Palm oil news-May 2024
For all the news on the global palm oil industry. May 2024
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May 30, 2024
Pasture-for-biofuels can boost LatAm output
Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Guatemala can double their combined biofuel production by turning existing pasture land into crops for biofuel feedstocks, according to a University of Sao Paulo professor.
The four countries already produce 24pc of global biofuels, including 29pc of all ethanol, Glaucia Mendes Souza said during a G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, today. But converting pastures to grow sugarcane, palm oil, corn and soybeans could increase that significantly and cut total CO2 emissions, she said.
Souza highlighted six other nations with potential to greatly increase biofuel crops: China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand. If these 10 countries combined can turn 11pc of their current pastures into land to produce biomass or biofuel feedstocks, global biodiesel production would grow by 45.7bn l/yr (792,550 b/d), while global output of ethanol could increase by 64.7bn l/yr, she said.
Brazil alone would increase ethanol production by 55pc. The country produced 35.4bn l of ethanol in 2023, according to hydrocarbons regulator ANP.
For the four Latin American nations converting that much land toward biofuels would avoid 120mn t of CO2 equivalent (CO2e)/yr, up from the 63.8mn t of CO2e/yr avoided under current biofuels production, Souza said. For all 10 countries a combined 300mn t of CO2e/yr could be avoided.
Brazil has the opportunity to "set an example" to the rest of the world, Souza said on the sidelines of the conference, as the country already serves as a benchmark for biofuel production. Key programs, such as the Renovabio biofuel policy, have helped turn Brazil into an energy transition leader, she said, while the pending fuel of the future bill could further those moves.
But Brazil has plenty of room to improve, especially in the environmental arena, she said. "Brazil's deforestation rates contaminate our entire speech," she said. Read more Argus Media
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[OPINION] Malaysia's sustainable energy agenda
AMIDST the global urgency to tackle climate change, energy transition has emerged as a critical priority for nations worldwide. As one of the top 25 emitters globally, alongside G7 nations, the EU, and China, Malaysia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 underscores its determination to combat climate change and shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Advancing with Policy Support
For years, Malaysia has relied heavily on fossil fuels to power its energy sector, with over 90% of its total energy supply in 2021 sourced from coal, oil, and natural gas. However, there has been a notable shift towards renewables, particularly in electricity generation, aimed at curbing carbon dioxide emissions. This is reflected in the target of achieving 70% renewable energy capacity in the country’s energy mix by 2050.
The government has launched several programs to steer towards a sustainable future, including the well-established feed-in tariff (FIT) mechanism under the Renewable Energy Act. Recent initiatives like the Twelfth Malaysia Plan and the National Energy Policy, supported by the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), are guiding Malaysia on this transformative journey. Consequently, the share of modern renewables in energy consumption has surged by over 80% in the last two decades. Read more Astro Awani
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[OPINION] Why Indonesia should care about sustainable aviation fuel
Without any intervention, the aviation industry is estimated to triple CO2 emissions by 2060 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Aviation has revolutionized the way we travel and transport goods, connecting the farthest reaches of Indonesia in hours instead of days. But with air travel set to surge in Indonesia, alongside the growth of the middle class, how can the country mitigate the negative impacts of rising emissions from air travel? Should Indonesia – the world's largest archipelagic nation – sacrifice air travel for the climate? The answer lies in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF may sound like another buzzword in the aviation world, but it is a game changer. Unlike conventional fossil-based jet fuel, SAF is produced from renewable sources such as palm oil, sugar cane and even wastes like used cooking oil and municipal solid waste. SAF itself is not a novel concept. After its initial development in the early 2000s and undergoing its maiden flight test in 2008, the new fuel’s potential is only now staring to being explored.
Despite its diverse array of feedstock, SAF matches the safety standards of conventional jet fuel. Rigorous testing and global standardization have ensured that SAF is not only safe but also fully compatible with existing jet engines and fuel infrastructure, requiring no modifications.
This article was published in thejakartapost.com with the title "". Click to read: https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2024/05/30/why-indonesia-should-care-about-sustainable-aviation-fuel.html.
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Maybank sets interim targets to lower emissions of palm oil, power portfolios
KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): To achieve its net zero emissions goal by 2050, Malayan Banking Bhd (KL:MAYBANK) has identified interim decarbonisation targets for the bank’s palm oil and power portfolios.
The whitepaper, entitled “Banking on a better tomorrow: Our commitment to net zero”, serves as the bank’s primary instrument to publicly communicate its commitments to sustainable growth, Maybank president and chief executive officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said in a statement on Thursday.
Maybank aims to reduce financed emissions intensity for its palm oil portfolio from a June 2023 baseline of 1.47 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of crude palm oil (tCO2e/tCPO) produced to 1.40 tCO2e/tCPO by 2030.
“This (the 2023 baseline) is well below the reference scenario of 2.04 tCO2e/tCPO. This significant achievement is guided by an integrated reference scenario that combines the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Flag pathway, tailored for palm oil, with the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) REMIND, which accounts for methane emissions from palm oil milling,” the statement read. Read more The Edge Malaysia
Pasture-for-biofuels can boost LatAm output
Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Guatemala can double their combined biofuel production by turning existing pasture land into crops for biofuel feedstocks, according to a University of Sao Paulo professor.
The four countries already produce 24pc of global biofuels, including 29pc of all ethanol, Glaucia Mendes Souza said during a G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, today. But converting pastures to grow sugarcane, palm oil, corn and soybeans could increase that significantly and cut total CO2 emissions, she said.
Souza highlighted six other nations with potential to greatly increase biofuel crops: China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand. If these 10 countries combined can turn 11pc of their current pastures into land to produce biomass or biofuel feedstocks, global biodiesel production would grow by 45.7bn l/yr (792,550 b/d), while global output of ethanol could increase by 64.7bn l/yr, she said.
Brazil alone would increase ethanol production by 55pc. The country produced 35.4bn l of ethanol in 2023, according to hydrocarbons regulator ANP.
For the four Latin American nations converting that much land toward biofuels would avoid 120mn t of CO2 equivalent (CO2e)/yr, up from the 63.8mn t of CO2e/yr avoided under current biofuels production, Souza said. For all 10 countries a combined 300mn t of CO2e/yr could be avoided.
Brazil has the opportunity to "set an example" to the rest of the world, Souza said on the sidelines of the conference, as the country already serves as a benchmark for biofuel production. Key programs, such as the Renovabio biofuel policy, have helped turn Brazil into an energy transition leader, she said, while the pending fuel of the future bill could further those moves.
But Brazil has plenty of room to improve, especially in the environmental arena, she said. "Brazil's deforestation rates contaminate our entire speech," she said. Read more Argus Media
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[OPINION] Malaysia's sustainable energy agenda
AMIDST the global urgency to tackle climate change, energy transition has emerged as a critical priority for nations worldwide. As one of the top 25 emitters globally, alongside G7 nations, the EU, and China, Malaysia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 underscores its determination to combat climate change and shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Advancing with Policy Support
For years, Malaysia has relied heavily on fossil fuels to power its energy sector, with over 90% of its total energy supply in 2021 sourced from coal, oil, and natural gas. However, there has been a notable shift towards renewables, particularly in electricity generation, aimed at curbing carbon dioxide emissions. This is reflected in the target of achieving 70% renewable energy capacity in the country’s energy mix by 2050.
The government has launched several programs to steer towards a sustainable future, including the well-established feed-in tariff (FIT) mechanism under the Renewable Energy Act. Recent initiatives like the Twelfth Malaysia Plan and the National Energy Policy, supported by the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), are guiding Malaysia on this transformative journey. Consequently, the share of modern renewables in energy consumption has surged by over 80% in the last two decades. Read more Astro Awani
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[OPINION] Why Indonesia should care about sustainable aviation fuel
Without any intervention, the aviation industry is estimated to triple CO2 emissions by 2060 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Aviation has revolutionized the way we travel and transport goods, connecting the farthest reaches of Indonesia in hours instead of days. But with air travel set to surge in Indonesia, alongside the growth of the middle class, how can the country mitigate the negative impacts of rising emissions from air travel? Should Indonesia – the world's largest archipelagic nation – sacrifice air travel for the climate? The answer lies in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF may sound like another buzzword in the aviation world, but it is a game changer. Unlike conventional fossil-based jet fuel, SAF is produced from renewable sources such as palm oil, sugar cane and even wastes like used cooking oil and municipal solid waste. SAF itself is not a novel concept. After its initial development in the early 2000s and undergoing its maiden flight test in 2008, the new fuel’s potential is only now staring to being explored.
