Conservation Values, in violation with the FSC Policy for Association. This was the basis of the complaint Mighty Earth filed with the FSC in 2016.
The Executive Summary of the SmartCert assessment are published on the FSC website: English, French and Spanish.
FSC, Olam and Mighty Earth have issued a joint statement on the SmartCert assessment and next steps of the complaint resolution process here. Complaint History
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Malaysian Palm Oil Industry Seeks More Trade Collaboration with China at WCIFIT | Insights
Chongqing - During its participation in the 5th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) being held in Chongqing from May 18-21, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) emphasized the potential for increased trade collaboration between Malaysia and China in the palm oil industry.
As 2023 marks the 49th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, the MPOB aims to strengthen business exchanges, explore new areas of cooperation, and achieve mutual economic benefits.
In iChongqing's exclusive interview with Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, the Director-General of MPOB, on May 18th at the 5th WCIFIT, he highlighted the importance of the palm oil industry to Malaysia's economy and its ongoing collaboration with China and Chongqing.
---------
Malaysia Shines as Guest Country of Honor at the 5th WCIFIT
Chongqing - The 5th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) opened on May 18th in Chongqing. Malaysia took center stage this year as the guest country of honor and held a grand opening ceremony at the Chongqing International Expo Center.
As the ceremony unfolded, a surge of visitors flooded into Malaysia's exhibition hall, eager to explore the diverse range of products and offerings on display. The pavilion showcased a variety of Malaysian specialties, including palm oil, the renowned Musang King durian, aromatic white coffee, and the exquisite bird's nest. Additionally, educational institutions offering consultation services for studying abroad in Malaysia were also present, catering to the interests of aspiring students.
Notably, Malaysia had an impressive presence at the fair, with 34 participating companies representing various sectors such as food, agriculture, and education. The showcased products were distinctively Malaysian and enjoyed significant recognition on the international stage. Chongqing
---------
Olam’s oil palm development in Gabon violated Forest Stewardship Council’s deforestation rules
Olam’s oil palm development in Gabon violated Forest Stewardship Council’s deforestation rules.
FSC ‘Policy for Association’ complaint against Olam Group’s deforestation in Gabon
An independent assessment commissioned by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has concluded that Olam Palm Gabon cleared over 24,000 hectares of forest, as well as between 900 and 1,823 hectares of non-forest areas with High Conservation Values, in violation with the FSC Policy for Association. This was the basis of the complaint Mighty Earth filed with the FSC in 2016.
The Executive Summary of the SmartCert assessment are published on the FSC website: English, French and Spanish.
FSC, Olam and Mighty Earth have issued a joint statement on the SmartCert assessment and next steps of the complaint resolution process here. Complaint History
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May 18, 2023
Indonesia welcomes Honduras as CPOPC's third member state
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (ANTARA) - Indonesia welcomed Honduras as the newest member of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), thereby becoming the third after Indonesia and Malaysia.
"Indonesia welcomes Honduras, which officially becomes a CPOPC member state in 2023. The inclusion of Honduras will make CPOPC, initially (having) consisted (of) only Indonesia and Malaysia, stronger," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated during the 11th CPOPC Ministerial Meeting here on Wednesday (May 17).
The meeting was presided over by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantations and Commodities Fadillah Yusof. Honduran Minister of Agriculture and Farming Laura Suazo Torres joined the meeting through virtual means.
While disclosing that Papua New Guinea will be the fourth member of CPOPC, Hartarto encouraged other palm oil-producing countries to engage in partnership under CPOPC and become its members. Antara News
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Indonesia's Export Logs Record-high Figures, Says Trade Deputy Minister
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga on Wednesday claimed Indonesia's trade performance in 2022 had reached a record high since the country's independence.
“As of December 2022, our trade performance reached a historical milestone of US$54.56 billion. That is the highest since we declared independence,” Jerry explained at the ARISE+ Indonesia program dissemination event in Jakarta on May 17.
According to him, this number is a surplus that was achieved in 36 consecutive months. He also took the time to acknowledge the milestone by lauding employees at the Ministry of Trade, as well as the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Indonesia, Vincent Piket, who continues to support the relationship between the EU and Indonesia. Tempo
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Malaysia-Indonesia to Send Palm Oil Joint Mission to EU This Month
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia and Indonesia, the leaders of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries, will send a joint mission to Brussels on May 30-31 to discuss diverse issues related to palm oil.
“The mission is for engagement with the European Union (EU) commission,” said the Malaysian Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Fadillah Yusof, in a press conference following the 11th meeting of the CPOPC ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday, May 17.
The joint mission is carried out as an effort to resolve issues faced by palm oil-producing countries following the policies implemented by importing countries from the European Union. At the end of last year, the EU bloc issued the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) which was considered by palm oil-producing countries to be detrimental to the palm oil industry and eliminate small stakeholders; small entrepreneurs or palm oil farmers, from the supply chain. The Indonesian and Malaysian palm oil industries have also been accused of causing deforestation. In addition, it is also considered that the palm oil industry does not provide many benefits to small businesses or farmers. Tempo
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CPOPC PRESS RELEASE: 11TH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF CPOPC
India-Exports unlikely to be impacted by EU deforestation law
India's exports to the European Union (EU) are unlikely to get impacted by a legislation that the 27-member bloc adopted on Tuesday on deforestation-free products, officials said. However, New Delhi will work on mutual recognition of certification with the EU as India's afforestation performance is better than many countries and its forest cover has risen over the years.
Our companies are better compliant with rigorous processes. Our forest cover has also gone up," said an official.
As per India State of Forest Report, 2021, the total forest and tree cover saw an increase of 15,292 sq km from 2015.
India's total exports to the EU in FY23 were worth $74.8 billion and imports were worth $59.8 billion. Coffee, tea and spices exports to the EU were worth $640.9 million last fiscal. Economic Times
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India's exports to EU worth USD 1.3 bn to be impacted by EU's deforestation regulation: GTRI report
India's exports of products like coffee, leather hides and paperboard worth USD 1.3 billion annually to the European Union will get impacted due to the deforestation regulation adopted by the EU earlier this week, a report by economic think tank GTRI said on Thursday.
Within three weeks of introducing the carbon border tax, the European Union Council on May 16 adopted the European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EU-DR). The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that the EU-DR appears to prioritise protecting its own agricultural sector and promoting exports, making imports more difficult as it is a trade barrier disguised as a green measure.
''EU DR will adversely affect India's exports to the EU of the value of US 1.3 billion (2022 data). The significant products affected and their export value to the EU are Coffee (USD 435.4 million), Leather hides, skin, preparations (USD 83.5 million), Oil cake (USD 174.5 million), Paper, paperboard (USD 250.2 million) and Wood furniture (USD 334.6 million),'' the report said. DevDiscourse
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India-Godrej Agrovet, SBI to launch finance offering for Indian oil palm farmers
Godrej Agrovet’s oil palm business today announced the launch of a finance offering for oil palm farmers in partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI). A product jointly developed by the company and the country’s leading public sector bank will enable farmers to avail loans for setting up micro irrigation facility, set up fencing arrangements to protect from cattle grazing and improvement of tube well at their oil palm farms. “Introduced with an objective of aiding oil palm growth by improving Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) productivity, it will act as a catalyst to maintain juvenile gardens during the gestation period of first five years,” Godrej Agrovet informed.
Sougata Niyogi, CEO, Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet said, “The partnership with SBI is a testament of our company’s efforts to improve farmers’ confidence in sustainable oil palm farming. With no income visibility during the long gestation period, this partnership will aid bridge the gap for their finance needs during the initial years.” Agriculture Post
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Indonesia welcomes Honduras as CPOPC's third member state
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (ANTARA) - Indonesia welcomed Honduras as the newest member of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), thereby becoming the third after Indonesia and Malaysia.
"Indonesia welcomes Honduras, which officially becomes a CPOPC member state in 2023. The inclusion of Honduras will make CPOPC, initially (having) consisted (of) only Indonesia and Malaysia, stronger," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated during the 11th CPOPC Ministerial Meeting here on Wednesday (May 17).
The meeting was presided over by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantations and Commodities Fadillah Yusof. Honduran Minister of Agriculture and Farming Laura Suazo Torres joined the meeting through virtual means.
While disclosing that Papua New Guinea will be the fourth member of CPOPC, Hartarto encouraged other palm oil-producing countries to engage in partnership under CPOPC and become its members. Antara News
---------
Indonesia's Export Logs Record-high Figures, Says Trade Deputy Minister
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga on Wednesday claimed Indonesia's trade performance in 2022 had reached a record high since the country's independence.
“As of December 2022, our trade performance reached a historical milestone of US$54.56 billion. That is the highest since we declared independence,” Jerry explained at the ARISE+ Indonesia program dissemination event in Jakarta on May 17.
According to him, this number is a surplus that was achieved in 36 consecutive months. He also took the time to acknowledge the milestone by lauding employees at the Ministry of Trade, as well as the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Indonesia, Vincent Piket, who continues to support the relationship between the EU and Indonesia. Tempo
---------
Malaysia-Indonesia to Send Palm Oil Joint Mission to EU This Month
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia and Indonesia, the leaders of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries, will send a joint mission to Brussels on May 30-31 to discuss diverse issues related to palm oil.
“The mission is for engagement with the European Union (EU) commission,” said the Malaysian Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Fadillah Yusof, in a press conference following the 11th meeting of the CPOPC ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday, May 17.
The joint mission is carried out as an effort to resolve issues faced by palm oil-producing countries following the policies implemented by importing countries from the European Union. At the end of last year, the EU bloc issued the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) which was considered by palm oil-producing countries to be detrimental to the palm oil industry and eliminate small stakeholders; small entrepreneurs or palm oil farmers, from the supply chain. The Indonesian and Malaysian palm oil industries have also been accused of causing deforestation. In addition, it is also considered that the palm oil industry does not provide many benefits to small businesses or farmers. Tempo
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CPOPC PRESS RELEASE: 11TH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF CPOPC
- The 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) took place on 17 May 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting was chaired by YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities of Malaysia. H.E. Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, attended the meeting in person, while H.E. Dr. Laura Suazo, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras, participated virtually.
- The Meeting extended a warm welcome to Honduras as the third member of CPOPC, representing the Latin America region. The accession of Honduras will further strengthen the cooperation among palm oil producing countries. This development will pave the way for other palm oil producing countries to join CPOPC and leverage it as a strategic platform in enhancing efforts to accelerate the attainment of sustainability goals.
- The Ministerial Meeting was participated by the representatives from Colombia, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) as Observer Countries, along with Nigeria as a Guest Country. The Meeting was informed on the good news that the Government of PNG has approved their membership to CPOPC. The four countries expressed their support for the Council's strategies and priorities aimed at supporting the development of the industry and addressing global challenges, such as food security and renewable energy, highlighting the importance of working collaboratively towards these objectives.
- Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Plantation and Commodities of Malaysia, and Chair of CPOPC alongside the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras underscored the importance of strengthening the strategic roles of CPOPC in providing collaboration and consolidated efforts among the producers. CPOPC
India-Exports unlikely to be impacted by EU deforestation law
India's exports to the European Union (EU) are unlikely to get impacted by a legislation that the 27-member bloc adopted on Tuesday on deforestation-free products, officials said. However, New Delhi will work on mutual recognition of certification with the EU as India's afforestation performance is better than many countries and its forest cover has risen over the years.
Our companies are better compliant with rigorous processes. Our forest cover has also gone up," said an official.
As per India State of Forest Report, 2021, the total forest and tree cover saw an increase of 15,292 sq km from 2015.
India's total exports to the EU in FY23 were worth $74.8 billion and imports were worth $59.8 billion. Coffee, tea and spices exports to the EU were worth $640.9 million last fiscal. Economic Times
---------
India's exports to EU worth USD 1.3 bn to be impacted by EU's deforestation regulation: GTRI report
India's exports of products like coffee, leather hides and paperboard worth USD 1.3 billion annually to the European Union will get impacted due to the deforestation regulation adopted by the EU earlier this week, a report by economic think tank GTRI said on Thursday.
Within three weeks of introducing the carbon border tax, the European Union Council on May 16 adopted the European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EU-DR). The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that the EU-DR appears to prioritise protecting its own agricultural sector and promoting exports, making imports more difficult as it is a trade barrier disguised as a green measure.
''EU DR will adversely affect India's exports to the EU of the value of US 1.3 billion (2022 data). The significant products affected and their export value to the EU are Coffee (USD 435.4 million), Leather hides, skin, preparations (USD 83.5 million), Oil cake (USD 174.5 million), Paper, paperboard (USD 250.2 million) and Wood furniture (USD 334.6 million),'' the report said. DevDiscourse
----------
India-Godrej Agrovet, SBI to launch finance offering for Indian oil palm farmers
Godrej Agrovet’s oil palm business today announced the launch of a finance offering for oil palm farmers in partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI). A product jointly developed by the company and the country’s leading public sector bank will enable farmers to avail loans for setting up micro irrigation facility, set up fencing arrangements to protect from cattle grazing and improvement of tube well at their oil palm farms. “Introduced with an objective of aiding oil palm growth by improving Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) productivity, it will act as a catalyst to maintain juvenile gardens during the gestation period of first five years,” Godrej Agrovet informed.
Sougata Niyogi, CEO, Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet said, “The partnership with SBI is a testament of our company’s efforts to improve farmers’ confidence in sustainable oil palm farming. With no income visibility during the long gestation period, this partnership will aid bridge the gap for their finance needs during the initial years.” Agriculture Post
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May 17, 2023
Indonesia urges importers to back sustainable palm oil, not boycotts
KUALA LUMPUR — Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil exporter, on Wednesday urged importing countries to recognize and pay the premium for sustainably produced palm oil rather than boycotting the widely-used oil, whose production critics say has been linked to deforestation.
The European Union in April approved a deforestation law to block imports of palm oil, beef, soy and other commodities if they are linked to recent destruction of the world’s forests.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said consumer countries were tightening entry requirements for palm oil.
“While trying to improve the environmental practices, we seek the cooperation of all the stakeholders to pay a premium for product that adopts sustainability practices,” Airlangga said at a ministerial meeting of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).
Boycotting palm oil will not provide a long-term solution for the environment, he added. FP/ Reuters
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Malaysian, Indonesian leaders to visit Brussels for EUDR talks
MALAYSIA and Indonesia are gearing up for a two-day joint mission to Brussels from May 30 for talks on recent developments in the European Union (EU), particularly the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that is negatively impacting the palm oil industry.
Besides the two countries, Honduras has committed to joining the mission, said Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who is also plantation and commodities minister.