Despite its diverse array of feedstock, SAF matches the safety standards of conventional jet fuel. Rigorous testing and global standardization have ensured that SAF is not only safe but also fully compatible with existing jet engines and fuel infrastructure, requiring no modifications.
This article was published in thejakartapost.com with the title "". Click to read: https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2024/05/30/why-indonesia-should-care-about-sustainable-aviation-fuel.html.
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Maybank sets interim targets to lower emissions of palm oil, power portfolios
KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): To achieve its net zero emissions goal by 2050, Malayan Banking Bhd (KL:MAYBANK) has identified interim decarbonisation targets for the bank’s palm oil and power portfolios.
The whitepaper, entitled “Banking on a better tomorrow: Our commitment to net zero”, serves as the bank’s primary instrument to publicly communicate its commitments to sustainable growth, Maybank president and chief executive officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said in a statement on Thursday.
Maybank aims to reduce financed emissions intensity for its palm oil portfolio from a June 2023 baseline of 1.47 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of crude palm oil (tCO2e/tCPO) produced to 1.40 tCO2e/tCPO by 2030.
“This (the 2023 baseline) is well below the reference scenario of 2.04 tCO2e/tCPO. This significant achievement is guided by an integrated reference scenario that combines the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Flag pathway, tailored for palm oil, with the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) REMIND, which accounts for methane emissions from palm oil milling,” the statement read. Read more The Edge Malaysia
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May 29, 2024
Egypt, Malaysia boost trade to $777m in 2023: Samir
Egypt and Malaysia achieved a total trade volume of $777m in 2023, Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir announced on Tuesday during a meeting with Malaysian Minister of Agriculture and Commodities Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani.
During the meeting, both ministers explored avenues to deepen economic cooperation in trade, industry, and investment,while also addressing key regional and global issues.
Samir emphasized Egypt’s eagerness to collaborate with Malaysia across various sectors, particularly in industry and investment, leveraging Malaysia’s extensive industrial expertise and advanced technologies.
A key focus of the discussions was the potential establishment of a Malaysian palm oil storage and refining hub in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, aimed at re-exporting palm oil products to markets in the Middle East and Africa. Samir highlighted the significance of palm oil derivatives in the food industry, particularly in cheese production.
The ministers also discussed the resumption of direct flights between Egypt and Malaysia, which could bolster Malaysian tourism to Egypt and facilitate the export of Egyptian fresh produce to Malaysia. Read more Daily News Egypt
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Palm oil climbs on better demand from key buyers
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Reuters) -Malaysian palm oil futures rose on Wednesday, as demand from top buyers India and China as well as strength in rival Dalian contracts underpinned the market.
The benchmark palm oil contract FCPOc3 for August delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 48 ringgit, or 1.21%, to 4,008 ringgit ($852.95) per metric ton by the midday break.
Good demand from key destinations India and China as well as support from rival sunflower oil and soyoil have raised Malaysian palm oil futures to the 4,000 ringgit range, said Mitesh Saiya, trading manager at Mumbai-based trading firm Kantilal Laxmichand & Co.
"In the coming weeks, we may see the contract touching the 4,150 ringgit range," Saiya said.
Malaysian palm oil exports for May 1-25 rose between 2.4% and 3.1% from the month before, according to cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services and independent inspection company AmSpec Agri Malaysia.
Cargo surveyor Societe Generale de Surveillance estimated the exports at 949,451 tons, compared with 931,938 tons a month earlier, according to LSEG.
Dalian's most-active soyoil contract DBYcv1 ticked 0.77% higher, while its palm oil contract DCPcv1 added 1.52%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade BOcv1 were down 0.31%.
Palm oil is affected by price movements in related oils as they compete for a share in the global vegetable oils market. Read more XM/ Reuters
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China reinforces African presence with increased mineral investments
Chinese leaders have cited the billions of dollars committed to new construction projects and record levels of two-way trade as proof of their dedication to supporting Africa's modernization and fostering "win-win" cooperation.
However, the data reveals a more complex relationship, one that remains predominantly extractive, and has so far failed to live up to some of Beijing's rhetoric about the Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious infrastructure development program seeking to link China with markets and economies across the globe.
China’s involvement in Africa has sparked concerns in European public debates and among policymakers.
With a desperate need for raw materials and energy to fuel its expanding manufacturing sector, China has prioritized the continent almost as highly as Shanghai in its business agenda. Read more Business Insider Africa
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Transformative traceability: How robust traceability systems can help implement the EUDR and fight the drivers of deforestation
The success of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) will depend on our ability to trace the goods it is focussed on. While traceability is only a means to an end, the end goal is an essential part of tackling the climate crisis – protected forests and community rights.
So how can traceability improve monitoring of deforestation and rights infractions in forested countries, as well as enforcement of important laws?
The answer can be found in our new report, “Transformative traceability: How robust traceability systems can help implement the EUDR and fight the drivers of deforestation.”
By analysing the current approaches to traceability, the report offers a set of 10 criteria for enhancing the effectiveness and credibility of such systems. It highlights the importance of prioritising collective traceability efforts over individual company initiatives, advocating for regional or national systems to cross-check information across supply chains.
The 10 criteria include: Read more FERN
Egypt, Malaysia boost trade to $777m in 2023: Samir
Egypt and Malaysia achieved a total trade volume of $777m in 2023, Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir announced on Tuesday during a meeting with Malaysian Minister of Agriculture and Commodities Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani.
During the meeting, both ministers explored avenues to deepen economic cooperation in trade, industry, and investment,while also addressing key regional and global issues.
Samir emphasized Egypt’s eagerness to collaborate with Malaysia across various sectors, particularly in industry and investment, leveraging Malaysia’s extensive industrial expertise and advanced technologies.
A key focus of the discussions was the potential establishment of a Malaysian palm oil storage and refining hub in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, aimed at re-exporting palm oil products to markets in the Middle East and Africa. Samir highlighted the significance of palm oil derivatives in the food industry, particularly in cheese production.
The ministers also discussed the resumption of direct flights between Egypt and Malaysia, which could bolster Malaysian tourism to Egypt and facilitate the export of Egyptian fresh produce to Malaysia. Read more Daily News Egypt
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Palm oil climbs on better demand from key buyers
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Reuters) -Malaysian palm oil futures rose on Wednesday, as demand from top buyers India and China as well as strength in rival Dalian contracts underpinned the market.
The benchmark palm oil contract FCPOc3 for August delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 48 ringgit, or 1.21%, to 4,008 ringgit ($852.95) per metric ton by the midday break.
Good demand from key destinations India and China as well as support from rival sunflower oil and soyoil have raised Malaysian palm oil futures to the 4,000 ringgit range, said Mitesh Saiya, trading manager at Mumbai-based trading firm Kantilal Laxmichand & Co.
"In the coming weeks, we may see the contract touching the 4,150 ringgit range," Saiya said.
Malaysian palm oil exports for May 1-25 rose between 2.4% and 3.1% from the month before, according to cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services and independent inspection company AmSpec Agri Malaysia.
Cargo surveyor Societe Generale de Surveillance estimated the exports at 949,451 tons, compared with 931,938 tons a month earlier, according to LSEG.
Dalian's most-active soyoil contract DBYcv1 ticked 0.77% higher, while its palm oil contract DCPcv1 added 1.52%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade BOcv1 were down 0.31%.
Palm oil is affected by price movements in related oils as they compete for a share in the global vegetable oils market. Read more XM/ Reuters
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China reinforces African presence with increased mineral investments
- China's involvement in Africa remains predominantly extractive and has sparked concerns in European public debates
- Chinese investment in Africa surged by 114% last year, mainly directed towards crucial minerals
- Chinese sovereign lending for Africa's infrastructure is at its lowest level in two decades
Chinese leaders have cited the billions of dollars committed to new construction projects and record levels of two-way trade as proof of their dedication to supporting Africa's modernization and fostering "win-win" cooperation.
However, the data reveals a more complex relationship, one that remains predominantly extractive, and has so far failed to live up to some of Beijing's rhetoric about the Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious infrastructure development program seeking to link China with markets and economies across the globe.
China’s involvement in Africa has sparked concerns in European public debates and among policymakers.
With a desperate need for raw materials and energy to fuel its expanding manufacturing sector, China has prioritized the continent almost as highly as Shanghai in its business agenda. Read more Business Insider Africa
---------
Transformative traceability: How robust traceability systems can help implement the EUDR and fight the drivers of deforestation
The success of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) will depend on our ability to trace the goods it is focussed on. While traceability is only a means to an end, the end goal is an essential part of tackling the climate crisis – protected forests and community rights.