“The mission is to engage with the European Commission because, despite all the initiatives by Malaysia and Indonesia in terms of taking care of the environment, the palm oil industry is still facing challenges imposed by the EU,” he told reporters after chairing the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries’ (CPOPC) ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
Fadillah said the world’s two largest palm oil producers comply with global best practices.
“We want to send a strong message that palm oil has actually contributed a lot … in compliance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – that is, to address the issue of poverty, which is something we have achieved.
“Action taken by the EU without negotiation and without engaging with us will definitely impact smallholders,” he said. The Malaysian Insight
---------
How EU Wants to Stop Deforestation in Your Coffee
The European Union will ban imports of raw materials produced on newly deforested land anywhere in the world, in an effort to protect the rainforests that are a buffer against catastrophic climate change. The new rules require sophisticated tracking systems and will be enforced using the threat of fines. Critics say the measures will penalize millions of small farmers across Asia, Latin America and Africa who lack the means to comply.
1. What’s going to happen? The Washington Post/ Bloomberg
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Cheap as chips: our CPTPP membership can help cut the cost of a British classic
Despite all the challenges from pizzas, burgers,kebabs and fried chicken, old-fashioned fish and chips remains not just part of our rich culinary heritage, but a very popular meal. It regularly comes top of polls and research on the most popular take-away meal and also happens to be cheaper than most other options.
As with so many popular foods, however, the cost of living crisis has had a pronounced impact on the humble chippy, with rising prices for fuel, cooking oil and ingredients.
That means, tragically, that small businesses are under threat from rising catering costs; it’s even reported that as many as a third of the UK’s fish and chip shops – some 3,000 – risk closure. Energy costs have trebled, the war in Ukraine and poor harvests have helped doubled the cost of both sunflower oil and potatoes. To top it off, Russian fish now attracts a very high tariff in response to Putin’s invasion.
Thankfully, there is good news over the horizon, literally. CapX
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How the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation is playing its part to save the environment and wildlife
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — When it comes to the environment, we are often bombarded by the sounds and images of machines clearing trees.
Empty plots of jungles or forests that have been cleared to make way for development.
And animals like the Pygmy Elephant, Orangutan and Malayan Tiger are losing their homes.
These sad images say it all.
In this country, there is the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) that seeks to initiate, collaborate and support environmental and conservation projects related to the Malaysian palm oil industry.
It also strongly supports the sustainable practices within the industry with strong commitment and networking with various stakeholders towards a sustainable future.
Besides replanting trees, it also supports conservation projects that aims to help the “Other Malayisans”, referring to the animals affected. Malay Mail
Indonesia urges importers to back sustainable palm oil, not boycotts
KUALA LUMPUR — Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil exporter, on Wednesday urged importing countries to recognize and pay the premium for sustainably produced palm oil rather than boycotting the widely-used oil, whose production critics say has been linked to deforestation.
The European Union in April approved a deforestation law to block imports of palm oil, beef, soy and other commodities if they are linked to recent destruction of the world’s forests.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said consumer countries were tightening entry requirements for palm oil.
“While trying to improve the environmental practices, we seek the cooperation of all the stakeholders to pay a premium for product that adopts sustainability practices,” Airlangga said at a ministerial meeting of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).
Boycotting palm oil will not provide a long-term solution for the environment, he added. FP/ Reuters
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Malaysian, Indonesian leaders to visit Brussels for EUDR talks
MALAYSIA and Indonesia are gearing up for a two-day joint mission to Brussels from May 30 for talks on recent developments in the European Union (EU), particularly the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that is negatively impacting the palm oil industry.
Besides the two countries, Honduras has committed to joining the mission, said Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who is also plantation and commodities minister.
“The mission is to engage with the European Commission because, despite all the initiatives by Malaysia and Indonesia in terms of taking care of the environment, the palm oil industry is still facing challenges imposed by the EU,” he told reporters after chairing the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries’ (CPOPC) ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
Fadillah said the world’s two largest palm oil producers comply with global best practices.
“We want to send a strong message that palm oil has actually contributed a lot … in compliance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – that is, to address the issue of poverty, which is something we have achieved.
“Action taken by the EU without negotiation and without engaging with us will definitely impact smallholders,” he said. The Malaysian Insight
---------
How EU Wants to Stop Deforestation in Your Coffee
The European Union will ban imports of raw materials produced on newly deforested land anywhere in the world, in an effort to protect the rainforests that are a buffer against catastrophic climate change. The new rules require sophisticated tracking systems and will be enforced using the threat of fines. Critics say the measures will penalize millions of small farmers across Asia, Latin America and Africa who lack the means to comply.
1. What’s going to happen? The Washington Post/ Bloomberg
---------
Cheap as chips: our CPTPP membership can help cut the cost of a British classic
Despite all the challenges from pizzas, burgers,kebabs and fried chicken, old-fashioned fish and chips remains not just part of our rich culinary heritage, but a very popular meal. It regularly comes top of polls and research on the most popular take-away meal and also happens to be cheaper than most other options.
As with so many popular foods, however, the cost of living crisis has had a pronounced impact on the humble chippy, with rising prices for fuel, cooking oil and ingredients.
That means, tragically, that small businesses are under threat from rising catering costs; it’s even reported that as many as a third of the UK’s fish and chip shops – some 3,000 – risk closure. Energy costs have trebled, the war in Ukraine and poor harvests have helped doubled the cost of both sunflower oil and potatoes. To top it off, Russian fish now attracts a very high tariff in response to Putin’s invasion.
Thankfully, there is good news over the horizon, literally. CapX
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How the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation is playing its part to save the environment and wildlife
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — When it comes to the environment, we are often bombarded by the sounds and images of machines clearing trees.
Empty plots of jungles or forests that have been cleared to make way for development.
And animals like the Pygmy Elephant, Orangutan and Malayan Tiger are losing their homes.
These sad images say it all.
In this country, there is the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) that seeks to initiate, collaborate and support environmental and conservation projects related to the Malaysian palm oil industry.
It also strongly supports the sustainable practices within the industry with strong commitment and networking with various stakeholders towards a sustainable future.
Besides replanting trees, it also supports conservation projects that aims to help the “Other Malayisans”, referring to the animals affected. Malay Mail
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May 16, 2023
Council adopts new rules to cut deforestation worldwide
Today, the Council gave the final go-ahead to a regulation that aims to minimise the risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products that are placed on or exported from the EU market.
The EU is a large consumer and trader of commodities and products that play a substantial part in deforestation. The new rules aim to ensure that the EU’s consumption and trade of these commodities and products don't contribute to deforestation and further degrading forest ecosystems.
Due diligenceThe regulation sets mandatory due diligence rules for all operators and traders who place, make available or export the following commodities from the EU market: palm oil, cattle, wood, coffee, cocoa, rubber and soy.
The rules also apply to a number of derived products such as chocolate, furniture, printed paper and selected palm oil based derivates (used for example as components in personal care products).
Operators will be required to trace the commodities they are selling back to the plot of land where they were produced. At the same time, the new rules aim to avoid duplication of obligations and reduce administrative burden for operators and authorities.
There is also a possibility for small operators to rely on larger operators to prepare due diligence declarations.
The regulation sets a cut-off date for the new rules on 31 December 2020, meaning that only products that have been produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020 will be allowed on the EU market or to be exported from the EU. Consilium.Europa
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Finance is unprepared for EU’s deforestation regulations
New EU regulations against deforestation come into effect soon, but many banks and investors still have to engage with the new rules.
Despite landmark law, Europe faces tough test to end role in global forest loss (commentary)
European Union governments today gave the final go-ahead to a new law meant to prevent the bloc driving deforestation overseas through its consumption of beef, soy, palm oil and four other commodities linked to global forest loss.
The groundbreaking rules could cut a vital cash flow to forest-destroying firms, with huge impacts for biodiversity and the climate.
However, Sam Lawson, Director of London-based NGO Earthsight – which has been monitoring these issues for years and helped lobby for the new legislation – argues that the biggest challenge has yet to come: enforcement. And success is far from assured. Earthsight
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EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION CLEARS FINAL LEGISLATIVE HURDLE. NOW THE WORK BEGINS.
The world has its first ever law banning imports of products linked to deforestation.
Ten years ago it was small-print on the last page of the European Union’s 7th environmental action programme, but today the European Council adopted the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR). It will require all companies selling certain products on the EU market to prove that they haven’t contributed to deforestation.
Companies – and the EU Competent Authorities that have the responsibility of implementing the law - now have 18 months to prepare before the law comes into action, at the end of 2024.
“The rest of the world will be watching whether the EU can successfully implement the Regulation. If the Commission and Member States show they can cooperate well, it could mark a seismic shift in the fight against global deforestation, and set an important precedent for similar laws under development in China and the United States” said Nicole Polsterer, Sustainable consumption and production campaigner at Fern. FERN
Council adopts new rules to cut deforestation worldwide
Today, the Council gave the final go-ahead to a regulation that aims to minimise the risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products that are placed on or exported from the EU market.
The EU is a large consumer and trader of commodities and products that play a substantial part in deforestation. The new rules aim to ensure that the EU’s consumption and trade of these commodities and products don't contribute to deforestation and further degrading forest ecosystems.
Due diligenceThe regulation sets mandatory due diligence rules for all operators and traders who place, make available or export the following commodities from the EU market: palm oil, cattle, wood, coffee, cocoa, rubber and soy.
The rules also apply to a number of derived products such as chocolate, furniture, printed paper and selected palm oil based derivates (used for example as components in personal care products).
Operators will be required to trace the commodities they are selling back to the plot of land where they were produced. At the same time, the new rules aim to avoid duplication of obligations and reduce administrative burden for operators and authorities.
There is also a possibility for small operators to rely on larger operators to prepare due diligence declarations.
The regulation sets a cut-off date for the new rules on 31 December 2020, meaning that only products that have been produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020 will be allowed on the EU market or to be exported from the EU. Consilium.Europa
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Finance is unprepared for EU’s deforestation regulations
New EU regulations against deforestation come into effect soon, but many banks and investors still have to engage with the new rules.
- The EU has approved deforestation-free products regulation, targeting cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya and wood products.
- Suppliers are required to issue statements to confirm products were not produced on land deforested or degraded after December 2020.
- 40% of companies in the Forest 500 are still to set a policy on deforestation. Capital Monitor
Despite landmark law, Europe faces tough test to end role in global forest loss (commentary)
European Union governments today gave the final go-ahead to a new law meant to prevent the bloc driving deforestation overseas through its consumption of beef, soy, palm oil and four other commodities linked to global forest loss.
The groundbreaking rules could cut a vital cash flow to forest-destroying firms, with huge impacts for biodiversity and the climate.
However, Sam Lawson, Director of London-based NGO Earthsight – which has been monitoring these issues for years and helped lobby for the new legislation – argues that the biggest challenge has yet to come: enforcement. And success is far from assured. Earthsight
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EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION CLEARS FINAL LEGISLATIVE HURDLE. NOW THE WORK BEGINS.
The world has its first ever law banning imports of products linked to deforestation.
Ten years ago it was small-print on the last page of the European Union’s 7th environmental action programme, but today the European Council adopted the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR). It will require all companies selling certain products on the EU market to prove that they haven’t contributed to deforestation.
Companies – and the EU Competent Authorities that have the responsibility of implementing the law - now have 18 months to prepare before the law comes into action, at the end of 2024.
“The rest of the world will be watching whether the EU can successfully implement the Regulation. If the Commission and Member States show they can cooperate well, it could mark a seismic shift in the fight against global deforestation, and set an important precedent for similar laws under development in China and the United States” said Nicole Polsterer, Sustainable consumption and production campaigner at Fern. FERN
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May 15, 2023
Malaysia-Doppa: EU deforestation law ‘creates barriers’ for Sarawak oil palm planters
MIRI (May 14): The approval of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is deemed by Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (Doppa) president Napolean R Ningkos as a law that ‘denies human rights and creates barriers for local oil palm planters to advance in socio-economic development, especially the indigenous Dayak oil palm smallholders’.
The regulation, approved by the EU Parliament last month, not only applied to palm oil, but also to beef, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber and timber, as well as most products derived from these commodities such as leather, hides and chocolate.
The EUDR requires any company to demonstrate and declare that their products have not contributed to deforestation, should they wish to market them in the EU.
“We deeply regret the approval of the EUDR by the EU Parliament on April 19.
“More than 42,000 independent smallholders in Sarawak will feel constrained by the EUDR after the expiry of the grace period of 18 months for large oil palm plantation companies, and 24 months for independent smallholders,” said Napolean in a press statement yesterday. The Borneo Post
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Egypt, Malaysia Discuss Free Trade Agreement to Boost Economic Co-operation
The Egyptian Minister Mohamed Maait held a bilateral meeting with Ahmed Maslan, Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, on the sidelines of their participation in the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the title: “Establishing partnerships to prevent crises.”
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, and discussed opportunities for concluding a free trade agreement to facilitate the movement of import and export and increase trade exchange between the two countries, and discussed revitalizing the work of the Egyptian-Malaysian Businessmen Association, and the Chamber of Commerce between the two countries. SEE
Malaysia-Doppa: EU deforestation law ‘creates barriers’ for Sarawak oil palm planters
MIRI (May 14): The approval of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is deemed by Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (Doppa) president Napolean R Ningkos as a law that ‘denies human rights and creates barriers for local oil palm planters to advance in socio-economic development, especially the indigenous Dayak oil palm smallholders’.
The regulation, approved by the EU Parliament last month, not only applied to palm oil, but also to beef, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber and timber, as well as most products derived from these commodities such as leather, hides and chocolate.
The EUDR requires any company to demonstrate and declare that their products have not contributed to deforestation, should they wish to market them in the EU.
“We deeply regret the approval of the EUDR by the EU Parliament on April 19.
“More than 42,000 independent smallholders in Sarawak will feel constrained by the EUDR after the expiry of the grace period of 18 months for large oil palm plantation companies, and 24 months for independent smallholders,” said Napolean in a press statement yesterday. The Borneo Post
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Egypt, Malaysia Discuss Free Trade Agreement to Boost Economic Co-operation
The Egyptian Minister Mohamed Maait held a bilateral meeting with Ahmed Maslan, Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, on the sidelines of their participation in the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the title: “Establishing partnerships to prevent crises.”
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, and discussed opportunities for concluding a free trade agreement to facilitate the movement of import and export and increase trade exchange between the two countries, and discussed revitalizing the work of the Egyptian-Malaysian Businessmen Association, and the Chamber of Commerce between the two countries. SEE
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May 13, 2023
NEW DELHI: India imported more than 1.5 million tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia over the last six months.
It comprised almost 1.3 million tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO), 205,387 tonnes of refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palmolein and 24,988 tonnes of crude palm kernel oil.
In the month of April alone, India imported 175,384 tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia.
India’s overall edible imports during the November-April period exceeded eight million tonnes, including 4.9 million tonnes of palm oil, according to data released by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) on Friday.
Malaysia was the second biggest supplier of edible oil to India during the six-month period after Indonesia, its top source of supply.
By volume, 35 per cent of India’s CPO and 18 per cent of its RBD palmolein were from Malaysia.
Overall, India’s palm oil imports were down by 31 per cent to 505,000 tonnes in April against 728,000 tonnes in March, 2023. The Sun Daily/ Bernama
NEW DELHI: India imported more than 1.5 million tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia over the last six months.
It comprised almost 1.3 million tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO), 205,387 tonnes of refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palmolein and 24,988 tonnes of crude palm kernel oil.
In the month of April alone, India imported 175,384 tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia.
India’s overall edible imports during the November-April period exceeded eight million tonnes, including 4.9 million tonnes of palm oil, according to data released by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) on Friday.
Malaysia was the second biggest supplier of edible oil to India during the six-month period after Indonesia, its top source of supply.
By volume, 35 per cent of India’s CPO and 18 per cent of its RBD palmolein were from Malaysia.
Overall, India’s palm oil imports were down by 31 per cent to 505,000 tonnes in April against 728,000 tonnes in March, 2023. The Sun Daily/ Bernama
May 11, 2023
Malaysia to meet EU leaders on Deforestation-free Regulation implementation according to Minister Fadillah
PUTRAJAYA (May 11): Malaysia will meet leaders of the European Union (EU) member states in Brussels, Belgium at the end of this month to ensure that palm oil products exported to the EU are not banned with the implementation of the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR).
Assuring that palm oil will not be affected by the implementation of the regulation, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister said the engagement mission between Malaysia and EU leaders demonstrates the government’s commitment to resolving any issues arising from palm oil.
“We hope to receive a good explanation from them and obtain their commitment so that Malaysia will not be rated (seen) as a high-risk country. This should not happen, especially to smallholders,” he said during his Aidilfitri Open House in Sri Satria here today.
Fadillah said this when asked to comment on the recent statement from the EU ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas who said palm oil produced by smallholders under the Federal Land Development Board (Felda) would not be affected by the implementation of the EUDR. The Borneo Post
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EU Parliament backs new rules for sustainable, durable products and no greenwashing
On Thursday, MEPs backed draft legislation to improve product labelling and durability and to put a stop to misleading claims.
With 544 votes to 18 and 17 abstentions, plenary approved the proposal for a new directive on empowering consumers for the green transition. Its main aim is to help consumers make environmentally friendly choices and encourage companies to offer them more durable and sustainable products.
Banning misleading ads and generic environmental claims
Parliament’s approved negotiating mandate foresees banning the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” if these do not come with detailed evidence. It also aims to ban environmental claims that are based solely on carbon offsetting schemes. Other misleading practices such as making claims about the whole product if the claim is true only for one part of it, or saying that a product will last a certain amount of time or can be used at a certain level of intensity if that is not true, will also be forbidden.
To simplify product information, MEPs envision allowing only sustainability labels based on official certification schemes or established by public authorities to be used. Europarl.Europa
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India's Agri Minister Tage Taki Explores Oil Palm Cultivation During Indonesia Tour
Palm oil production is vital to the Indonesian economy because the country is the world's largest producer and user of the commodity, accounting for almost half of the global supply.
The Agriculture Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Tage Taki, recently headed a state delegation that embarked on a research trip to Indonesia. He visited PT SOCFIN, a leading oil palm and rubber plantation company in the archipelago known for its exceptional plantation development techniques.
The team toured the DNA laboratory, tissue culture, and seed production cente at Sofindo, where they learned about effective nursery management, the process of harvesting oil palms, identifying immature palms, and optimal farming practices, such as planting, manuring, replanting, and composting, among others.
The delegation also traveled to PT SOCFINDO Kebun Bangun Bandar's Palm Oil Mill (POM) to examine the oil extraction process.
Prior to this, the group had visited the seed production facility, FGV Agri Services SDN BHD, the planting material unit, and the TUN RAZAK Agriculture Research facility, all located at 26400 Bandar Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia. Krishi Jagran
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India to allow duty free imports of sunoil, soyoil until June
MUMBAI, May 11 (Reuters) - India on Thursday clarified that duty-free imports of soyoil and sunflower oil shipped before March 31 would be allowed until the end of June, after hundreds of thousands of cargoes were stuck at ports over confusion over import rules.
Earlier this year, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils scrapped a duty-free imports quota of 2 million tonnes of crude sunflower oil and soyoil for the this fiscal started on April 1.
But the move stuck cargoes of around 90,000 tonnes at Indian ports and another 180,000 tonnes in transit that were loaded before the government deadline of March 31, dealers said.
"A few shipments were stuck at ports for the past few weeks could now enter in to the country after this clarification,” said Sandeep Bajoria, CEO Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy firm.
India imports soyoil mainly from Argentina, Brazil and the United States and sunoil from Russia and Ukraine. Reuters
Malaysia to meet EU leaders on Deforestation-free Regulation implementation according to Minister Fadillah
PUTRAJAYA (May 11): Malaysia will meet leaders of the European Union (EU) member states in Brussels, Belgium at the end of this month to ensure that palm oil products exported to the EU are not banned with the implementation of the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR).
Assuring that palm oil will not be affected by the implementation of the regulation, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister said the engagement mission between Malaysia and EU leaders demonstrates the government’s commitment to resolving any issues arising from palm oil.
“We hope to receive a good explanation from them and obtain their commitment so that Malaysia will not be rated (seen) as a high-risk country. This should not happen, especially to smallholders,” he said during his Aidilfitri Open House in Sri Satria here today.
Fadillah said this when asked to comment on the recent statement from the EU ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas who said palm oil produced by smallholders under the Federal Land Development Board (Felda) would not be affected by the implementation of the EUDR. The Borneo Post
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EU Parliament backs new rules for sustainable, durable products and no greenwashing
On Thursday, MEPs backed draft legislation to improve product labelling and durability and to put a stop to misleading claims.
With 544 votes to 18 and 17 abstentions, plenary approved the proposal for a new directive on empowering consumers for the green transition. Its main aim is to help consumers make environmentally friendly choices and encourage companies to offer them more durable and sustainable products.
Banning misleading ads and generic environmental claims
Parliament’s approved negotiating mandate foresees banning the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” if these do not come with detailed evidence. It also aims to ban environmental claims that are based solely on carbon offsetting schemes. Other misleading practices such as making claims about the whole product if the claim is true only for one part of it, or saying that a product will last a certain amount of time or can be used at a certain level of intensity if that is not true, will also be forbidden.
To simplify product information, MEPs envision allowing only sustainability labels based on official certification schemes or established by public authorities to be used. Europarl.Europa
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India's Agri Minister Tage Taki Explores Oil Palm Cultivation During Indonesia Tour
Palm oil production is vital to the Indonesian economy because the country is the world's largest producer and user of the commodity, accounting for almost half of the global supply.
The Agriculture Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Tage Taki, recently headed a state delegation that embarked on a research trip to Indonesia. He visited PT SOCFIN, a leading oil palm and rubber plantation company in the archipelago known for its exceptional plantation development techniques.
The team toured the DNA laboratory, tissue culture, and seed production cente at Sofindo, where they learned about effective nursery management, the process of harvesting oil palms, identifying immature palms, and optimal farming practices, such as planting, manuring, replanting, and composting, among others.
The delegation also traveled to PT SOCFINDO Kebun Bangun Bandar's Palm Oil Mill (POM) to examine the oil extraction process.
Prior to this, the group had visited the seed production facility, FGV Agri Services SDN BHD, the planting material unit, and the TUN RAZAK Agriculture Research facility, all located at 26400 Bandar Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia. Krishi Jagran
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India to allow duty free imports of sunoil, soyoil until June
MUMBAI, May 11 (Reuters) - India on Thursday clarified that duty-free imports of soyoil and sunflower oil shipped before March 31 would be allowed until the end of June, after hundreds of thousands of cargoes were stuck at ports over confusion over import rules.
Earlier this year, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils scrapped a duty-free imports quota of 2 million tonnes of crude sunflower oil and soyoil for the this fiscal started on April 1.
But the move stuck cargoes of around 90,000 tonnes at Indian ports and another 180,000 tonnes in transit that were loaded before the government deadline of March 31, dealers said.
"A few shipments were stuck at ports for the past few weeks could now enter in to the country after this clarification,” said Sandeep Bajoria, CEO Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy firm.
India imports soyoil mainly from Argentina, Brazil and the United States and sunoil from Russia and Ukraine. Reuters
May 10, 2023
EU Envoy: Palm Oil produced by Felda smallholders not affected by EUDR
KUALA LUMPUR: Palm oil produced by smallholders under the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) will not be affected by the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), said European Union (EU) ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas.
The new regulation will not have an impact on the land project participants as Felda has not cleared any forest to open new plantations since 1990, he said.
"Since your (smallholders') plantations (under) Felda have had no deforestation since 1990, the rule does not apply. I want to make it clear the EUDR will only apply if the land is cleared from Jan 1, 2021," he said during a palm oil dialogue session jointly organised today (May 10) by the EU Mission to Malaysia and Foreign Correspondents Club Malaysia (FCCM) to address concerns on the regulation.
Rokas noted that the EUDR was introduced by the EU in November 2021 to limit deforestation caused by the consumption of agricultural commodities and products from around the world. New Straits Times
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Op-Ed-Is the proposed EU ‘deforestation’ regulation really a win for the environment?
An important piece of EU legislation outlawing products linked to deforestation is in the making, but its effect on the EU’s trade policy is far from certain, writes Piter Cleppe.
Pieter Cleppe is a Research Fellow at the Property Rights Alliance.
Newly proposed EU rules require companies to ensure products sold in the EU have not led to deforestation and forest degradation.
EU member states still need to give their blessing, but in a version approved by the European Parliament, the new rules foresee that companies will only be allowed to sell products in the EU if the supplier of the product has issued a so-called “due diligence” statement confirming that the product does not come from deforested land or has not led to forest degradation, including of irreplaceable primary forests, after 31 December 2020.
In the first place, as is often the case, it is not even clear whether the European Union has competence in this area, but protecting forests is something that is clearly valuable.
The question is whether the EU is opting for the right policy recipe, particularly because the way it is trying to protect precious nature threatens to disproportionally harm an industry that has already made great progress in reducing deforestation: South East Asia’s palm oil industry.
At least according to the World Resources Institute, an international NGO founded in 1982 which has developed a special project on deforestation, named “Global Forest Watch”, things are improving in South East Asia. Euractiv
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INFORIAL Smallholders’ livelihoods meet light once again with SMILE Program
A hope for humanity can be found in sustainable growth. Sustainable practices have proven itself to not only be a transformation towards a better life, but a strengthening of community bonds for a greater future. This message in particular echoes the hearts of smallholders who are the pillar of Indonesia’s agricultural community–especially palm oil production. And yet, they are often neglected in aspects of building a secure life. The Jakarta Post
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Indonesian Ministries collaborate to develop farm sector downstreaming
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo and Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Minister Teten Masduki have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pursue collaboration in developing farm sector downstreaming.
“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that agriculture is promising, no matter the condition. I expect that today (Tuesday) serves as an important (moment). Do not hesitate to work with us. We are ready to develop the agriculture (sector) with cooperatives,” Minister Limpo said after signing the MoU at the Agriculture Ministry's Office here.
The agreement between the two institutions is a symbol of efforts to improve Indonesians' welfare by pursuing farm business development as well as the downstreaming of farm products through the relevant micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), he added.
He also stressed the vital role of cooperatives in the agriculture sector. People's business credit enables farmers to use new downstreaming technology to improve the quality and quantity of farm products so they have good quality and can be sold overseas, he explained. Antara News
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S. Korean agriculture minister to visit Malaysia, Indonesia to discuss food security, exports
SEOUL, May 10 (Yonhap) -- Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun will visit Malaysia and Indonesia for talks on ways to boost cooperation on the agricultural and food industries and to better ensure stable supply chains, his office said Wednesday.
During his visit to Malaysia, which starts Thursday, Chung will meet with his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Bin Sabu, and issue a joint declaration that calls for expanding cooperation on food security, smart farming and food exports, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The two nations also plan to sign the first contract of exporting South Korean beef that meets halal standards, it added. Halal is an Arabic word meaning "lawful" or "permitted," and it is commonly used to refer to food that is prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines for Muslims.
In Indonesia, Chung is scheduled to hold a meeting with the country's agriculture minister, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, to sign a revision to the memorandum of understanding on the beefed-up cooperation in the farming sector.
Also on the table will be how to stabilize supplies of palm oils and other major trading items. Yonhap News Agency
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Private sector investors expand oil palm production and processing capacity in Nigeria
Nigeria’s oil palm production and processing capacity are expanding due to private sector investment, according to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Strong domestic and international market demand and high prices were driving private sector investment, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) 26 April report said.
In its Nigeria Oilseeds and Products Annual, the USDA said it expected Nigeria’s palm oil production in the 2023/24 marketing year (January-December) to reach 1.1M tonnes, up by about 22% compared to its 2022/23 estimate of 900,000 tonnes.
Oil palm planted area in the current marketing year was forecast to reach 3.2M ha, up by 7% from the USDA’s 2022/23 estimate of 3M ha. The increase in harvested area was due to growing domestic demand for palm kernel oil in food processing and growing private sector investment in the sector, the report said.
Increased government intervention in allocating lands to investors for oil palm plantations has led to greater adoption of improved planting materials, good farming practices, and better harvesting techniques, according to the report. The USDA forecast average yields in the 2023/24 marketing year of 0.34 tonnes/ha. OFI
EU Envoy: Palm Oil produced by Felda smallholders not affected by EUDR
KUALA LUMPUR: Palm oil produced by smallholders under the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) will not be affected by the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), said European Union (EU) ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas.
The new regulation will not have an impact on the land project participants as Felda has not cleared any forest to open new plantations since 1990, he said.
"Since your (smallholders') plantations (under) Felda have had no deforestation since 1990, the rule does not apply. I want to make it clear the EUDR will only apply if the land is cleared from Jan 1, 2021," he said during a palm oil dialogue session jointly organised today (May 10) by the EU Mission to Malaysia and Foreign Correspondents Club Malaysia (FCCM) to address concerns on the regulation.
Rokas noted that the EUDR was introduced by the EU in November 2021 to limit deforestation caused by the consumption of agricultural commodities and products from around the world. New Straits Times
---------
Op-Ed-Is the proposed EU ‘deforestation’ regulation really a win for the environment?
An important piece of EU legislation outlawing products linked to deforestation is in the making, but its effect on the EU’s trade policy is far from certain, writes Piter Cleppe.