So how can traceability improve monitoring of deforestation and rights infractions in forested countries, as well as enforcement of important laws?
The answer can be found in our new report, “Transformative traceability: How robust traceability systems can help implement the EUDR and fight the drivers of deforestation.”
By analysing the current approaches to traceability, the report offers a set of 10 criteria for enhancing the effectiveness and credibility of such systems. It highlights the importance of prioritising collective traceability efforts over individual company initiatives, advocating for regional or national systems to cross-check information across supply chains.
The 10 criteria include: Read more FERN
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May 28, 2024
NZ wood processing sector grapples with new EU deforestation rules
New Zealand's wood processing sector is trying to work out how to meet incoming rules around deforestation for exports to Europe.
The European Union (EU) passed deforestation regulations last year asking those sending product to prove that their supply chains are free of deforestation.
The EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) was expected to affect products including cattle products, palm oil or wood products.
New Zealand exported $100 million worth of wood products like wood chips to Europe last year - with more than half going to the Netherlands.
Wood Processors and Manufacturers' Association chief executive Mark Ross said there was some confusion around the new rules, tipped to be implemented in late December, and how they would play out.
He said while the industry supported the idea, it needed more clarity.
"We support that, but the way they're going about it, it's going to be really hard to meet the criteria that they put out there for New Zealand exporters to the European Union countries," Ross said.
He said processors would need to provide documentation detailing where the trees came from before products were processed, and if the forest site was re-planted. Read more at RNZ
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A sixth of Malaysian rainforest seen to be under threat from deforestation
Published 10:48 on May 28, 2024 / Last updated at 10:48 on May 28, 2024 / Nikita Pandey / Asia Pacific, Biodiversity, Other APAC
Malaysia has committed to protect 50% of its natural forests but deforestation is posing a serious threat to around 3.2 million hectares of its rainforests, a report released Tuesday has found.
The State of the Malaysian Rainforest 2024 report by RimbaWatch found that around 16% of the country’s remaining forest cover is at risk due to increasing deforestation.
The report supplements the general findings of the original State of the Malaysian Rainforest 2023 study, which identified timber plantations and oil palm as the primary threats to natural forests.
While timber plantations represented more than 76% of total threats to forests, the majority of these concessions were located in intact forests.
Some of the other threats included hydropower projects and downgrading of the protection status of the forest reserves, the report added.
The trend puts at risk Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement as well as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
FINDINGS
The report used three baselines to predict a future reduction in forest cover, and found that the forest cover will drop below 50% in all three baselines, ranging between 40-49%.
“In particular, the Gaveau dataset estimates that forest cover has already fallen below 50%, and stands at 46.97% as of 2022,” the report said.
It added that Malaysia’s officially reported number of 54.81% forest coverage sits between two baselines, but that the lack of geospatial data supporting this statistic limits further analysis.
According to the authorities in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah, timber plantations are a method of rehabilitating degraded forests which reduces pressure on natural forests, which they offer refer to as “planted forests” and “forest farms”.
However, the report found that more than 1.5 mln ha of timber plantation concessions are located in intact forests that are not degraded. The majority of those plantations are in Sarawak, followed by Kelantan.
As well, the report reiterated the problem of encroachments of the traditional territories of Indigenous communities.
It also said that conversion of forests will drive significant carbon emissions and that data on forests continues to be non-transparent.
“The majority of future deforestation will be unreported as such by Malaysian authorities due to loopholes in definitions,” it said.
WE’LL GET BACK TO YOU
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that the ministry will look into the RimbaWatch report closely.
At an event on Tuesday, Nik Ahmad said the Southeast Asian nation pledged to maintain at least 50% of its land mass under forest and tree cover during the Earth Summit in 1992.
“Right now, the forest cover is at 54.58%. We know that there are challenges in some spots, but I think we are working very hard to protect that and we will go through the report seriously,” Nik Ahmad was reported as saying.
“Let us go through the report to verify what they’ve highlighted and we will respond to it soon,” he added, according to New Straits Times. Carbon Pulse
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EU corporate due diligence rules slammed for “watered down” policy
28 May 2024 --- The European Council has recently formally adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) with the revised regulation enforcing new rules for large companies to address the harmful impacts of their activities on human rights and environmental protection. The directive holds the activities of company subsidiaries accountable, in addition to their business partners and will impact the F&B industry at large, including palm oil, cocoa and coffee sectors.
Several critical issues that have plagued food and beverage corporations for decades fall within the regulation’s ambit. These include forced labor, child labor, inadequate workplace health and safety, worker exploitation and environmental footprints such as greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
Research has documented critical sustainability concerns intrinsically linked to key commodities and ingredients like coffee, cocoa, bananas and honey.
A Fairtrade risk map established that one in five workers globally lives in poverty, agricultural production is responsible for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals and child labor is increasing. In light of these concerns, the law is a long time coming.
“The approval of CSDDD is an historic step. Most important is that CSDDD requires companies not only to avoid human rights and environmental issues in their value chains, but also to fix them. With the legislation saying that where relevant, companies should adapt business plans, overall strategies and operations, including purchasing practices,” Gert van der Bijl, senior EU policy advisor for Solidaridad Europe, tells Food Ingredients First.
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Strengthening oil palm smallholder farmers’ resilience to future industrial challenges
Hendrawan, D., Chrisendo, D. & Musshoff, O. Strengthening oil palm smallholder farmers’ resilience to future industrial challenges. Sci Rep 14, 12105 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62426-z
Oil palm cultivation has improved living standards and alleviated the poverty of many smallholder farmers. However, challenges such as climate change, aging palms and negative sentiments in the major markets, threaten the wellbeing of and raise the question on smallholder farmers’ resilience, which remains poorly understood. Using primary data from Indonesia, the largest palm oil producer in the world, we measure and evaluate the resilience of oil palm smallholder farmers using the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. Our results revealed five classes of smallholders with different levels of resilience: vulnerable, economically and socially constrained, low-skilled, semi-secure and adaptive smallholders. The farmers in the least resilient group are majorly older local farmers, who established oil palm plantations independently. Meanwhile, the most resilient group is dominated by smallholders who participated in the migration program, and in the past, received support from the government to start oil palm plantations. Our study highlights the heterogeneity of smallholders’ livelihood resilience and the need for inclusive and tailored interventions for the various classes of smallholder farmers to establish sustainable communities. Read more at Nature
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Closing Ghana’s Palm Oil Gap: Insights from Benso Oil Plantation
Source: Ina-Thalia Quansah
At a recent stakeholders' meeting, the General Manager of Benso Oil Palm Plantation, Mr Samuel Avaala Awonnea in an interview with Joy Business elaborated on the current challenges and opportunities within Ghana’s palm oil industry.
The conversation highlighted the significant gap between local production and national consumption, as well as the efforts required to bridge this gap.
The Palm Oil Production Deficit
Ghana consumes approximately 450,000 metric tons of palm oil annually, used predominantly in products like vegetable cooking oil. However, the country’s local production only meets about 300,000 metric tons of this demand, leaving a substantial gap of 150,000 metric tons that must be imported.
The General Manager of Benso Oil explained, "To produce that 150,000 metric tons gap, you need about five plantations of our size."
Despite this shortfall, there is a guaranteed market for palm oil products in Ghana. "This gives us the assurance that we have a business that goes to the very core of food safety and food nutrition for the Ghanaian people," the General Manager stated.
Benso Oil Plantation has been expanding its operations gradually, though not as quickly as desired due to various regulatory, policy, and economic factors.
In 2023, BOPP invested 2.2milkion in Social Investment projects: nurses quarters, sanitation facilities , community centre as well as scholarships. Read more My Joy Online
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Nutritious edible oil a must for public health: PROGGA
It emphasised the important role of vitamin-fortified edible oil in combating nutritional deficiency and improving public health.
Apart from posing a threat to public health, the sale of unpacked edible oil in unhealthy drums is a barrier to proper implementation of the Vitamin Fortification in Edible Oil Act, 2013, says PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress).
It emphasised the important role of vitamin-fortified edible oil in combating nutritional deficiency and improving public health.
"To address micronutrient deficiency in the country, the government has already enacted the Vitamin A fortification in Edible Oil Act. In order to ensure the nutritional quality of edible oil, the sale of loose edible oil in unhealthy drums should be stopped," a statement quoted ABM Zubair, PROGGA's executive director, as saying on the eve of World Nutrition Day 2024 to be observed today.
Citing a 2017 study by the ICDDR, B, it said 65% of the total edible oil sold in Bangladesh is marketed in drums, of which 59% is not vitamin-A fortified, while 34% is poorly fortified.
To put an end to this, the ministry of industries issued an executive order to phase out unpacked soybean oil sales by July 2022 and unpacked palm oil by December 2022. Read more TBS News
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Why repeatedly heating vegetable oils is putting your health at risk, according to ICMR guidelines
Ipsita Chakraborty, senior nutritionist at Hungry Koala explains, “If you repeatedly heat vegetable oils, it leads to the formation of harmful compounds.”
Vegetable oil with high levels of polyunsaturated fats, such as soybean, sunflower, and corn oils, are more prone to degradation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently warned that repeatedly heating vegetable oil can increase the risk of cancer.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Indians released earlier this month, “The practice of ‘reusing’ vegetable oils for cooking, (which have been repeatedly heated during food preparations) is very common, both at homes and in commercial establishments. Repeated heating of vegetable oils/fat, results in oxidation of PUFA, leading to the generation of compounds which are harmful/toxic and may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.” Read more Indian Express
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Sime Darby Plantation Rebrands to SD Guthrie
Petaling Jaya, 28 May 2024 - The new ‘SD Guthrie’ brand has been approved by shareholders of Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SD Plantation or the Company) at its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held earlier today.
At the EGM, which was held immediately after the conclusion of the 21st Annual General Meeting of SD Plantation, shareholders’ approval was sought on the proposed change of the Company’s name. The Special Resolution was duly passed with extremely overwhelming support from shareholders, 99.99% of whom voted in favour of the proposal.
Approximately 80% of SD Plantation is owned by major Malaysian institutions, including Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), Kumpulan Wang Persaraan [Diperbadankan] (KWAP), Lembaga Tabung Haji (LTH), and Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO).
“Today’s resounding endorsement echoes the trust and confidence our shareholders have in us,” said SD Plantation’s Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani. “The SD Guthrie brand carries much significance for us as an organisation, and I am delighted that we will embark on the next chapter of our 200-year history with this storied brand.”
The Company expresses its sincere gratitude to its shareholders, employees, customers and all its stakeholders for their continued support as it embarks on this exciting transformation. The proposed new brand has been submitted to the Companies Commission of Malaysia for approval. Read more Sime Darby Plantation
NZ wood processing sector grapples with new EU deforestation rules
New Zealand's wood processing sector is trying to work out how to meet incoming rules around deforestation for exports to Europe.
The European Union (EU) passed deforestation regulations last year asking those sending product to prove that their supply chains are free of deforestation.
The EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) was expected to affect products including cattle products, palm oil or wood products.
New Zealand exported $100 million worth of wood products like wood chips to Europe last year - with more than half going to the Netherlands.
Wood Processors and Manufacturers' Association chief executive Mark Ross said there was some confusion around the new rules, tipped to be implemented in late December, and how they would play out.
He said while the industry supported the idea, it needed more clarity.
"We support that, but the way they're going about it, it's going to be really hard to meet the criteria that they put out there for New Zealand exporters to the European Union countries," Ross said.
He said processors would need to provide documentation detailing where the trees came from before products were processed, and if the forest site was re-planted. Read more at RNZ
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A sixth of Malaysian rainforest seen to be under threat from deforestation
Published 10:48 on May 28, 2024 / Last updated at 10:48 on May 28, 2024 / Nikita Pandey / Asia Pacific, Biodiversity, Other APAC
Malaysia has committed to protect 50% of its natural forests but deforestation is posing a serious threat to around 3.2 million hectares of its rainforests, a report released Tuesday has found.
The State of the Malaysian Rainforest 2024 report by RimbaWatch found that around 16% of the country’s remaining forest cover is at risk due to increasing deforestation.
The report supplements the general findings of the original State of the Malaysian Rainforest 2023 study, which identified timber plantations and oil palm as the primary threats to natural forests.
While timber plantations represented more than 76% of total threats to forests, the majority of these concessions were located in intact forests.
Some of the other threats included hydropower projects and downgrading of the protection status of the forest reserves, the report added.
The trend puts at risk Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement as well as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
FINDINGS
The report used three baselines to predict a future reduction in forest cover, and found that the forest cover will drop below 50% in all three baselines, ranging between 40-49%.
“In particular, the Gaveau dataset estimates that forest cover has already fallen below 50%, and stands at 46.97% as of 2022,” the report said.
It added that Malaysia’s officially reported number of 54.81% forest coverage sits between two baselines, but that the lack of geospatial data supporting this statistic limits further analysis.
According to the authorities in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah, timber plantations are a method of rehabilitating degraded forests which reduces pressure on natural forests, which they offer refer to as “planted forests” and “forest farms”.
However, the report found that more than 1.5 mln ha of timber plantation concessions are located in intact forests that are not degraded. The majority of those plantations are in Sarawak, followed by Kelantan.
As well, the report reiterated the problem of encroachments of the traditional territories of Indigenous communities.
It also said that conversion of forests will drive significant carbon emissions and that data on forests continues to be non-transparent.
“The majority of future deforestation will be unreported as such by Malaysian authorities due to loopholes in definitions,” it said.
WE’LL GET BACK TO YOU
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that the ministry will look into the RimbaWatch report closely.
At an event on Tuesday, Nik Ahmad said the Southeast Asian nation pledged to maintain at least 50% of its land mass under forest and tree cover during the Earth Summit in 1992.
“Right now, the forest cover is at 54.58%. We know that there are challenges in some spots, but I think we are working very hard to protect that and we will go through the report seriously,” Nik Ahmad was reported as saying.
“Let us go through the report to verify what they’ve highlighted and we will respond to it soon,” he added, according to New Straits Times. Carbon Pulse
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EU corporate due diligence rules slammed for “watered down” policy
28 May 2024 --- The European Council has recently formally adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) with the revised regulation enforcing new rules for large companies to address the harmful impacts of their activities on human rights and environmental protection. The directive holds the activities of company subsidiaries accountable, in addition to their business partners and will impact the F&B industry at large, including palm oil, cocoa and coffee sectors.
Several critical issues that have plagued food and beverage corporations for decades fall within the regulation’s ambit. These include forced labor, child labor, inadequate workplace health and safety, worker exploitation and environmental footprints such as greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
Research has documented critical sustainability concerns intrinsically linked to key commodities and ingredients like coffee, cocoa, bananas and honey.
A Fairtrade risk map established that one in five workers globally lives in poverty, agricultural production is responsible for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals and child labor is increasing. In light of these concerns, the law is a long time coming.
“The approval of CSDDD is an historic step. Most important is that CSDDD requires companies not only to avoid human rights and environmental issues in their value chains, but also to fix them. With the legislation saying that where relevant, companies should adapt business plans, overall strategies and operations, including purchasing practices,” Gert van der Bijl, senior EU policy advisor for Solidaridad Europe, tells Food Ingredients First.
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Strengthening oil palm smallholder farmers’ resilience to future industrial challenges
Hendrawan, D., Chrisendo, D. & Musshoff, O. Strengthening oil palm smallholder farmers’ resilience to future industrial challenges. Sci Rep 14, 12105 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62426-z
Oil palm cultivation has improved living standards and alleviated the poverty of many smallholder farmers. However, challenges such as climate change, aging palms and negative sentiments in the major markets, threaten the wellbeing of and raise the question on smallholder farmers’ resilience, which remains poorly understood. Using primary data from Indonesia, the largest palm oil producer in the world, we measure and evaluate the resilience of oil palm smallholder farmers using the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. Our results revealed five classes of smallholders with different levels of resilience: vulnerable, economically and socially constrained, low-skilled, semi-secure and adaptive smallholders. The farmers in the least resilient group are majorly older local farmers, who established oil palm plantations independently. Meanwhile, the most resilient group is dominated by smallholders who participated in the migration program, and in the past, received support from the government to start oil palm plantations. Our study highlights the heterogeneity of smallholders’ livelihood resilience and the need for inclusive and tailored interventions for the various classes of smallholder farmers to establish sustainable communities. Read more at Nature
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Closing Ghana’s Palm Oil Gap: Insights from Benso Oil Plantation
Source: Ina-Thalia Quansah
At a recent stakeholders' meeting, the General Manager of Benso Oil Palm Plantation, Mr Samuel Avaala Awonnea in an interview with Joy Business elaborated on the current challenges and opportunities within Ghana’s palm oil industry.
The conversation highlighted the significant gap between local production and national consumption, as well as the efforts required to bridge this gap.
The Palm Oil Production Deficit
Ghana consumes approximately 450,000 metric tons of palm oil annually, used predominantly in products like vegetable cooking oil. However, the country’s local production only meets about 300,000 metric tons of this demand, leaving a substantial gap of 150,000 metric tons that must be imported.