Pieter Cleppe is a Research Fellow at the Property Rights Alliance.
Newly proposed EU rules require companies to ensure products sold in the EU have not led to deforestation and forest degradation.
EU member states still need to give their blessing, but in a version approved by the European Parliament, the new rules foresee that companies will only be allowed to sell products in the EU if the supplier of the product has issued a so-called “due diligence” statement confirming that the product does not come from deforested land or has not led to forest degradation, including of irreplaceable primary forests, after 31 December 2020.
In the first place, as is often the case, it is not even clear whether the European Union has competence in this area, but protecting forests is something that is clearly valuable.
The question is whether the EU is opting for the right policy recipe, particularly because the way it is trying to protect precious nature threatens to disproportionally harm an industry that has already made great progress in reducing deforestation: South East Asia’s palm oil industry.
At least according to the World Resources Institute, an international NGO founded in 1982 which has developed a special project on deforestation, named “Global Forest Watch”, things are improving in South East Asia. Euractiv
---------
INFORIAL Smallholders’ livelihoods meet light once again with SMILE Program
A hope for humanity can be found in sustainable growth. Sustainable practices have proven itself to not only be a transformation towards a better life, but a strengthening of community bonds for a greater future. This message in particular echoes the hearts of smallholders who are the pillar of Indonesia’s agricultural community–especially palm oil production. And yet, they are often neglected in aspects of building a secure life. The Jakarta Post
---------
Indonesian Ministries collaborate to develop farm sector downstreaming
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo and Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Minister Teten Masduki have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pursue collaboration in developing farm sector downstreaming.
“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that agriculture is promising, no matter the condition. I expect that today (Tuesday) serves as an important (moment). Do not hesitate to work with us. We are ready to develop the agriculture (sector) with cooperatives,” Minister Limpo said after signing the MoU at the Agriculture Ministry's Office here.
The agreement between the two institutions is a symbol of efforts to improve Indonesians' welfare by pursuing farm business development as well as the downstreaming of farm products through the relevant micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), he added.
He also stressed the vital role of cooperatives in the agriculture sector. People's business credit enables farmers to use new downstreaming technology to improve the quality and quantity of farm products so they have good quality and can be sold overseas, he explained. Antara News
---------
S. Korean agriculture minister to visit Malaysia, Indonesia to discuss food security, exports
SEOUL, May 10 (Yonhap) -- Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun will visit Malaysia and Indonesia for talks on ways to boost cooperation on the agricultural and food industries and to better ensure stable supply chains, his office said Wednesday.
During his visit to Malaysia, which starts Thursday, Chung will meet with his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Bin Sabu, and issue a joint declaration that calls for expanding cooperation on food security, smart farming and food exports, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The two nations also plan to sign the first contract of exporting South Korean beef that meets halal standards, it added. Halal is an Arabic word meaning "lawful" or "permitted," and it is commonly used to refer to food that is prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines for Muslims.
In Indonesia, Chung is scheduled to hold a meeting with the country's agriculture minister, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, to sign a revision to the memorandum of understanding on the beefed-up cooperation in the farming sector.
Also on the table will be how to stabilize supplies of palm oils and other major trading items. Yonhap News Agency
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Private sector investors expand oil palm production and processing capacity in Nigeria
Nigeria’s oil palm production and processing capacity are expanding due to private sector investment, according to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Strong domestic and international market demand and high prices were driving private sector investment, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) 26 April report said.
In its Nigeria Oilseeds and Products Annual, the USDA said it expected Nigeria’s palm oil production in the 2023/24 marketing year (January-December) to reach 1.1M tonnes, up by about 22% compared to its 2022/23 estimate of 900,000 tonnes.
Oil palm planted area in the current marketing year was forecast to reach 3.2M ha, up by 7% from the USDA’s 2022/23 estimate of 3M ha. The increase in harvested area was due to growing domestic demand for palm kernel oil in food processing and growing private sector investment in the sector, the report said.
Increased government intervention in allocating lands to investors for oil palm plantations has led to greater adoption of improved planting materials, good farming practices, and better harvesting techniques, according to the report. The USDA forecast average yields in the 2023/24 marketing year of 0.34 tonnes/ha. OFI
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May 09, 2023
Europe should do more to support Indonesia’s farmers and SMEs
At the end of March, hundreds of oil palm farmers from across Indonesia rallied outside the European Union Embassy in Jakarta to protest a new regulation that bans the import of products made from agricultural commodities produced on recently deforested or degraded land. The new law will mean that from 2024 the EU will require companies and smallholder farmers working in Indonesia, and other countries in Southeast Asia, to certify that their agricultural products – including palm oil, rubber, coffee, and timber – are not linked to recent deforestation and to provide data to prove it. However, due to the strict requirements for traceability and geolocation data that the regulation imposes, Indonesia’s SMEs and smallholder farmers are likely to struggle to comply and therefore risk being excluded from EU markets. The Jakarta Post
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Implications for global trade professionals as EU legislation seeks to limit deforestation
Last December, the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) reached a preliminary deal on a new law on deforestation-free products that will make it mandatory for companies to verify and issue so-called “due diligence” statements that any goods placed on the European Union (E.U.) market have not led to deforestation and forest degradation anywhere in the world after December 31, 2020.
This means that only products that have been produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2019 may be placed on the E.U. market or exported.
This is just one more sign of the ongoing expansion of regulations focused on risks related to environmental, social & governance (ESG) issues — in this case, those with a focus on the E. However, E is not the alone in this regulation, as respect for human rights will be considered an obligation for a product to be considered deforestation-free.
While this regulation would not ban any country or commodity specifically, companies will not be allowed to sell their products in the E.U. without this type of statement. This means that companies will also have to verify compliance with relevant legislation originating out of the country of production, including those on human rights and the rights of concerned Indigenous peoples. Thomson Reuters
Europe should do more to support Indonesia’s farmers and SMEs
At the end of March, hundreds of oil palm farmers from across Indonesia rallied outside the European Union Embassy in Jakarta to protest a new regulation that bans the import of products made from agricultural commodities produced on recently deforested or degraded land. The new law will mean that from 2024 the EU will require companies and smallholder farmers working in Indonesia, and other countries in Southeast Asia, to certify that their agricultural products – including palm oil, rubber, coffee, and timber – are not linked to recent deforestation and to provide data to prove it. However, due to the strict requirements for traceability and geolocation data that the regulation imposes, Indonesia’s SMEs and smallholder farmers are likely to struggle to comply and therefore risk being excluded from EU markets. The Jakarta Post
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Implications for global trade professionals as EU legislation seeks to limit deforestation
Last December, the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) reached a preliminary deal on a new law on deforestation-free products that will make it mandatory for companies to verify and issue so-called “due diligence” statements that any goods placed on the European Union (E.U.) market have not led to deforestation and forest degradation anywhere in the world after December 31, 2020.
This means that only products that have been produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2019 may be placed on the E.U. market or exported.
This is just one more sign of the ongoing expansion of regulations focused on risks related to environmental, social & governance (ESG) issues — in this case, those with a focus on the E. However, E is not the alone in this regulation, as respect for human rights will be considered an obligation for a product to be considered deforestation-free.
While this regulation would not ban any country or commodity specifically, companies will not be allowed to sell their products in the E.U. without this type of statement. This means that companies will also have to verify compliance with relevant legislation originating out of the country of production, including those on human rights and the rights of concerned Indigenous peoples. Thomson Reuters
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May 08, 2023
India-Mustard prices remain below MSP despite govt purchases
Prices of mustard at Bharatpur (Rajasthan) mandi, the hub of oilseeds trade, are currently ruling at around Rs 5,100-5,200/quintal, the lowest in two years.
Mandi prices of mustard seeds continue to rule below the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,450/quintal for the season, despite the government’s move to procure the oil seeds from the farmers after a two-year gap.
Prices of mustard at Bharatpur (Rajasthan) mandi, the hub of oilseeds trade, are currently ruling at around Rs 5,100-5,200/quintal, the lowest in two years.The mandi prices in November last year were around Rs 7,500/quintal.
While the government has set a target to procure 2.7 million tonne (MT) of the oilseed from farmers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana, the MSP purchases have been sluggish so far.
The farmers’ cooperative Nafed in collaboration with the state agencies has purchased only 0.47 MT of mustard seed from farmers at MSP till Friday in four states.
“MSP purchase is slow in Rajasthan as the agency has fixed purchase ceiling of 25 quintal per farmer per day,” Roop Singh, CEO, Uttan Mustard Producers Company, an FPO based in Astavan village, Bharatpur, Rajasthan told FE. Financial Express
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India-Oilseed policy must factor in farmers’ interests
In order to maintain the momentum for achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds, the government should start procurement at the MSP in all major producer states without any cap on quantity. In future, while allowing imports of oilseeds, the interests of domestic producers should not be ignored by calibrating the quantity to be imported. It may nudge our farmers towards balanced production. The crash in market prices may put off farmers who are keen to divert more area from wheat to mustard.
THE Department of Food and Public Distribution told leading industry representatives last week to pass on the benefit of a reduction in the prices of edible oils to the consumers. Consequently, the apex industry body, the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, appealed to its members to reduce the retail and wholesale prices in line with prevailing global markets for the benefit of the end users.
The international prices of imported edible oils are witnessing a downward trend. Global prices have reportedly fallen by $200-250 per tonne in the past two months. India is the world’s second-largest consumer and number one vegetable oil importer; it meets 60 per cent of its requirements through imports. A major portion is accounted for by palm oil and its derivatives, which are imported from Indonesia and Malaysia. India mostly consumes mustard, palm, soyabean and sunflower-derived edible oils. Tribune India
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India-Gujarat’s edible oilseed traders on a sticky wicket, urge PM Modi to arrest price slide
Gujarat State Edible Oils and Oil Seeds Association has written to PM Modi pointing out a significant drop in prices of edible oils vis-à-vis the corresponding period last year. The highest drop of 45.95 % was reported in the price of refined sunflower oil.
With the retail prices of most edible oils softening in recent months, a body of oil millers and oil seek traders in Gujarat has appealed to the central government to take measures to arrest the slide to protect Indian oilseeds producers and reduce the country’s dependence on the imports of the commodity.
Gujarat State Edible Oils and Oil Seeds Association (GSEOOSA) president Sameer Shah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointing out a significant drop in prices of edible oils vis-à-vis the corresponding period last year and urging the central government to take steps to stop prices from going further down. Indian Express
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[Exclusive] Jokowi: Malaysia, Indonesia would be world's largest palm oil producers if they team up [NSTTV]
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia - the world's largest palm oil-producing nations, should and work together to counter the European Union's (EU) discriminatory trade policies.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Malaysia and Indonesia would become the world's largest crude palm oil (CPO) and palm oil producers by working together, making market penetration and pricing management easier.
Speaking to Media Prima ahead of the Asean Summit in Jakarta this month, Jokowi said that without strong cooperation, both countries would face difficulties in managing the EU's discriminatory practices.
"Let's not see Indonesia and Malaysia compete with each other, we will both lose in the end. We need to stand united. New Straits Times
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European Commission reaches agreement on SAF mandate
The European Commission (EC) has announced that a political agreement has been reached on the REFuelEU Aviation proposal, which creates a mandate requiring the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Once in place, the new rules will help decarbonise the aviation sector by requiring fuel suppliers to blend SAF with kerosene in increasing amounts from 2025, according to a statement on the European Union (EU)’s official website on 26 April.
The new rules will require aviation fuel suppliers to supply a minimum share of SAF at European airports, starting at 2% of overall fuel supply by 2025, and increasing to 70% by 2050.
In addition, the new EU jet fuel blend will need to contain a minimum share of the most modern and environmentally-friendly synthetic fuels, with the volume increasing over time.
The blending mandate covers biofuels, recycled carbon fuels and synthetic aviation fuels (e-fuels) in line with the Renewable Energy Directive. OFI Magazine
India-Mustard prices remain below MSP despite govt purchases
Prices of mustard at Bharatpur (Rajasthan) mandi, the hub of oilseeds trade, are currently ruling at around Rs 5,100-5,200/quintal, the lowest in two years.
Mandi prices of mustard seeds continue to rule below the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,450/quintal for the season, despite the government’s move to procure the oil seeds from the farmers after a two-year gap.
Prices of mustard at Bharatpur (Rajasthan) mandi, the hub of oilseeds trade, are currently ruling at around Rs 5,100-5,200/quintal, the lowest in two years.The mandi prices in November last year were around Rs 7,500/quintal.
While the government has set a target to procure 2.7 million tonne (MT) of the oilseed from farmers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana, the MSP purchases have been sluggish so far.
The farmers’ cooperative Nafed in collaboration with the state agencies has purchased only 0.47 MT of mustard seed from farmers at MSP till Friday in four states.
“MSP purchase is slow in Rajasthan as the agency has fixed purchase ceiling of 25 quintal per farmer per day,” Roop Singh, CEO, Uttan Mustard Producers Company, an FPO based in Astavan village, Bharatpur, Rajasthan told FE. Financial Express
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India-Oilseed policy must factor in farmers’ interests
In order to maintain the momentum for achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds, the government should start procurement at the MSP in all major producer states without any cap on quantity. In future, while allowing imports of oilseeds, the interests of domestic producers should not be ignored by calibrating the quantity to be imported. It may nudge our farmers towards balanced production. The crash in market prices may put off farmers who are keen to divert more area from wheat to mustard.
THE Department of Food and Public Distribution told leading industry representatives last week to pass on the benefit of a reduction in the prices of edible oils to the consumers. Consequently, the apex industry body, the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, appealed to its members to reduce the retail and wholesale prices in line with prevailing global markets for the benefit of the end users.
The international prices of imported edible oils are witnessing a downward trend. Global prices have reportedly fallen by $200-250 per tonne in the past two months. India is the world’s second-largest consumer and number one vegetable oil importer; it meets 60 per cent of its requirements through imports. A major portion is accounted for by palm oil and its derivatives, which are imported from Indonesia and Malaysia. India mostly consumes mustard, palm, soyabean and sunflower-derived edible oils. Tribune India
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India-Gujarat’s edible oilseed traders on a sticky wicket, urge PM Modi to arrest price slide
Gujarat State Edible Oils and Oil Seeds Association has written to PM Modi pointing out a significant drop in prices of edible oils vis-à-vis the corresponding period last year. The highest drop of 45.95 % was reported in the price of refined sunflower oil.
With the retail prices of most edible oils softening in recent months, a body of oil millers and oil seek traders in Gujarat has appealed to the central government to take measures to arrest the slide to protect Indian oilseeds producers and reduce the country’s dependence on the imports of the commodity.