The General Manager of Benso Oil explained, "To produce that 150,000 metric tons gap, you need about five plantations of our size."
Despite this shortfall, there is a guaranteed market for palm oil products in Ghana. "This gives us the assurance that we have a business that goes to the very core of food safety and food nutrition for the Ghanaian people," the General Manager stated.
Benso Oil Plantation has been expanding its operations gradually, though not as quickly as desired due to various regulatory, policy, and economic factors.
In 2023, BOPP invested 2.2milkion in Social Investment projects: nurses quarters, sanitation facilities , community centre as well as scholarships. Read more My Joy Online
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Nutritious edible oil a must for public health: PROGGA
It emphasised the important role of vitamin-fortified edible oil in combating nutritional deficiency and improving public health.
Apart from posing a threat to public health, the sale of unpacked edible oil in unhealthy drums is a barrier to proper implementation of the Vitamin Fortification in Edible Oil Act, 2013, says PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress).
It emphasised the important role of vitamin-fortified edible oil in combating nutritional deficiency and improving public health.
"To address micronutrient deficiency in the country, the government has already enacted the Vitamin A fortification in Edible Oil Act. In order to ensure the nutritional quality of edible oil, the sale of loose edible oil in unhealthy drums should be stopped," a statement quoted ABM Zubair, PROGGA's executive director, as saying on the eve of World Nutrition Day 2024 to be observed today.
Citing a 2017 study by the ICDDR, B, it said 65% of the total edible oil sold in Bangladesh is marketed in drums, of which 59% is not vitamin-A fortified, while 34% is poorly fortified.
To put an end to this, the ministry of industries issued an executive order to phase out unpacked soybean oil sales by July 2022 and unpacked palm oil by December 2022. Read more TBS News
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Why repeatedly heating vegetable oils is putting your health at risk, according to ICMR guidelines
Ipsita Chakraborty, senior nutritionist at Hungry Koala explains, “If you repeatedly heat vegetable oils, it leads to the formation of harmful compounds.”
Vegetable oil with high levels of polyunsaturated fats, such as soybean, sunflower, and corn oils, are more prone to degradation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently warned that repeatedly heating vegetable oil can increase the risk of cancer.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Indians released earlier this month, “The practice of ‘reusing’ vegetable oils for cooking, (which have been repeatedly heated during food preparations) is very common, both at homes and in commercial establishments. Repeated heating of vegetable oils/fat, results in oxidation of PUFA, leading to the generation of compounds which are harmful/toxic and may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.” Read more Indian Express
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Sime Darby Plantation Rebrands to SD Guthrie
Petaling Jaya, 28 May 2024 - The new ‘SD Guthrie’ brand has been approved by shareholders of Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SD Plantation or the Company) at its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held earlier today.
At the EGM, which was held immediately after the conclusion of the 21st Annual General Meeting of SD Plantation, shareholders’ approval was sought on the proposed change of the Company’s name. The Special Resolution was duly passed with extremely overwhelming support from shareholders, 99.99% of whom voted in favour of the proposal.
Approximately 80% of SD Plantation is owned by major Malaysian institutions, including Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), Kumpulan Wang Persaraan [Diperbadankan] (KWAP), Lembaga Tabung Haji (LTH), and Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO).
“Today’s resounding endorsement echoes the trust and confidence our shareholders have in us,” said SD Plantation’s Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani. “The SD Guthrie brand carries much significance for us as an organisation, and I am delighted that we will embark on the next chapter of our 200-year history with this storied brand.”
The Company expresses its sincere gratitude to its shareholders, employees, customers and all its stakeholders for their continued support as it embarks on this exciting transformation. The proposed new brand has been submitted to the Companies Commission of Malaysia for approval. Read more Sime Darby Plantation
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May 27, 2024
Malaysia secures RM1.45bn worth of potential investments from Japan
A total of 2,810 manufacturing projects with Japanese participation have been implemented as of 2023, resulting in 344,120 job opportunities created.
Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has secured RM1.45bn of potential investments, and RM550mn of potential exports, through meetings with Japanese companies in conjunction with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent working visit to Japan.
The meetings were led by the Prime Minister himself, accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul.
According to MITI's statement, several of the projects will be implemented within a three-year time frame to help Malaysia create a strong eco-system in the semiconductor, renewable energy and green technology areas — a few of which are aimed at achieving Malaysia’s carbon-neutrality target by 2050. The companies met with on the visit include IHI Corporation, Nisshin Oillio Group, Tokuyama Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, ENEOS Holdings, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Tokyo Gas.
Tengku Zafrul stated: "We welcome expansion projects announced by existing Japanese investors across various strategic sectors namely, semiconductors, chemicals and petrochemical, renewable energy, oil and gas, as well as palm oil and palm oil-based products.
"Such projects reflect the Japanese investors’ continued confidence in Malaysia’s industrial landscape, which is undergoing key transformative initiatives as outlined in the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap.”
In 2023, Japan was Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner and the fourth largest investor in the manufacturing sector. A total of 2,810 manufacturing projects with Japanese participation have been implemented as of 2023, with total investments valued at RM102.11bn, resulting in 344,120 job opportunities created. Read more Human Resources Online
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Reclaiming the narrative: The story of palm oil
Palm oil, an economical and highly versatile commodity, has provided livelihoods for millions of people, contributed to economic growth and bolstered global food security. In 2021, the industry was credited for playing a crucial role in helping the Malaysian economy rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to its use in soaps, detergents and hand sanitisers — cleaning agents that helped to eliminate the virus.
Yet it remains much maligned as anti-palm oil lobbyists disregard the industry’s efforts to produce ethical palm oil and instead paint a picture of the Wild West, where deforestation is rampant, soil degradation is widespread and the rights of local communities are trampled on.
Contrary to what critics might say, planters and producers of palm oil have been addressing the environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns with measures ranging from the use of precision agriculture techniques to the provision of smallholder support. These initiatives go beyond lip service and encompass forward-thinking holistic strategies.
In fact, shutting the door on palm oil could cause more harm than good. In May 2024, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) pointed out that meeting the global demand for vegetable oils by 2050 will require a 14% increase in production. This could lead to serious environmental consequences, making the push towards less sustainable replacements counterproductive.
Cultivating palm oil sustainably Read more The Edge Malaysia
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Malaysia targets 40% of power from renewable energy by 2035
PETALING JAYA: By 2035, renewable energy should comprise 40% of the country’s power supplies, rising to 100% in 2050, according to deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof.
He said the targets, set by the energy transition and water transformation ministry which he heads, would help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes a year by 2035.
Speaking at the launch of a biomass project in Tanjung Bin, Johor, he said the efforts on renewable energy were vital to ensure environmental sustainability is preserved for future generations, Bernama reported.
“This initiative supports the government’s recommendation of using biomass and biogas to generate 1.4 gigawatts of energy in 2050.
“As the energy sector represents 29% of the gross domestic product and employs a quarter of the country’s workforce, changes in the energy system will have an impact on economic development and the livelihood of the people who depend on affordable energy,” he said.
Fadillah said his ministry supports industry efforts to explore the use of new technology such as the production of green hydrogen, nuclear technology and large-scale energy storage batteries.
“The use of new technology will help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon intensity by 45% in 2030 in line with the 2016 Paris Accords and the national energy transformation roadmap launched last year,” he said. Free Malaysia Today
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Indonesian coal producer Indika eyes biomass market
Indonesian coal producer Indika Energy is venturing into biomass, as it diversifies into more environmentally-friendly businesses and reduces its reliance on conventional fuel revenues.
Indika, which produced 30.1mn t of coal in 2023 through its subsidiary Kideco, last year completed construction of a wood pellet factory in Paser, east Kalimantan, the company said in its 2023 sustainability report.
The biomass business is part of its subsidiary Indika Nature that is preparing its first batch of production. It is aiming to produce 150,000 t/yr wood pellets by 2025. These will have an average calorific value of 4,200-4,750 kcal/kg that is suitable for biomass-based power plants or for co-firing in a thermal power plant. It is planning to export the pellets to Japan.
[Japan imported 531,500t of wood pellets in March](https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2562604), up by 47pc from a year earlier, according to preliminary data released by the country's finance ministry on 26 April. This was also higher by 9pc from February. Imports from Indonesia rise to 59,353t in March, more than a fivefold increase from 10,796t a year earlier. This exceeded the previous record high of 35,516t in January. Read more Argus Media
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Philippines-GARECO opens P600-m palm oil refinery in Mindanao
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) underscored the potential for regional growth and massive employment opportunities for locals with the inauguration of Mindanao’s P600-million palm oil refinery.
“The establishment of the first palm oil refinery in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region underscores the immense potential for growth and development within the palm oil sector. This embodies the aspiration of the industry stakeholders to become a dynamic, innovative, and self-sufficient industry that provides benefits and stable supply of vegetable oils for the country,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
SOCCSKSARGEN refers to a region in Mindanao that groups South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.
Owned and managed by the Garcia Refinery Corp. (GARECO), the refinery project teamed up with 63 farmers to manage 3,065 hectares of farm land planted to oil palm trees.
Adding to the current 14,000 hectares of oil palm plantation in Sultan Kudarat, the entry of GARECO into palm refining increases the potential supply of palm oil nuts.
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Dexter Buted said the refinery could spur further development of the palm oil industry in the Philippines. Read more Manila Standard
Malaysia secures RM1.45bn worth of potential investments from Japan
A total of 2,810 manufacturing projects with Japanese participation have been implemented as of 2023, resulting in 344,120 job opportunities created.
Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has secured RM1.45bn of potential investments, and RM550mn of potential exports, through meetings with Japanese companies in conjunction with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent working visit to Japan.
The meetings were led by the Prime Minister himself, accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul.
According to MITI's statement, several of the projects will be implemented within a three-year time frame to help Malaysia create a strong eco-system in the semiconductor, renewable energy and green technology areas — a few of which are aimed at achieving Malaysia’s carbon-neutrality target by 2050. The companies met with on the visit include IHI Corporation, Nisshin Oillio Group, Tokuyama Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, ENEOS Holdings, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Tokyo Gas.
Tengku Zafrul stated: "We welcome expansion projects announced by existing Japanese investors across various strategic sectors namely, semiconductors, chemicals and petrochemical, renewable energy, oil and gas, as well as palm oil and palm oil-based products.
"Such projects reflect the Japanese investors’ continued confidence in Malaysia’s industrial landscape, which is undergoing key transformative initiatives as outlined in the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap.”
In 2023, Japan was Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner and the fourth largest investor in the manufacturing sector. A total of 2,810 manufacturing projects with Japanese participation have been implemented as of 2023, with total investments valued at RM102.11bn, resulting in 344,120 job opportunities created. Read more Human Resources Online
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Reclaiming the narrative: The story of palm oil
Palm oil, an economical and highly versatile commodity, has provided livelihoods for millions of people, contributed to economic growth and bolstered global food security. In 2021, the industry was credited for playing a crucial role in helping the Malaysian economy rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to its use in soaps, detergents and hand sanitisers — cleaning agents that helped to eliminate the virus.
Yet it remains much maligned as anti-palm oil lobbyists disregard the industry’s efforts to produce ethical palm oil and instead paint a picture of the Wild West, where deforestation is rampant, soil degradation is widespread and the rights of local communities are trampled on.
Contrary to what critics might say, planters and producers of palm oil have been addressing the environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns with measures ranging from the use of precision agriculture techniques to the provision of smallholder support. These initiatives go beyond lip service and encompass forward-thinking holistic strategies.
In fact, shutting the door on palm oil could cause more harm than good. In May 2024, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) pointed out that meeting the global demand for vegetable oils by 2050 will require a 14% increase in production. This could lead to serious environmental consequences, making the push towards less sustainable replacements counterproductive.
Cultivating palm oil sustainably Read more The Edge Malaysia
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Malaysia targets 40% of power from renewable energy by 2035
PETALING JAYA: By 2035, renewable energy should comprise 40% of the country’s power supplies, rising to 100% in 2050, according to deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof.
He said the targets, set by the energy transition and water transformation ministry which he heads, would help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes a year by 2035.
Speaking at the launch of a biomass project in Tanjung Bin, Johor, he said the efforts on renewable energy were vital to ensure environmental sustainability is preserved for future generations, Bernama reported.
“This initiative supports the government’s recommendation of using biomass and biogas to generate 1.4 gigawatts of energy in 2050.
“As the energy sector represents 29% of the gross domestic product and employs a quarter of the country’s workforce, changes in the energy system will have an impact on economic development and the livelihood of the people who depend on affordable energy,” he said.
Fadillah said his ministry supports industry efforts to explore the use of new technology such as the production of green hydrogen, nuclear technology and large-scale energy storage batteries.
“The use of new technology will help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon intensity by 45% in 2030 in line with the 2016 Paris Accords and the national energy transformation roadmap launched last year,” he said. Free Malaysia Today
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Indonesian coal producer Indika eyes biomass market
Indonesian coal producer Indika Energy is venturing into biomass, as it diversifies into more environmentally-friendly businesses and reduces its reliance on conventional fuel revenues.
Indika, which produced 30.1mn t of coal in 2023 through its subsidiary Kideco, last year completed construction of a wood pellet factory in Paser, east Kalimantan, the company said in its 2023 sustainability report.
The biomass business is part of its subsidiary Indika Nature that is preparing its first batch of production. It is aiming to produce 150,000 t/yr wood pellets by 2025. These will have an average calorific value of 4,200-4,750 kcal/kg that is suitable for biomass-based power plants or for co-firing in a thermal power plant. It is planning to export the pellets to Japan.
[Japan imported 531,500t of wood pellets in March](https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2562604), up by 47pc from a year earlier, according to preliminary data released by the country's finance ministry on 26 April. This was also higher by 9pc from February. Imports from Indonesia rise to 59,353t in March, more than a fivefold increase from 10,796t a year earlier. This exceeded the previous record high of 35,516t in January. Read more Argus Media
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Philippines-GARECO opens P600-m palm oil refinery in Mindanao
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) underscored the potential for regional growth and massive employment opportunities for locals with the inauguration of Mindanao’s P600-million palm oil refinery.
“The establishment of the first palm oil refinery in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region underscores the immense potential for growth and development within the palm oil sector. This embodies the aspiration of the industry stakeholders to become a dynamic, innovative, and self-sufficient industry that provides benefits and stable supply of vegetable oils for the country,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
SOCCSKSARGEN refers to a region in Mindanao that groups South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.
Owned and managed by the Garcia Refinery Corp. (GARECO), the refinery project teamed up with 63 farmers to manage 3,065 hectares of farm land planted to oil palm trees.
Adding to the current 14,000 hectares of oil palm plantation in Sultan Kudarat, the entry of GARECO into palm refining increases the potential supply of palm oil nuts.
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Dexter Buted said the refinery could spur further development of the palm oil industry in the Philippines. Read more Manila Standard
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May 26, 2024
MALAYSIA COMMITS TO CONSTRUCTIVE WORK WITH EU ON DS600 CASE
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will continue working constructively with the European Union (EU) to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel's rulings on the DS600 case concerning discriminatory regulation of palm oil biofuels.
In a statement to Bernama, Ambassador Syahril Syazli Ghazali, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the WTO, said the panel's findings on DS600 upheld several key elements of Malaysia's position in this dispute.
These rulings preserve the integrity of the multilateral trading system and ensure fairness in global trade, he said.
"Malaysia’s priority is not about who is the ‘winner or loser’ in the dispute, but most importantly, it is crucial for all WTO Members ‘to do the right thing’ by adhering to the WTO rulings and disciplines.
"In facing global uncertainties, WTO members should engage in fair competition and work closely to preserve and promote a stable and predictable trading environment," he said.
To recap, Malaysia filed complaints against the EU with the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), citing the EU Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) as inconsistent with WTO Agreements, which significantly impacted palm oil exports to the region, particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia.
Malaysia requested the establishment of a WTO panel in April 2021, and in May 2021, the panel was established to oversee the case—known as DS600: European Union and Certain Member States – Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-Based Biofuels.
Syahril Syazli said during the monthly DSB meeting held on May 24 in Geneva, Switzerland, the EU representative indicated its intention to implement the DS600 Panel’s rulings and recommendations.
However, the EU stressed that, given the implementation task, the trading bloc could not comply immediately and would require a reasonable period of time to do so. Read more Bernama
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Johari to lead Malaysian delegation on working visit to Egypt, Turkiye
KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani will lead a Malaysian delegation to Egypt and Turkiye for a working visit from May 27 to June 1, 2024.
He is also scheduled to officiate the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum Egypt 2024 in Cairo on May 28.
In a statement on Sunday (May 26), the Plantation and Commodities Ministry said the annual forum, organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, seeks to explore the growth potential for palm oil in the North African region.
In his keynote address, Johari is expected to highlight the increasing global demand for cooking oil and its derivatives, as well as Malaysia's commitment to sustainable palm oil production during the forum.
In addition, he will meet with Egypt’s Trade and Industry Minister and Supply and Internal Trade Minister to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as business leaders in the palm oil industry.