Gujarat State Edible Oils and Oil Seeds Association (GSEOOSA) president Sameer Shah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointing out a significant drop in prices of edible oils vis-à-vis the corresponding period last year and urging the central government to take steps to stop prices from going further down. Indian Express
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[Exclusive] Jokowi: Malaysia, Indonesia would be world's largest palm oil producers if they team up [NSTTV]
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia - the world's largest palm oil-producing nations, should and work together to counter the European Union's (EU) discriminatory trade policies.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Malaysia and Indonesia would become the world's largest crude palm oil (CPO) and palm oil producers by working together, making market penetration and pricing management easier.
Speaking to Media Prima ahead of the Asean Summit in Jakarta this month, Jokowi said that without strong cooperation, both countries would face difficulties in managing the EU's discriminatory practices.
"Let's not see Indonesia and Malaysia compete with each other, we will both lose in the end. We need to stand united. New Straits Times
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European Commission reaches agreement on SAF mandate
The European Commission (EC) has announced that a political agreement has been reached on the REFuelEU Aviation proposal, which creates a mandate requiring the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Once in place, the new rules will help decarbonise the aviation sector by requiring fuel suppliers to blend SAF with kerosene in increasing amounts from 2025, according to a statement on the European Union (EU)’s official website on 26 April.
The new rules will require aviation fuel suppliers to supply a minimum share of SAF at European airports, starting at 2% of overall fuel supply by 2025, and increasing to 70% by 2050.
In addition, the new EU jet fuel blend will need to contain a minimum share of the most modern and environmentally-friendly synthetic fuels, with the volume increasing over time.
The blending mandate covers biofuels, recycled carbon fuels and synthetic aviation fuels (e-fuels) in line with the Renewable Energy Directive. OFI Magazine
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May 07, 2023
Biofuels Pivot To Asia
The United States and Europe are moving from biodiesel and ethanol to renewable diesel, while Indonesia, Singapore and India expect growth in biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and ethanol. Singapore has long been a participant in biofuels, in particular SAF and marine fuel, while China is the world's largest exporter of used cooking oil. Indonesia has the world's highest transport fuel blending mandate and relies heavily on domestic palm oil as a feedstock.
Chinese Used Cooking Oil to Power the World
Waste and residues, a feedstock category that includes used cooking oil, is poised for the fastest growth among biofuel inputs, with the IEA projecting total feedstock share of waste and residue to grow from 9% in 2021 to 13% in 2027. One motivator for the growth of waste and residue as a biofuel input is the natural limitations of growing more soybeans, the oil of which is the primary feedstock for biodiesel and renewable diesel in the United States.
Additionally, legislation in the European Union supports the feedstock use of waste and residual oils on environmental grounds: used cooking oil, for example, conveniently circumvents the food vs. fuel debate as it has already been used in a food application. Seeking Alpha
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India-State’s delegates go on oil palm study tour
ITANAGAR, 6 May: A delegation from Arunachal Pradesh, led by Agriculture Minister Tage Taki, went on a study tour to Indonesia and Malaysia recently to learn about oil palm production.
In Indonesia, the team visited PT SOCFIN, Indonesia (SOCFINDO), a leading oil palm and rubber plantation company and a role model for plantation development in the archipelago.
“At Sofindo, the team visited tissue culture and DNA laboratory and seed production centre,” Agriculture Commissioner Bidol Tayeng informed in a press release.
“Further, the team was acquainted with nursery management, oil palm harvesting process, identifying immature palm, and best cultivation practices like planting, manuring and replanting, composting, etc,” he said.
The team also visited the palm oil mill of PT SOCFINDO in Kebun Bangun Bandar to learn about the oil extraction process.
“The delegates also visited the seed production centre of the FGV Agri Services SDN BHD, planting material unit, TUN RAZAK Agriculture Research Centre 26400 Bandar Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia,” the release stated. Arunachal Times
Biofuels Pivot To Asia
- Asian countries turn to domestic biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel, while the West seeks expansion in renewable diesel.
- Singapore has long been a participant in biofuels, in particular SAF and marine fuel, while China is the world’s largest exporter of used cooking oil.
- Indonesia has the world’s highest transport fuel blending mandate and relies heavily on domestic palm oil as a feedstock.
- Asian countries turn to domestic biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel, while the West seeks expansion in renewable diesel
- Waste and residual oils lead global feedstock growth, with Chinese sourcing at the fore
The United States and Europe are moving from biodiesel and ethanol to renewable diesel, while Indonesia, Singapore and India expect growth in biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and ethanol. Singapore has long been a participant in biofuels, in particular SAF and marine fuel, while China is the world's largest exporter of used cooking oil. Indonesia has the world's highest transport fuel blending mandate and relies heavily on domestic palm oil as a feedstock.
Chinese Used Cooking Oil to Power the World
Waste and residues, a feedstock category that includes used cooking oil, is poised for the fastest growth among biofuel inputs, with the IEA projecting total feedstock share of waste and residue to grow from 9% in 2021 to 13% in 2027. One motivator for the growth of waste and residue as a biofuel input is the natural limitations of growing more soybeans, the oil of which is the primary feedstock for biodiesel and renewable diesel in the United States.
Additionally, legislation in the European Union supports the feedstock use of waste and residual oils on environmental grounds: used cooking oil, for example, conveniently circumvents the food vs. fuel debate as it has already been used in a food application. Seeking Alpha
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India-State’s delegates go on oil palm study tour
ITANAGAR, 6 May: A delegation from Arunachal Pradesh, led by Agriculture Minister Tage Taki, went on a study tour to Indonesia and Malaysia recently to learn about oil palm production.
In Indonesia, the team visited PT SOCFIN, Indonesia (SOCFINDO), a leading oil palm and rubber plantation company and a role model for plantation development in the archipelago.
“At Sofindo, the team visited tissue culture and DNA laboratory and seed production centre,” Agriculture Commissioner Bidol Tayeng informed in a press release.
“Further, the team was acquainted with nursery management, oil palm harvesting process, identifying immature palm, and best cultivation practices like planting, manuring and replanting, composting, etc,” he said.
The team also visited the palm oil mill of PT SOCFINDO in Kebun Bangun Bandar to learn about the oil extraction process.
“The delegates also visited the seed production centre of the FGV Agri Services SDN BHD, planting material unit, TUN RAZAK Agriculture Research Centre 26400 Bandar Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia,” the release stated. Arunachal Times
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May 06, 2023
Rapeseed oil Prices Fall while Palm Oil Sustainability Issues Emerge
The Mintec Benchmark Prices [MBP] for Rapeseed Oil FOB Rotterdam [Mintec Code: RSOR] was assessed at €859.50/mt on 4th May, down €20.00/mt on the week. The price decline was due to a continued lack of buying interest from the food sector, which is well covered until late 2023, and biodiesel players who are similarly uninterested in purchasing rapeseed oil and instead importing second-generation biofuels from China.
It has been reported to Mintec that imported green fuel for biodiesel usage from China, labelled as Used Cooking Oil (UCO), may not be pure UCO and instead be ‘polluted’ with significant amounts of palm oil, meaning that it would not qualify as a green fuel. Although this story is still developing, if this is indeed the case, market players have mused that increased scrutiny on green fuel exports is very likely or even a ban in its entirety. Increased scrutiny or a ban would likely have a significant impact on the market as UCO has been favoured for supposed sustainability and being competitively priced compared to other biodiesel-useable vegetable oils and could ‘force’ biodiesel players to seek these oils, again increasing demand and potentially prices. The situation is made all the more difficult by the EU’s rallying against products which may cause deforestation, more detail of which can be found here, naturally significant amounts of palm oil being mixed with used cooking oil flies in the face of sustainability. Mintec
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Report highlights unknowns in fuel lifecycle analysis
The report Key Issues in LCA Methodology for Marine Fuels looks at the complexities of conducting lifecycle analysis (LCA) for alternative fuels—studies into the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the production, supply chains and use of fuels.
Instead of tank-to-wake (TTW) emissions, those that are generated from the use of a fuel onboard a vessel, LCAs take into account well-to-wake (WTW) emissions, which adds in a multitude of possible indirect emissions.
Taking soy oil-derived biodiesel as an example, the study considers the indirect emissions associated with extra land being used to grow soybeans. Known as Indirect Land-Use Changed (ILUC). Depending on the model used to estimate ILUC impact for soy-derived biofuels, emissions range between 29.1 g of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule of energy produced and 150 g CO₂e/MJ).
“The GTAP model estimates that a greater share of demand will be met through intensification of existing soybean production, with less cropland expansion. In contrast, GLOBIOM estimates higher forest and wetland conversion, particularly from palm oil substitution for soy oil in vegetable oil markets,” said the report. Seatrade Maritime
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Indonesia-Retailers Threaten to Sue Gov’t over $23.4m Unpaid Cooking Oil Subsidies
Jakarta. The Indonesian Retailer Association, or Aprindo, mulls suing the government if the promised subsidies aimed at keeping cooking oil price low aren’t paid.
Aprindo Chairman Roy Nicholas Mandey said recently the government owes palm oil producers Rp 344 billion ($23.4 million) in unpaid subsidies since early last year.
In the wake edible oil shortage that drove up prices and triggered widespread criticisms in the world’s biggest palm oil-producing country last year, the trade minister issued a regulation obliging retailers to sell cooking oil at Rp 14,000 or just below $1 dollar a liter, against the market price of Rp17,000 – 20,000.
“The government must pay the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency Rp 344 billion for the sales of 40 million liters [of subsidized cooking oil] from January 19-31, 2022. The debt comes as a result of the one-price policy,” Roy was quoted by business news website Investor.id. Jakarta Globe
Rapeseed oil Prices Fall while Palm Oil Sustainability Issues Emerge
The Mintec Benchmark Prices [MBP] for Rapeseed Oil FOB Rotterdam [Mintec Code: RSOR] was assessed at €859.50/mt on 4th May, down €20.00/mt on the week. The price decline was due to a continued lack of buying interest from the food sector, which is well covered until late 2023, and biodiesel players who are similarly uninterested in purchasing rapeseed oil and instead importing second-generation biofuels from China.
It has been reported to Mintec that imported green fuel for biodiesel usage from China, labelled as Used Cooking Oil (UCO), may not be pure UCO and instead be ‘polluted’ with significant amounts of palm oil, meaning that it would not qualify as a green fuel. Although this story is still developing, if this is indeed the case, market players have mused that increased scrutiny on green fuel exports is very likely or even a ban in its entirety. Increased scrutiny or a ban would likely have a significant impact on the market as UCO has been favoured for supposed sustainability and being competitively priced compared to other biodiesel-useable vegetable oils and could ‘force’ biodiesel players to seek these oils, again increasing demand and potentially prices. The situation is made all the more difficult by the EU’s rallying against products which may cause deforestation, more detail of which can be found here, naturally significant amounts of palm oil being mixed with used cooking oil flies in the face of sustainability. Mintec
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Report highlights unknowns in fuel lifecycle analysis
The report Key Issues in LCA Methodology for Marine Fuels looks at the complexities of conducting lifecycle analysis (LCA) for alternative fuels—studies into the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the production, supply chains and use of fuels.
Instead of tank-to-wake (TTW) emissions, those that are generated from the use of a fuel onboard a vessel, LCAs take into account well-to-wake (WTW) emissions, which adds in a multitude of possible indirect emissions.
Taking soy oil-derived biodiesel as an example, the study considers the indirect emissions associated with extra land being used to grow soybeans. Known as Indirect Land-Use Changed (ILUC). Depending on the model used to estimate ILUC impact for soy-derived biofuels, emissions range between 29.1 g of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule of energy produced and 150 g CO₂e/MJ).
“The GTAP model estimates that a greater share of demand will be met through intensification of existing soybean production, with less cropland expansion. In contrast, GLOBIOM estimates higher forest and wetland conversion, particularly from palm oil substitution for soy oil in vegetable oil markets,” said the report. Seatrade Maritime
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Indonesia-Retailers Threaten to Sue Gov’t over $23.4m Unpaid Cooking Oil Subsidies
Jakarta. The Indonesian Retailer Association, or Aprindo, mulls suing the government if the promised subsidies aimed at keeping cooking oil price low aren’t paid.
Aprindo Chairman Roy Nicholas Mandey said recently the government owes palm oil producers Rp 344 billion ($23.4 million) in unpaid subsidies since early last year.
In the wake edible oil shortage that drove up prices and triggered widespread criticisms in the world’s biggest palm oil-producing country last year, the trade minister issued a regulation obliging retailers to sell cooking oil at Rp 14,000 or just below $1 dollar a liter, against the market price of Rp17,000 – 20,000.
“The government must pay the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency Rp 344 billion for the sales of 40 million liters [of subsidized cooking oil] from January 19-31, 2022. The debt comes as a result of the one-price policy,” Roy was quoted by business news website Investor.id. Jakarta Globe
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May 05, 2023
India-Government asks edible oil firms to cut cooking oil prices
India imported cooking oils worth Rs 1.57 lakh crore during 2021-22 marketing year
The Centre on Thursday asked edible oil companies to cut the prices of cooking oils in line with the fall in global prices for the benefit of consumers.
A major importer of edible oils, India imported cooking oils worth Rs 1.57 lakh crore during 2021-22 marketing year (November-October).
It buys palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia while soyabean oil is being imported from Argentina and Brazil.
Representatives from Solvent Extraction Association of India (SEA) and Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) were present at the meeting to discuss further reduction in the retail prices of cooking oils amidst a fall in the global prices, an official statement said.
“The decline in the price of edible oils should be passed on to consumers expeditiously,” Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said during a meeting with leading industry representatives here. Tribune India
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Indonesia to narrow scope of palm oil trade on planned exchange
JAKARTA: Indonesia will narrow the scope of crude palm oil (CPO) products traded on a planned exchange it hopes to launch by June, a regulator said on Thursday.
“For now only direct CPO exports will be required (to go through the exchange), as we are looking for a quick win. If we succeed, we will add CPO derivatives one by one,” Didid Noordiatmoko, head of the commodity futures regulator told reporters.
CPO accounts for around 12% of Indonesia’s total palm oil exports, industry group data showed.
The exchange will only offer spot trading in the rupiah currency and will gradually launch future contracts down the line, Didid added.
In an attempt to create its own benchmark price of the widely-used oil, Indonesia initially planned to require overseas buyers of CPO to make their purchases via the exchange, while exporters of refined products were expected to purchase their feedstock through the exchange. BRecorder
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Biofuel Industry insiders fear Chinese tropical island may be hub for green fuel fraud
A resort island off southern China, best known for its balmy weather and sandy beaches, has become the unlikely focus of Europe’s growing concerns over a booming waste-oil industry.
On the edge of the South China Sea, Hainan has become a green-fuel hot spot over the past year, accounting for nearly a third of the country’s biodiesel exports. The catch is that China’s answer to Hawaii has no capacity to convert used cooking oil, the most obviously compliant feedstock, into biodiesel.
According to producers, traders and analysts who held conversations on the sidelines of a conference in Singapore last week, it suggests the island may instead be serving as a transshipment hub, facilitating efforts to mix fuels with cheaper feedstock, then mislabeling the product in order to qualify for European green incentives. Japan Times
India-Government asks edible oil firms to cut cooking oil prices
India imported cooking oils worth Rs 1.57 lakh crore during 2021-22 marketing year
The Centre on Thursday asked edible oil companies to cut the prices of cooking oils in line with the fall in global prices for the benefit of consumers.
A major importer of edible oils, India imported cooking oils worth Rs 1.57 lakh crore during 2021-22 marketing year (November-October).
It buys palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia while soyabean oil is being imported from Argentina and Brazil.
Representatives from Solvent Extraction Association of India (SEA) and Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) were present at the meeting to discuss further reduction in the retail prices of cooking oils amidst a fall in the global prices, an official statement said.
“The decline in the price of edible oils should be passed on to consumers expeditiously,” Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said during a meeting with leading industry representatives here. Tribune India
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Indonesia to narrow scope of palm oil trade on planned exchange
JAKARTA: Indonesia will narrow the scope of crude palm oil (CPO) products traded on a planned exchange it hopes to launch by June, a regulator said on Thursday.
“For now only direct CPO exports will be required (to go through the exchange), as we are looking for a quick win. If we succeed, we will add CPO derivatives one by one,” Didid Noordiatmoko, head of the commodity futures regulator told reporters.
CPO accounts for around 12% of Indonesia’s total palm oil exports, industry group data showed.
The exchange will only offer spot trading in the rupiah currency and will gradually launch future contracts down the line, Didid added.
In an attempt to create its own benchmark price of the widely-used oil, Indonesia initially planned to require overseas buyers of CPO to make their purchases via the exchange, while exporters of refined products were expected to purchase their feedstock through the exchange. BRecorder
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Biofuel Industry insiders fear Chinese tropical island may be hub for green fuel fraud
A resort island off southern China, best known for its balmy weather and sandy beaches, has become the unlikely focus of Europe’s growing concerns over a booming waste-oil industry.
On the edge of the South China Sea, Hainan has become a green-fuel hot spot over the past year, accounting for nearly a third of the country’s biodiesel exports. The catch is that China’s answer to Hawaii has no capacity to convert used cooking oil, the most obviously compliant feedstock, into biodiesel.
According to producers, traders and analysts who held conversations on the sidelines of a conference in Singapore last week, it suggests the island may instead be serving as a transshipment hub, facilitating efforts to mix fuels with cheaper feedstock, then mislabeling the product in order to qualify for European green incentives. Japan Times
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May 04, 2023
Europe-Businesses must prepare for new EU deforestation regulations
Last month, the EU parliament voted in favour of introducing a new law to prevent the import of commodities that are linked to deforestation. Michael Rice from ClientEarth called the regulations a “new gold standard” in environmental law, and one of the biggest steps forward to date in the fight to protect the world’s forests.
Importers will need to trace products back to the specific plot of land on which they have been produced, and demonstrate no deforestation has occurred. This regulation was broadly agreed in December 2022 and is likely to be fully in force before the end of 2024.
The commodities in scope include palm oil, cocoa, coffee, soy, beef, wood and rubber, but will also include byproducts such as charcoal and printed paper products.
The backdrop is this: the UN’s Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates 420 million hectares of forest have been lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020, which is roughly the same size as the land mass covered by the EU. Deforestation is also a major cause of global biodiversity loss, with over one million species threatened with extinction today. The Grocer
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Deforestation controversy: despite EU landmark legislation, Brazil will keep to its own legal system
Brazil’s government said it could not interfere with a landmark EU law banning imports of commodities linked to deforestation but will keep farming according to its own laws. The law approved by the European Parliament on April 19 bans imports of coffee, beef, soy, palm oil, cocoa, rubber, wood, charcoal and derived products including leather, chocolate and furniture if they are linked to forest destruction.
Surging deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon has raised concerns in Europe in recent years and generated resistance to trade with the South American country in European legislatives.
Brazil’s agribusiness sector has said the country, which as a major soy, coffee and beef producer is one of the world’s largest food suppliers, already regulates deforestation under its forest code that allows some areas to be cleared.
“Brazil cannot interfere in a decision taken by the European Union on products linked to deforestation. We will continue to act in accordance with Brazilian legislation,” Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro told reporters.
Former agriculture minister Roberto Rodriguez said the law amounted to a non-tariff trade barrier, calling it “exaggerated protectionism.” Merco Press
---------
No deforestation requires consultation instead of blunt axe
European Union The word 'climate colonialism' has already been used in the EU's fight against deforestation, notes Sjoerd Gillissen . And rightly so.
Asian leaders have recently spoken strongly to the European Union. According to Indonesian President Joko Widodo , the EU is jeopardizing its trade relationship with Indonesia . Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim believes that the EU is practicing 'crop apartheid'. It is the result of a escalating conflict about new import rules from the EU, intended to combat deforestation: products produced on land that has been deforested after December 2020 will soon no longer be welcome on the European market.
The new import rules ensure that countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia can export less palm oil to the EU - and that causes bad blood. Waving the Paris Climate Agreement in hand, the EU is trying to export its standards to its trading partners, but they are not waiting for the interference from Brussels. The word 'climate colonialism' has already been used. NRC
---------
Decoupling is Happening, So Europe Must Avoid Alienating Allies
Global tensions and disputes
For the West, it is particularly troubling to see Malaysia as the driver behind the Asian Monetary Fund. In the age of ‘decoupling,’ with Western countries and their allies attempting to avoid excessive dependence China and Russia when it comes to “strategic” matters—something that is hard to define and prone to misuse—Southeast Asia, a region with enormous growth prospects, could make up for any reduced trade with China and Russia.
Then, tensions between Southeast Asia and the European Union in particular seem to be on the rise. At the heart of it is a dispute over palm oil, an important export for economies like Malaysia and Indonesia. Ever more stringent EU requirements, often linked to concerns about deforestation, are angering the Southeast Asian export powerhouses, leading to Indonesian President Jokowi openly warning the EU at last year’s EU-ASEAN Summit that it should not try to dictate its standards to ASEAN, the regional trade bloc. A particular frustration in Malaysia and Indonesia is that the EU is flatly ignoring the undeniable progress in reducing deforestation during palm oil production. Instead of commending this, the EU is imposing ever more bureaucracy on palm oil exports. According to rumours, this is really about protecting alternative oilseeds that tend to be produced in Europe, even if these alternatives are actually a greater burden for the environment than palm oil.
Yet, a high-profile $14.9 billion legal dispute is currently framing the outlook for Malaysia-Europe relations. The fact that it has received relatively little media attention in Europe is probably telling of how much European policy makers care about this. European Conservative
----------
Malaysia-Dabeeo Signs MOU for Monitoring Palm Oil Plantation in Malaysia
- Dabeeo sets its foot onto the crop analysis market by diversifying the use of satellite images
- Plans to collaborate with Malaysian plantations to manage palm trees and increase palm oil productivity
SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dabeeo Inc., a geospatial information technology company based on AI, has announced its plan to introduce AI analysis technology using ultra-precision (30cm-level) satellite images to monitor palm tree plantations in Malaysia.
Dabeeo concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saba Legend, a Malaysian GIS company, on April 28, 2023, with the aim of periodically monitoring the health of trees and promptly identifying undernourished palm trees through technical collaboration.
The palm oil plantation that has corporated with Saba Legend covers an area of about 300km2, the size of about 42,000 football fields. The two companies will jointly seek opportunities to explore precision farming in order to save the time and cost spent for managing a large-scale farm by leveraging Dabeeo's AI technology.
Dabeeo previously conducted an analysis of certain plantation areas by using a specific band (Red-NIR) of satellite images to derive NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), a representative indicator of vegetation status. Business Wire
---------
Korea-POSCO International seeks to become top global grain producer
POSCO International will become one of the world's top 10 grain producers by 2030 by securing more farmland and building more grain processing facilities abroad, the company said Wednesday.
To become the Korean version of multinational grain and livestock feed producer, Cargill, POSCO International plans to invest heavily in three strategies by 2030: securing a global raw material procurement system, establishing a stable food value chain and fostering new Ag-Tech businesses, according to the company, Thursday.
The goal is to secure 860,000 hectares of farmland, 7.1 million tons of production, and 2.34 million tons of processed products through joint ventures (JV) with farming companies in major producing countries such as Australia, North America, and South America. All of which, will amount to an area which is about 15 times the size of Seoul.
POSCO International has already established a partnership with Hancock Prospecting in Australia to secure a 250,000-hectare wheat cultivation site and plans to secure an additional 500,000 hectares of farming assets through acquisitions of superior farming companies in the Black Sea region. Korea Times
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India-Palm oil venture: Cultivation to cover 2 lakh hectares by 2026
The Agriculture Department is ready to venture into palm oil cultivation in a massive way. It has the target of covering two lakh hectares of land by 2026.
GUWAHATI: The Agriculture Department is ready to venture into palm oil cultivation in a massive way. It has the target of covering two lakh hectares of land by 2026. The Centre, on the other hand, has identified 3.75 lakh hectares of land as potential areas for palm oil cultivation in the state. State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora had a meeting with the top-level officials of various companies that will cultivate palm oil in the state. The cultivation will cover 18 districts in the state, and the department has allotted arable land for palm oil cultivation to four companies. While Godrej Agrovet Ltd. will cultivate in Hailakandi, Cachar, and Karimganj districts; Patanjali Food Ltd. will cultivate in Jorhat, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Kamrup, Goalpara, and Nagaon districts; KE Cultivation will cultivate in Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts; and 3F Oil Palm Company will cultivate in Lakhimpur and Chirang districts. Sentinel Assam
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Uganda-Scarcity, high cost of seedlings frustrate oil palm growers in Kalangala
Kalangala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The acute scarcity and high cost of seedlings are frustrating the anticipated expansion of the oil palm growing project in Kalangala district.
With support from the government and International Fund for Agriculture Development-IFAD since the early 2000s, the communities in Kalangala undertook to grow palm oil growing as an alternative income-generating project, to diversify from their traditional fishing and lumbering activities.
According to figures at the Kalangala Oil Palm Growers’ Cooperative Trust-KOPGT, at least 5,300 hectares of land on the main Island of Buggala have been planted with oil palm trees, and recently, the project started expanding to other islands of Bubembe and Bunyama.
However, the project’s expansion prospects have suffered a setback due to inaccessibility and very high costs of seedlings, something that is frustrating prospective smallholder farmers.
Teopista Nakiyingi, an out-grower in Bbeta Parish, Mugoye Sub County is among the dozens of intending oil palm farmers who are currently stuck with their cleared pieces of land which they can’t plant after they failed to get seedlings. Independent UG
Europe-Businesses must prepare for new EU deforestation regulations
Last month, the EU parliament voted in favour of introducing a new law to prevent the import of commodities that are linked to deforestation. Michael Rice from ClientEarth called the regulations a “new gold standard” in environmental law, and one of the biggest steps forward to date in the fight to protect the world’s forests.
Importers will need to trace products back to the specific plot of land on which they have been produced, and demonstrate no deforestation has occurred. This regulation was broadly agreed in December 2022 and is likely to be fully in force before the end of 2024.
The commodities in scope include palm oil, cocoa, coffee, soy, beef, wood and rubber, but will also include byproducts such as charcoal and printed paper products.
The backdrop is this: the UN’s Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates 420 million hectares of forest have been lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020, which is roughly the same size as the land mass covered by the EU. Deforestation is also a major cause of global biodiversity loss, with over one million species threatened with extinction today. The Grocer
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Deforestation controversy: despite EU landmark legislation, Brazil will keep to its own legal system
Brazil’s government said it could not interfere with a landmark EU law banning imports of commodities linked to deforestation but will keep farming according to its own laws. The law approved by the European Parliament on April 19 bans imports of coffee, beef, soy, palm oil, cocoa, rubber, wood, charcoal and derived products including leather, chocolate and furniture if they are linked to forest destruction.
Surging deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon has raised concerns in Europe in recent years and generated resistance to trade with the South American country in European legislatives.
Brazil’s agribusiness sector has said the country, which as a major soy, coffee and beef producer is one of the world’s largest food suppliers, already regulates deforestation under its forest code that allows some areas to be cleared.
“Brazil cannot interfere in a decision taken by the European Union on products linked to deforestation. We will continue to act in accordance with Brazilian legislation,” Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro told reporters.
Former agriculture minister Roberto Rodriguez said the law amounted to a non-tariff trade barrier, calling it “exaggerated protectionism.” Merco Press
---------
No deforestation requires consultation instead of blunt axe
European Union The word 'climate colonialism' has already been used in the EU's fight against deforestation, notes Sjoerd Gillissen . And rightly so.
Asian leaders have recently spoken strongly to the European Union. According to Indonesian President Joko Widodo , the EU is jeopardizing its trade relationship with Indonesia . Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim believes that the EU is practicing 'crop apartheid'. It is the result of a escalating conflict about new import rules from the EU, intended to combat deforestation: products produced on land that has been deforested after December 2020 will soon no longer be welcome on the European market.
The new import rules ensure that countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia can export less palm oil to the EU - and that causes bad blood. Waving the Paris Climate Agreement in hand, the EU is trying to export its standards to its trading partners, but they are not waiting for the interference from Brussels. The word 'climate colonialism' has already been used. NRC
---------
Decoupling is Happening, So Europe Must Avoid Alienating Allies
Global tensions and disputes
For the West, it is particularly troubling to see Malaysia as the driver behind the Asian Monetary Fund. In the age of ‘decoupling,’ with Western countries and their allies attempting to avoid excessive dependence China and Russia when it comes to “strategic” matters—something that is hard to define and prone to misuse—Southeast Asia, a region with enormous growth prospects, could make up for any reduced trade with China and Russia.
Then, tensions between Southeast Asia and the European Union in particular seem to be on the rise. At the heart of it is a dispute over palm oil, an important export for economies like Malaysia and Indonesia. Ever more stringent EU requirements, often linked to concerns about deforestation, are angering the Southeast Asian export powerhouses, leading to Indonesian President Jokowi openly warning the EU at last year’s EU-ASEAN Summit that it should not try to dictate its standards to ASEAN, the regional trade bloc. A particular frustration in Malaysia and Indonesia is that the EU is flatly ignoring the undeniable progress in reducing deforestation during palm oil production. Instead of commending this, the EU is imposing ever more bureaucracy on palm oil exports. According to rumours, this is really about protecting alternative oilseeds that tend to be produced in Europe, even if these alternatives are actually a greater burden for the environment than palm oil.