Subsequently, Johari will visit Turkiye, where he is scheduled to meet the country's Trade Minister on May 31. The objective is to strengthen collaboration and identify new business opportunities in the palm oil sector between Malaysia and Turkiye.
"Turkiye is an important destination for Malaysian palm oil exports, making this meeting particularly significant for Malaysia,” the ministry said. – Bernama/ The StarMY
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RM15mil to help Sabah increase beef self-sufficiency
TAWAU: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) has approved an allocation of RM15 million to support the State Government’s efforts in increasing the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) of beef in Sabah and Malaysia as a whole by 2030.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the SSR of beef is relatively low in the country, with Sabah at around eight per cent and the national rate of 15 per cent, adding that through this initiative, it is aimed at raising Sabah’s SSR to 25 per cent and the national rate to 50 per cent.
He said the allocation will be directed to the State Government’s subsidiary, Sawit Kinabalu, through the 2024 Food Security Strengthening Programme. This will involve optimising land usage through a joint cattle farming project with the Sabah Veterinary Services Department.
“Today, KPKM is allocating RM15 million to Sawit Kinabalu to purchase 1,660 heads of cattle from Australia, expected to arrive by July or August this year. Through this, Sawit Kinabalu will commence a breeding programme, targeting 25,000 heads of cattle,” he said.
Arthur was speaking to newsmen after presenting a symbolic check for the RM15 million allocation to representatives of the Sawit Kinabalu Group at the Mini Library Internet Centre in Sungai Balung Estate earlier Friday.
He said the project is expected to create at least 350 job opportunities for locals, particularly those in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in agriculture. It will also serve as a catalyst to attract young people to engage in cattle farming.
Arthur also said that the Federal Government is fully committed to supporting the State Government’s efforts to increase the country’s food production and reduce reliance on imports. Daily Express
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Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine to rescue degraded lands with 60,000 more oil palm seedlings
After distributing 30,000 high yielding oil palm seedlings to farmers in 2023, mining giants AngloGold Ashanti has once again distributed 60,000 more oil palm seedlings to farmers in six districts in the Ashanti Region.
The idea to distribute oil palm seedlings to farmers feeds into plans by AngloGold Ashanti to improve the livelihoods of farmers through oil palm production by 2026, while contributing to the country’s deforestation mitigation targets through agroforestry by the same year.
Christened, the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation (CROPP), the project is a collaboration between AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine and Solidaridad West Africa rolled out in six districts within the Adansi Traditional Area namely; Obuasi Municipal, Obuasi East District, Adansi North and South, Adansi Asokwa and Adansi Akrofuom District Assemblies.
Worrying state of degraded lands
According to the Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Daniel Arthur- Bentum, most arable lands in the Adansi enclaved have been significantly depleted as a result of illegal mining. This he said has caused rising temperatures, increased inconsistencies in rainfall patterns, reduced suitable areas for farming, and reduced farm yield, which has adversely affected livelihoods.
He said the CROPP initiative, is a demonstration of AGA's commitment to promoting sustainable development and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
To achieve this, Mr. Arthur-Bentum said "since we launched season one of the CROPP initiative in 2023, our strategy has been to support existing oil palm farmers in the six local Assemblies to adopt climate smart practices through capacity building and technical support."
He added that they work in close collaboration with traditional leaders and local authorities to identify and convert degraded lands into oil palm agro-forestry block farms and facilitate the setup of an oil palm nursery to supply climate-resilient seedlings to farmers.
The economic benefits of the CROPP Read more Modern Ghana
MALAYSIA COMMITS TO CONSTRUCTIVE WORK WITH EU ON DS600 CASE
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will continue working constructively with the European Union (EU) to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel's rulings on the DS600 case concerning discriminatory regulation of palm oil biofuels.
In a statement to Bernama, Ambassador Syahril Syazli Ghazali, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the WTO, said the panel's findings on DS600 upheld several key elements of Malaysia's position in this dispute.
These rulings preserve the integrity of the multilateral trading system and ensure fairness in global trade, he said.
"Malaysia’s priority is not about who is the ‘winner or loser’ in the dispute, but most importantly, it is crucial for all WTO Members ‘to do the right thing’ by adhering to the WTO rulings and disciplines.
"In facing global uncertainties, WTO members should engage in fair competition and work closely to preserve and promote a stable and predictable trading environment," he said.
To recap, Malaysia filed complaints against the EU with the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), citing the EU Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) as inconsistent with WTO Agreements, which significantly impacted palm oil exports to the region, particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia.
Malaysia requested the establishment of a WTO panel in April 2021, and in May 2021, the panel was established to oversee the case—known as DS600: European Union and Certain Member States – Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-Based Biofuels.
Syahril Syazli said during the monthly DSB meeting held on May 24 in Geneva, Switzerland, the EU representative indicated its intention to implement the DS600 Panel’s rulings and recommendations.
However, the EU stressed that, given the implementation task, the trading bloc could not comply immediately and would require a reasonable period of time to do so. Read more Bernama
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Johari to lead Malaysian delegation on working visit to Egypt, Turkiye
KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani will lead a Malaysian delegation to Egypt and Turkiye for a working visit from May 27 to June 1, 2024.
He is also scheduled to officiate the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum Egypt 2024 in Cairo on May 28.
In a statement on Sunday (May 26), the Plantation and Commodities Ministry said the annual forum, organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, seeks to explore the growth potential for palm oil in the North African region.
In his keynote address, Johari is expected to highlight the increasing global demand for cooking oil and its derivatives, as well as Malaysia's commitment to sustainable palm oil production during the forum.
In addition, he will meet with Egypt’s Trade and Industry Minister and Supply and Internal Trade Minister to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as business leaders in the palm oil industry.
Subsequently, Johari will visit Turkiye, where he is scheduled to meet the country's Trade Minister on May 31. The objective is to strengthen collaboration and identify new business opportunities in the palm oil sector between Malaysia and Turkiye.
"Turkiye is an important destination for Malaysian palm oil exports, making this meeting particularly significant for Malaysia,” the ministry said. – Bernama/ The StarMY
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RM15mil to help Sabah increase beef self-sufficiency
TAWAU: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) has approved an allocation of RM15 million to support the State Government’s efforts in increasing the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) of beef in Sabah and Malaysia as a whole by 2030.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the SSR of beef is relatively low in the country, with Sabah at around eight per cent and the national rate of 15 per cent, adding that through this initiative, it is aimed at raising Sabah’s SSR to 25 per cent and the national rate to 50 per cent.
He said the allocation will be directed to the State Government’s subsidiary, Sawit Kinabalu, through the 2024 Food Security Strengthening Programme. This will involve optimising land usage through a joint cattle farming project with the Sabah Veterinary Services Department.
“Today, KPKM is allocating RM15 million to Sawit Kinabalu to purchase 1,660 heads of cattle from Australia, expected to arrive by July or August this year. Through this, Sawit Kinabalu will commence a breeding programme, targeting 25,000 heads of cattle,” he said.
Arthur was speaking to newsmen after presenting a symbolic check for the RM15 million allocation to representatives of the Sawit Kinabalu Group at the Mini Library Internet Centre in Sungai Balung Estate earlier Friday.
He said the project is expected to create at least 350 job opportunities for locals, particularly those in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in agriculture. It will also serve as a catalyst to attract young people to engage in cattle farming.
Arthur also said that the Federal Government is fully committed to supporting the State Government’s efforts to increase the country’s food production and reduce reliance on imports. Daily Express
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Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine to rescue degraded lands with 60,000 more oil palm seedlings
After distributing 30,000 high yielding oil palm seedlings to farmers in 2023, mining giants AngloGold Ashanti has once again distributed 60,000 more oil palm seedlings to farmers in six districts in the Ashanti Region.
The idea to distribute oil palm seedlings to farmers feeds into plans by AngloGold Ashanti to improve the livelihoods of farmers through oil palm production by 2026, while contributing to the country’s deforestation mitigation targets through agroforestry by the same year.
Christened, the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation (CROPP), the project is a collaboration between AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine and Solidaridad West Africa rolled out in six districts within the Adansi Traditional Area namely; Obuasi Municipal, Obuasi East District, Adansi North and South, Adansi Asokwa and Adansi Akrofuom District Assemblies.
Worrying state of degraded lands
According to the Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Daniel Arthur- Bentum, most arable lands in the Adansi enclaved have been significantly depleted as a result of illegal mining. This he said has caused rising temperatures, increased inconsistencies in rainfall patterns, reduced suitable areas for farming, and reduced farm yield, which has adversely affected livelihoods.