Yet, a high-profile $14.9 billion legal dispute is currently framing the outlook for Malaysia-Europe relations. The fact that it has received relatively little media attention in Europe is probably telling of how much European policy makers care about this. European Conservative
----------
Malaysia-Dabeeo Signs MOU for Monitoring Palm Oil Plantation in Malaysia
- Dabeeo sets its foot onto the crop analysis market by diversifying the use of satellite images
- Plans to collaborate with Malaysian plantations to manage palm trees and increase palm oil productivity
SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dabeeo Inc., a geospatial information technology company based on AI, has announced its plan to introduce AI analysis technology using ultra-precision (30cm-level) satellite images to monitor palm tree plantations in Malaysia.
Dabeeo concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saba Legend, a Malaysian GIS company, on April 28, 2023, with the aim of periodically monitoring the health of trees and promptly identifying undernourished palm trees through technical collaboration.
The palm oil plantation that has corporated with Saba Legend covers an area of about 300km2, the size of about 42,000 football fields. The two companies will jointly seek opportunities to explore precision farming in order to save the time and cost spent for managing a large-scale farm by leveraging Dabeeo's AI technology.
Dabeeo previously conducted an analysis of certain plantation areas by using a specific band (Red-NIR) of satellite images to derive NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), a representative indicator of vegetation status. Business Wire
---------
Korea-POSCO International seeks to become top global grain producer
POSCO International will become one of the world's top 10 grain producers by 2030 by securing more farmland and building more grain processing facilities abroad, the company said Wednesday.
To become the Korean version of multinational grain and livestock feed producer, Cargill, POSCO International plans to invest heavily in three strategies by 2030: securing a global raw material procurement system, establishing a stable food value chain and fostering new Ag-Tech businesses, according to the company, Thursday.
The goal is to secure 860,000 hectares of farmland, 7.1 million tons of production, and 2.34 million tons of processed products through joint ventures (JV) with farming companies in major producing countries such as Australia, North America, and South America. All of which, will amount to an area which is about 15 times the size of Seoul.
POSCO International has already established a partnership with Hancock Prospecting in Australia to secure a 250,000-hectare wheat cultivation site and plans to secure an additional 500,000 hectares of farming assets through acquisitions of superior farming companies in the Black Sea region. Korea Times
---------
India-Palm oil venture: Cultivation to cover 2 lakh hectares by 2026
The Agriculture Department is ready to venture into palm oil cultivation in a massive way. It has the target of covering two lakh hectares of land by 2026.
GUWAHATI: The Agriculture Department is ready to venture into palm oil cultivation in a massive way. It has the target of covering two lakh hectares of land by 2026. The Centre, on the other hand, has identified 3.75 lakh hectares of land as potential areas for palm oil cultivation in the state. State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora had a meeting with the top-level officials of various companies that will cultivate palm oil in the state. The cultivation will cover 18 districts in the state, and the department has allotted arable land for palm oil cultivation to four companies. While Godrej Agrovet Ltd. will cultivate in Hailakandi, Cachar, and Karimganj districts; Patanjali Food Ltd. will cultivate in Jorhat, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Kamrup, Goalpara, and Nagaon districts; KE Cultivation will cultivate in Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts; and 3F Oil Palm Company will cultivate in Lakhimpur and Chirang districts. Sentinel Assam
---------
Uganda-Scarcity, high cost of seedlings frustrate oil palm growers in Kalangala
Kalangala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The acute scarcity and high cost of seedlings are frustrating the anticipated expansion of the oil palm growing project in Kalangala district.
With support from the government and International Fund for Agriculture Development-IFAD since the early 2000s, the communities in Kalangala undertook to grow palm oil growing as an alternative income-generating project, to diversify from their traditional fishing and lumbering activities.
According to figures at the Kalangala Oil Palm Growers’ Cooperative Trust-KOPGT, at least 5,300 hectares of land on the main Island of Buggala have been planted with oil palm trees, and recently, the project started expanding to other islands of Bubembe and Bunyama.
However, the project’s expansion prospects have suffered a setback due to inaccessibility and very high costs of seedlings, something that is frustrating prospective smallholder farmers.
Teopista Nakiyingi, an out-grower in Bbeta Parish, Mugoye Sub County is among the dozens of intending oil palm farmers who are currently stuck with their cleared pieces of land which they can’t plant after they failed to get seedlings. Independent UG
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May 03, 2023
Indonesia-The deforestation-free label
It would be futile and a waste of resources for the Indonesian government to continue fighting for a wholesale rejection of the European law on deforestation which the European Union parliament adopted on April 19 in view of the global concern with forest degradation as one of the main causes of carbon emissions. The EU law reflects the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) definition of deforestation: the conversion of forest to agricultural use, whether human-induced or not. Forest degradation is defined as structural changes to forest cover, taking the form of conversion of primary forests into plantation forests and planted forests or other wooded land.
Now the opportunity. Indonesia should aggressively engage the EU in constructive negotiations for making the best use of the Forest Partnership program the EU Commission has established to help partner countries improve their forest governance and create socio-economic opportunities for the populations through sustainable value chains. The Commission has pledged 1 billion euros (US$1.1 billion) to facilitate protection, restoration and sustainable management of forests in the partner countries. The beauty of the program is that the partnership program will be tailor-made for partner country needs. The Jakarta Post
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India-Patanjali foods and TS oil fed to invest Rs 2,100 crore in Telangana for Palm Oil Processing Units
Hyderabad, May 2 (KNN) Patanjali Foods Ltd and Telangana State Co-operative Oilseeds Growers’ Federation have reached an agreement to invest Rs 1,050 crore each for the establishment of palm oil processing facilities.
The agreement was signed during the day-long food conclave organized by the Telangana government on April 29, 2023.
As per reports, Varun Beverages Ltd and Four Zero LLP have also decided to jointly establish a beverage manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 829 crore, while Jurala Organic Farms & Agro Industries signed an agreement to set up an ethanol plant with an investment of Rs 550 crore.
Modi Naturals Ltd have also agreed to invest Rs 325 crore in setting up a distillery for ethanol and solvent extraction of rice bran oil, along with a refinery to process the oil. Masqati Dairy Products and Heritage Foods will establish a processing plants with investments of Rs 242 crore and Rs 150 crore, respectively. KNN India
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India's mustard farmers, millers in distress over low prices
The cheaper import of palm oil, soy oil and sunflower oil and the price disparity are two major reasons behind it.
NEW DELHI: After production loss in mustard crops due to inclement weather in February and March, farmers are now facing low market prices for their produce. The mustard crop wholesale price is way below the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,450 per quintal.
The cheaper import of palm oil, soy oil and sunflower oil and the price disparity are two major reasons behind it.
Mukesh Kumar Yadav, a farmer from the Alwar district of Rajasthan, held his mustard crop at home due to lower prices.
“I have already suffered production loss of up to 30 per cent due to inclement weather,” Yadav told to this newspaper.
In his Chandigarh Ahir village, some villagers sold off at lower prices as they needed cash. “Once the price goes up, many of us would sell to compensate our loss. Last year, I sold mustard at Rs 7,000 per quintal,” he adds.
Mustard constitutes India’s one-fourth of total edible oil production and consumption. Alwar and Bharatpur districts are the country’s largest producers of mustard crops. Rajasthan tops in terms of total area (41 per cent) and total mustard production (45 per cent), followed by Haryana, MP and UP.
“Around 50 per cent of mustard oil mills have closed down in Rajasthan due to crushing price disparity in oil and oil cake,” says Manoj Shukla of Agriworld, an oilseed commodity analyst based out of Mumbai. New Indian Express
----------
Indonesia-The deforestation-free label
It would be futile and a waste of resources for the Indonesian government to continue fighting for a wholesale rejection of the European law on deforestation which the European Union parliament adopted on April 19 in view of the global concern with forest degradation as one of the main causes of carbon emissions. The EU law reflects the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) definition of deforestation: the conversion of forest to agricultural use, whether human-induced or not. Forest degradation is defined as structural changes to forest cover, taking the form of conversion of primary forests into plantation forests and planted forests or other wooded land.
Now the opportunity. Indonesia should aggressively engage the EU in constructive negotiations for making the best use of the Forest Partnership program the EU Commission has established to help partner countries improve their forest governance and create socio-economic opportunities for the populations through sustainable value chains. The Commission has pledged 1 billion euros (US$1.1 billion) to facilitate protection, restoration and sustainable management of forests in the partner countries. The beauty of the program is that the partnership program will be tailor-made for partner country needs. The Jakarta Post
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India-Patanjali foods and TS oil fed to invest Rs 2,100 crore in Telangana for Palm Oil Processing Units
Hyderabad, May 2 (KNN) Patanjali Foods Ltd and Telangana State Co-operative Oilseeds Growers’ Federation have reached an agreement to invest Rs 1,050 crore each for the establishment of palm oil processing facilities.
The agreement was signed during the day-long food conclave organized by the Telangana government on April 29, 2023.
As per reports, Varun Beverages Ltd and Four Zero LLP have also decided to jointly establish a beverage manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 829 crore, while Jurala Organic Farms & Agro Industries signed an agreement to set up an ethanol plant with an investment of Rs 550 crore.
Modi Naturals Ltd have also agreed to invest Rs 325 crore in setting up a distillery for ethanol and solvent extraction of rice bran oil, along with a refinery to process the oil. Masqati Dairy Products and Heritage Foods will establish a processing plants with investments of Rs 242 crore and Rs 150 crore, respectively. KNN India
----------
India's mustard farmers, millers in distress over low prices
The cheaper import of palm oil, soy oil and sunflower oil and the price disparity are two major reasons behind it.
NEW DELHI: After production loss in mustard crops due to inclement weather in February and March, farmers are now facing low market prices for their produce. The mustard crop wholesale price is way below the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,450 per quintal.
The cheaper import of palm oil, soy oil and sunflower oil and the price disparity are two major reasons behind it.
Mukesh Kumar Yadav, a farmer from the Alwar district of Rajasthan, held his mustard crop at home due to lower prices.
“I have already suffered production loss of up to 30 per cent due to inclement weather,” Yadav told to this newspaper.
In his Chandigarh Ahir village, some villagers sold off at lower prices as they needed cash. “Once the price goes up, many of us would sell to compensate our loss. Last year, I sold mustard at Rs 7,000 per quintal,” he adds.
Mustard constitutes India’s one-fourth of total edible oil production and consumption. Alwar and Bharatpur districts are the country’s largest producers of mustard crops. Rajasthan tops in terms of total area (41 per cent) and total mustard production (45 per cent), followed by Haryana, MP and UP.
“Around 50 per cent of mustard oil mills have closed down in Rajasthan due to crushing price disparity in oil and oil cake,” says Manoj Shukla of Agriworld, an oilseed commodity analyst based out of Mumbai. New Indian Express
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May 02, 2023
Indonesia-Businesses await clarity on EU deforestation regulation
Businesses are waiting for clarity on the impending European Union deforestation law. The European Parliament and European Council reached a preliminary political agreement on the deforestation regulation in December 2022, paving the way for its entry into force in May or June this year and its application for operators and traders 18 months after that. According to the regulation, importers into the EU will have to prove that the palm oil, timber, rubber, coffee, cacao, soy or cattle, as well as any derived products they trade, have not contributed to deforestation since the cut-off date of Dec. 31, 2020, with strict traceability requirements. The Jakarta Post
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ASEAN, Russia Commit to Strengthening Partnership
ASEAN and Russia have committed to strengthening their diplomatic relationship at the 19th ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials Meeting (ARSOM), which was held in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap on April 29, 2023.
The meeting reviewed the developments between ASEAN and Russia as well as Russia’s support for ASEAN Centrality, a term used by ASEAN diplomats to describe the bloc as the leader, driver, and institutional hub of regional cooperation in the wider Asia-Pacific.
ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action
The annual meeting noted the progress made on the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) 2021-2025, which aims to implement mutually beneficial objectives between ASEAN and Russia for the period 2021-2025.
The CPA encourages ASEAN and Russia to pursue cooperation in the below areas.
Political and security cooperation
Enhance cooperation between ASEAN and Russia through ASEAN-Russia Summits, ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials’ Meetings, ASEAN-Russia Joint Cooperation Committee, and other mechanisms for dialogue partnerships.
Economic cooperation
Continue regular meetings between ASEAN economic ministers and Russia’s minister of economic development to increase ASEAN-Russia trade and investment opportunities. Further, both jurisdictions will explore interest in enhancing trade opportunities between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). ASEAN Briefing
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Indonesia- Sustainability expert, Edi Suhardi offers A sustainable palm oil development model for Papua
Unlike Sumatra and Kalimantan, which have seen excessive development, Papua still offer wide opportunities for new plantations, as long as they are undertaken sustainably that take lessons from past mistakes.
JAKARTA – As oil palm plantations can be a significant contributor to rural livelihoods in Indonesia, the government has been capitalizing on this commodity and strengthening Indonesia’s position as the global leader in palm oil production by expanding plantations. As land for new plantation investment has become scarce in Kalimantan and Sumatra, plantation developers are looking east to acquire land in Papua.
The growing interest in developing oil palm plantations in Papua presents potential opportunities, but also challenges.
Plantation development in Papua has opened up isolated areas, stimulated infrastructure development, generated employment and improved workers’ incomes. However, the indigenous communities’ reliance on forests for subsistence and their lack of familiarity with oil palm as a cash crop have proven to be a major barrier to their employment and effective engagement in this industry.
Moreover, hesitation among companies to implement the nucleus estate and smallholder (NES) scheme has further limited the involvement of local communities, widening inequality and often causing tension over land acquisition processes and resentment over low compensation. The large number of migrant workers brought in to work at plantation estates is also a source of conflict with the local population.
Plantation expansion in Papua, which has been accelerated further and has often been excessive under regional autonomy since Papua is now administratively divided into six provincial administrations, has caused deforestation and other negative environmental impacts, such as poor water quality, air pollution and soil erosion. The Jakarta Post/ Asia News
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India-Reduce retail edible oil prices in line with global fall, industry body advises producers
New Delhi, May 2, 2023 (ANI): Edible oil industry body The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) on Tuesday said it has advised all its members to reduce retail prices in line with the falling prices of edible oils internationally.
Also, it sought details about their degree of reduction in MRP in the past three months. In a release, President of SEA Ajay Jhunjhunwala said prices of edible oils in international markets have sharply reduced in the past six months and particularly in the last 60 days. However, local prices, in spite of bumper Groundnut, Soy and Mustard crops, did not decline in line with the international market.
"While most of the brands have reduced prices in the past but still the prevailing MRP of the packed edible oil in the market is not in line with the current prices as in the international market, i.e., the prices of edible oil (MRP) in the domestic market seems to be on the higher side considering the prevailing market scenario," the release said.
Against that backdrop, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has advised the industry body to inform its members to reduce edible oil prices and pass on the benefits to consumers. Babushahi
Indonesia-Businesses await clarity on EU deforestation regulation
Businesses are waiting for clarity on the impending European Union deforestation law. The European Parliament and European Council reached a preliminary political agreement on the deforestation regulation in December 2022, paving the way for its entry into force in May or June this year and its application for operators and traders 18 months after that. According to the regulation, importers into the EU will have to prove that the palm oil, timber, rubber, coffee, cacao, soy or cattle, as well as any derived products they trade, have not contributed to deforestation since the cut-off date of Dec. 31, 2020, with strict traceability requirements. The Jakarta Post
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ASEAN, Russia Commit to Strengthening Partnership
ASEAN and Russia have committed to strengthening their diplomatic relationship at the 19th ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials Meeting (ARSOM), which was held in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap on April 29, 2023.
The meeting reviewed the developments between ASEAN and Russia as well as Russia’s support for ASEAN Centrality, a term used by ASEAN diplomats to describe the bloc as the leader, driver, and institutional hub of regional cooperation in the wider Asia-Pacific.
ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action
The annual meeting noted the progress made on the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) 2021-2025, which aims to implement mutually beneficial objectives between ASEAN and Russia for the period 2021-2025.
The CPA encourages ASEAN and Russia to pursue cooperation in the below areas.
Political and security cooperation
Enhance cooperation between ASEAN and Russia through ASEAN-Russia Summits, ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials’ Meetings, ASEAN-Russia Joint Cooperation Committee, and other mechanisms for dialogue partnerships.
Economic cooperation
Continue regular meetings between ASEAN economic ministers and Russia’s minister of economic development to increase ASEAN-Russia trade and investment opportunities. Further, both jurisdictions will explore interest in enhancing trade opportunities between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). ASEAN Briefing
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Indonesia- Sustainability expert, Edi Suhardi offers A sustainable palm oil development model for Papua
Unlike Sumatra and Kalimantan, which have seen excessive development, Papua still offer wide opportunities for new plantations, as long as they are undertaken sustainably that take lessons from past mistakes.
JAKARTA – As oil palm plantations can be a significant contributor to rural livelihoods in Indonesia, the government has been capitalizing on this commodity and strengthening Indonesia’s position as the global leader in palm oil production by expanding plantations. As land for new plantation investment has become scarce in Kalimantan and Sumatra, plantation developers are looking east to acquire land in Papua.
The growing interest in developing oil palm plantations in Papua presents potential opportunities, but also challenges.
Plantation development in Papua has opened up isolated areas, stimulated infrastructure development, generated employment and improved workers’ incomes. However, the indigenous communities’ reliance on forests for subsistence and their lack of familiarity with oil palm as a cash crop have proven to be a major barrier to their employment and effective engagement in this industry.
Moreover, hesitation among companies to implement the nucleus estate and smallholder (NES) scheme has further limited the involvement of local communities, widening inequality and often causing tension over land acquisition processes and resentment over low compensation. The large number of migrant workers brought in to work at plantation estates is also a source of conflict with the local population.
Plantation expansion in Papua, which has been accelerated further and has often been excessive under regional autonomy since Papua is now administratively divided into six provincial administrations, has caused deforestation and other negative environmental impacts, such as poor water quality, air pollution and soil erosion. The Jakarta Post/ Asia News
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India-Reduce retail edible oil prices in line with global fall, industry body advises producers
New Delhi, May 2, 2023 (ANI): Edible oil industry body The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) on Tuesday said it has advised all its members to reduce retail prices in line with the falling prices of edible oils internationally.
Also, it sought details about their degree of reduction in MRP in the past three months. In a release, President of SEA Ajay Jhunjhunwala said prices of edible oils in international markets have sharply reduced in the past six months and particularly in the last 60 days. However, local prices, in spite of bumper Groundnut, Soy and Mustard crops, did not decline in line with the international market.
"While most of the brands have reduced prices in the past but still the prevailing MRP of the packed edible oil in the market is not in line with the current prices as in the international market, i.e., the prices of edible oil (MRP) in the domestic market seems to be on the higher side considering the prevailing market scenario," the release said.
Against that backdrop, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has advised the industry body to inform its members to reduce edible oil prices and pass on the benefits to consumers. Babushahi
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May 01, 2023
ISCC investigates biodiesel imports from China produced from waste oil from Indonesia and Malaysia
Leading certifying organisation the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is investigating reports of a surge of advanced biodiesel imports from China produced from waste oil at least partly supplied from Indonesia and Malaysia.
This sharp increase began late last year and peaked in January and February, with serious implications for the European biofuels market and indications pointing to a potentially dubious or fraudulent origins, the 20 April report said.
In response to the reports, the ISCC said it had intensified its work on mitigation measures, with ISCC’s integrity programme focusing on Asia since last year and additional integrity assessments conducted at points of origin.
ISCC managing director Andreas Feige had also travelled to the region to look at possible mitigation measures, and the number of integrity auditors in Asia had been increased, the organisation said.
In addition, ISCC requirements had been increased, including a designated self-declaration for palm oil mill effluent (POME), a mandatory 100% audit for respective points of origin and guidelines for plausible yields.
Since March – following reports of suspected fraudulent activity – the ISCC said it had immediately conducted unannounced integrity audits at the companies concerned. OFI Magazine
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Kenya-State moves to defuse tiff in cooking oil imports bid
The government has started talks with local edible oil refiners in a bid to defuse a row over the State’s decision to import the product duty-free.
Officials from the Ministry of Trade and Investments have since last Tuesday been visiting factories of refiners including Bidco Africa and Golden Africa to establish the factors behind the high retail prices.
This comes at a time the Law Society of Kenya has filed a suit against the government over plans to import 125,000 metric tonnes of cooking oil duty-free, warning the decision will be detrimental to local manufacturers.
“If the government goes ahead to do it then the effect will be detrimental, from the jobs at our factories to high prices of goods such as soaps which we locally make as part of the crude palm oil that we import,” Golden Africa managing director Fathi Hayel Saeed said. Business Daily Africa
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Bangladesh-Edible oil refiners seek to hike prices
Edible oil refiners in Bangladesh yesterday sought to increase their prices by up to 9.62 per cent as the industry will no longer enjoy a reduced tax benefit following the completion of its one-year tenure.
The National board of Revenue (NBR) had reduced the value-added tax (VAT) on edible oil by 10 per cent to 5 per cent in March last year in a bid to provide consumers with some relief in the face of growing international prices.
More than 90 per cent of the country's demand for edible oil is currently met through imports due to insufficient domestic production.
However, the government may not accept the proposal as global prices have fallen, said an official of the commerce ministry on condition of anonymity. The Daily Star
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India-Climate Change Could Derail India’s Plans To Grow Oil Palm Domestically
India’s ambitious drive to expand domestic palm oil production fails to consider the subcontinent’s changing climate, analysis shows. It’s an oversight which may derail the country’s plans to become self-sufficient in the oil.
With US$9.6 billion worth imported in 2021, India is the world’s biggest buyer of palm oil, mostly from Indonesia and Malaysia. It hopes to shift part of the present and future revenues of this market to the pockets of its farmers, by increasing the country’s cultivated area of oil palm to 1 million hectares by 2026, up from 350,000 hectares in 2019.
Once established, palms take three to four years to become productive, and will bear fruit for 20 to 25 years. Researchers have been working with the government to identify the most suitable ecosystems for such a long-term undertaking. In the past, these could have been effectively identified by observing historical climate data to predict rainfall, among other factors. But as climate change alters weather and water patterns across the globe, such information tells only part of the story.
M.V. Prasad, principal scientist for the palm oil branch of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), explains that the institute, which operates under the government of India, has identified nearly 2.8 million hectares of suitable land in 18 states. The northeast of the country is seen as particularly promising. “The plan looks at water requirements for irrigation, rainfall, temperature and relative humidity, also keeping in mind that palm oil production should not disturb forest cover nor local flora and fauna.” Only areas with adequate humidity and water availability have been earmarked for expansion, Prasad says. The Wire
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Malaysia’s businesses unlikely to stop using US dollar in trade deals: Analysts
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s proposal to reduce its dependency on the US dollar for trade is unlikely to gain traction among businesses in the country, say analysts, with key industries viewing the greenback as less volatile compared with alternative currencies.
The proposal, mooted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after his official visit to China in end-March, echoes similar calls made by a growing number of countries including China, Russia and India.
Around 80 per cent of Malaysia’s annual trade, totalling RM2.8 trillion (S$840 billion) in 2022, is denominated in US dollars. But Malaysia’s trade with the United States, its third-largest trading partner, amounts to only RM267.5 billion, representing 9.4 per cent of total trade.
China remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner in 2022, accounting for 17.1 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade. Singapore ranked second, with trade amounting to RM368.2 billion in 2022, according to data from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
India, a major importer of Malaysia’s palm oil, conducted US$19.4 billion (S$25.9 billion) worth of trade with Malaysia in 2022.
Since April, Malaysia has been able to settle international trade with India using the rupee, while its central bank, Bank Negara, is proposing a similar mechanism for payments to China in renminbi.
If businesses are ready to trade fully in foreign currencies such as Chinese renminbi and Indian rupee, Malaysia’s proportion of US dollar invoicing could fall by up to a fifth, said Maybank chief forex strategist Saktiandi Supaat. The Straits Times
ISCC investigates biodiesel imports from China produced from waste oil from Indonesia and Malaysia
Leading certifying organisation the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is investigating reports of a surge of advanced biodiesel imports from China produced from waste oil at least partly supplied from Indonesia and Malaysia.
This sharp increase began late last year and peaked in January and February, with serious implications for the European biofuels market and indications pointing to a potentially dubious or fraudulent origins, the 20 April report said.
In response to the reports, the ISCC said it had intensified its work on mitigation measures, with ISCC’s integrity programme focusing on Asia since last year and additional integrity assessments conducted at points of origin.
ISCC managing director Andreas Feige had also travelled to the region to look at possible mitigation measures, and the number of integrity auditors in Asia had been increased, the organisation said.
In addition, ISCC requirements had been increased, including a designated self-declaration for palm oil mill effluent (POME), a mandatory 100% audit for respective points of origin and guidelines for plausible yields.
Since March – following reports of suspected fraudulent activity – the ISCC said it had immediately conducted unannounced integrity audits at the companies concerned. OFI Magazine
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Kenya-State moves to defuse tiff in cooking oil imports bid
The government has started talks with local edible oil refiners in a bid to defuse a row over the State’s decision to import the product duty-free.
Officials from the Ministry of Trade and Investments have since last Tuesday been visiting factories of refiners including Bidco Africa and Golden Africa to establish the factors behind the high retail prices.
This comes at a time the Law Society of Kenya has filed a suit against the government over plans to import 125,000 metric tonnes of cooking oil duty-free, warning the decision will be detrimental to local manufacturers.
“If the government goes ahead to do it then the effect will be detrimental, from the jobs at our factories to high prices of goods such as soaps which we locally make as part of the crude palm oil that we import,” Golden Africa managing director Fathi Hayel Saeed said. Business Daily Africa
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Bangladesh-Edible oil refiners seek to hike prices
Edible oil refiners in Bangladesh yesterday sought to increase their prices by up to 9.62 per cent as the industry will no longer enjoy a reduced tax benefit following the completion of its one-year tenure.
The National board of Revenue (NBR) had reduced the value-added tax (VAT) on edible oil by 10 per cent to 5 per cent in March last year in a bid to provide consumers with some relief in the face of growing international prices.
More than 90 per cent of the country's demand for edible oil is currently met through imports due to insufficient domestic production.
However, the government may not accept the proposal as global prices have fallen, said an official of the commerce ministry on condition of anonymity. The Daily Star
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India-Climate Change Could Derail India’s Plans To Grow Oil Palm Domestically
India’s ambitious drive to expand domestic palm oil production fails to consider the subcontinent’s changing climate, analysis shows. It’s an oversight which may derail the country’s plans to become self-sufficient in the oil.
With US$9.6 billion worth imported in 2021, India is the world’s biggest buyer of palm oil, mostly from Indonesia and Malaysia. It hopes to shift part of the present and future revenues of this market to the pockets of its farmers, by increasing the country’s cultivated area of oil palm to 1 million hectares by 2026, up from 350,000 hectares in 2019.
Once established, palms take three to four years to become productive, and will bear fruit for 20 to 25 years. Researchers have been working with the government to identify the most suitable ecosystems for such a long-term undertaking. In the past, these could have been effectively identified by observing historical climate data to predict rainfall, among other factors. But as climate change alters weather and water patterns across the globe, such information tells only part of the story.
M.V. Prasad, principal scientist for the palm oil branch of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), explains that the institute, which operates under the government of India, has identified nearly 2.8 million hectares of suitable land in 18 states. The northeast of the country is seen as particularly promising. “The plan looks at water requirements for irrigation, rainfall, temperature and relative humidity, also keeping in mind that palm oil production should not disturb forest cover nor local flora and fauna.” Only areas with adequate humidity and water availability have been earmarked for expansion, Prasad says. The Wire
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Malaysia’s businesses unlikely to stop using US dollar in trade deals: Analysts
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s proposal to reduce its dependency on the US dollar for trade is unlikely to gain traction among businesses in the country, say analysts, with key industries viewing the greenback as less volatile compared with alternative currencies.
The proposal, mooted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after his official visit to China in end-March, echoes similar calls made by a growing number of countries including China, Russia and India.
Around 80 per cent of Malaysia’s annual trade, totalling RM2.8 trillion (S$840 billion) in 2022, is denominated in US dollars. But Malaysia’s trade with the United States, its third-largest trading partner, amounts to only RM267.5 billion, representing 9.4 per cent of total trade.
China remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner in 2022, accounting for 17.1 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade. Singapore ranked second, with trade amounting to RM368.2 billion in 2022, according to data from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
India, a major importer of Malaysia’s palm oil, conducted US$19.4 billion (S$25.9 billion) worth of trade with Malaysia in 2022.
Since April, Malaysia has been able to settle international trade with India using the rupee, while its central bank, Bank Negara, is proposing a similar mechanism for payments to China in renminbi.
If businesses are ready to trade fully in foreign currencies such as Chinese renminbi and Indian rupee, Malaysia’s proportion of US dollar invoicing could fall by up to a fifth, said Maybank chief forex strategist Saktiandi Supaat. The Straits Times
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Palm Oil News. CSPO Watch May 2023