He said the CROPP initiative, is a demonstration of AGA's commitment to promoting sustainable development and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
To achieve this, Mr. Arthur-Bentum said "since we launched season one of the CROPP initiative in 2023, our strategy has been to support existing oil palm farmers in the six local Assemblies to adopt climate smart practices through capacity building and technical support."
He added that they work in close collaboration with traditional leaders and local authorities to identify and convert degraded lands into oil palm agro-forestry block farms and facilitate the setup of an oil palm nursery to supply climate-resilient seedlings to farmers.
The economic benefits of the CROPP Read more Modern Ghana
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May 25, 2024
India’s recent oil palm cultivation growth performance is encouraging, efforts are needed to sustain it
Updated - May 25, 2024 at 12:45 PM.
There is good scope to bring another 4-5 lakh hecatres under the crop in the next 7- 10 years
India cultivates various oilseed crops like rapeseed, mustard, groundnut, soyabean, castorseed, sesamum etc. over a considerable area but the annual yield is significantly low compared to palm oil production per hectare (ha).
Due to population growth and improvements in the buying capacity of consumers, the demand for edible oil will increase continuously. India consumed an estimated volume of over 23 million tonnes of vegetable oils in Fiscal year 2023. The overall consumption grew at a CAGR of ~ 3 per cent over 2013-2021.
The growth will continue to be ~ 3-3.5 per cent going forward. The growing gap has been fulfilled by import of vegetable oils in ever increasing quantity. Palm oil constitutes around 60 per cent of import basket of edible oil.
Sustainable growth
We have scaled up oil palm ( OP) area coverage to 4.5 lakh ha ( approx.) till FY 23-24 through farmers. The production of crude palm oil (CPO) during FY23-24 in the country is nearly 4.0 lakh tonnes.
There is good scope to bring another 4-5 lakh ha area under OP in the next 7- 10 years, since there is good market support due to the external environment and may continue. Recent growth performance during FY21-22 to FY 23-24 in terms of gross area coverage (=111319 ha) is good and encouraging and efforts need to increase and sustain it.
We are confident of our growth momentum subject to uncertain factors which are beyond our control.
There is a need to focus on innovation in research and development towards the introduction of high-yielding oil palm crosses like clonal and semi-clonal seed materials with the genetic potential of 37-38 tonnes Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) yield per ha against traditional Tenera saplings with a yield of 30-32 tonnes per ha. This will provide resilient and sustainable FFB production.
It is suggested that other oil palm growing states across India should follow the path and practices adopted in Andhra Pradesh( AP) and Telangana, like the installation of micro irrigation and other agronomical practices timely. Un wavering commitment of oil palm farmers of AP and Telangana, Processors and the Government towards OP development are praiseworthy.
There was a misperception that oil palm requires more water. The average use of water in mature oil palm plantations to produce one kg of FFB is less than 450 litres and is comparatively much less than that of popular traditional crops like rice, banana and sugarcane. Crop per drop of water concept through micro irrigation in oil palm field has already been established and it ensures judicious use of water.
Focus
We need to ensure enough production of CPO to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil production in the country and thereby, food security as well. Oil Palm farmers need higher income and income support. The National Mission on Edible Oils- Oil Palm ( NMEO-OP) provides this support to OP farmers.
Supports such as subsidies for ongoing components and inputs required for OP cultivation by the Government should continue and be provided to the growers- kind in transfer (instead of cash). The Hindu Businessline
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India’s domestic vegetable oil production likely to grow by 10-15% – expert
Bhavna Shah, Deputy CEO, NK Proteins Pvt Ltd, gave an overview of the Indian vegetable oils market at a prestigious event organized by UOB Kay Hian in Malaysia on May 20, 2024. In her presentation, she highlighted key facts about the Indian vegetable oils industry. Please see below for the highlights of her presentation.
Domestic production of vegetable oils is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10-15% in 2024. The increase in production is expected due to higher prices, favorable monsoon season and high domestic yields, with rapeseed contributing significantly to this growth. Import duties on vegetable oils are expected to remain unchanged until the conclusion of the ongoing general elections.
Total oil imports in 2023-24 are estimated to be around 16.2 million tons as against 17 million tons in the previous year. Palm oil imports are expected to decline in 2024 (oilseed year) as it loses market share due to small price differential with soft oils. India’s palm oil imports are likely to decline from 10.1 million metric tons in 2023 to 8.65 million metric tons in 2024. As for soft oils, soybean oil imports are likely to increase from 3.87 million metric tons in 2023 to 4.2 million metric tons in 2024, while sunflower oil imports are also likely to increase from 3 million metric tons in 2023 to 3.25 million metric tons in 2024. While imports of other oils are likely to remain unchanged at 0.1 million tons in 2024.
Governments around the world are urging businesses to divest from fossil fuels. Biofuels are expected to play a crucial role in meeting COP 28 targets. India has also committed to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2070. Accelerating the adoption of biofuels is essential to meet these emission targets and replacing coal with biomass is a quick fix. As the third largest producer of ethanol, India is well positioned for rapid growth.
However, limited availability and rising feedstock costs are significant barriers to biofuel production. Sources face obstacles such as inaccessibility, proper cultivation, regulation, high polyunsaturated fatty acid content and low unsaturated fatty acid content, but technological advancements can help overcome these challenges. The use of waste vegetable oil (UCO) as the main feedstock can remove some of the limitations. In addition, efficient utilization of biodiesel by-products can help reduce the price of biodiesel, making it more economically viable. UK Agro Consult
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Ghana-AngloGold Ashanti supplies oil palm seedlings to farmers in Adansi enclave
Obuasi (Ash), May 24, GNA – AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has distributed 60,000 high yielding oil palm seedlings to farmers in six districts in the Adansi enclave.
It is part of the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation (CROPP) project, which is being undertaken by AngloGold, in partnership with Solidaridad West Africa.
It aims at supporting farmers in the Adansi enclave through oil palm production to improve their livelihoods, while contributing to the deforestation mitigation targets through agro forestry.
The beneficiaries are farmers from the Obuasi Municipal, Obuasi East, Adansi North and South, Adansi Asokwa and Adansi Akrofoum districts.
The company in 2023 distributed 30,000 seedlings under the project to farmers in the districts.
Mr Daniel Arthur-Bentum, Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold Obuasi Mine, speaking at the presentation ceremony, said most arable lands in the Adansi enclave had been significantly depleted due to illegal mining activities.
This had caused rising temperatures, increased inconsistencies in rainfall patterns, reduced suitable areas for farming, and reduced farm yield.
All these, he said had negative consequences on the livelihoods of farmers. Read more MSN
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Ethiopian coffee is threatened by European deforestation regulations
Unable to meet the new traceability requirements imposed by Brussels, Ethiopia could see its exports start to fall drastically in 2025.
By Noé Hochet-Bodin (Nairobi (Kenya) correspondent)
Published today at 2:36 am (Paris), updated at 9:47 am
Will Europeans have to do without Ethiopian coffee? The Horn of Africa country where, according to legend, coffee cherries were first discovered a thousand years ago and where their cultivation became widespread from the 16th century, could be severely harmed by the new European Union (EU) regulations aimed at combating deforestation worldwide that are due to come into force on January 1st, 2025.
The law, voted in Brussels in 2023, specifically targets soy and palm oil crops, identified as the two biggest threats to tropical forests. In a few months, however, it will also force coffee importers to prove that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation using satellite data and geographical coordinates.
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For more information, see our Terms and Conditions.
For all authorization requests, contact [email protected].
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2024/05/25/ethiopian-coffee-is-threatened-by-european-deforestation-regulations_6672600_114.html
These regulations are of particular concern in Kaffa, the region of origin of the coffee that gives the drink its name, and throughout southern Ethiopia. Providing accurate geographical surveys is a challenge for these 5 million or so smallholders: Internet coverage is poor in the villages, land registries are non-existent, and land disputes are legion. According to several Ethiopian diplomats and exporters, complying with the new European standards could take up to five years.
Buyers already turning away
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 10 million hectares of forest disappeared worldwide every year between 2015 and 2020. As for the European Parliament, it estimates that food consumption in Europe, particularly palm oil and soy, is responsible for 10% of global deforestation.
But coffee-growing's contribution to the destruction of Ethiopia's forests is actually very limited. "The vast majority of it grows in agroforestry systems. A few trees are felled, but it's marginal," assured a connoisseur based in Ethiopia for a decade who wished to remain anonymous. "And 90% of growers respect regulations," he estimated, stressing that few chemical inputs are used in the plantations. Nevertheless, if they can't provide this necessary information to importers, growers risk losing their main customers. Le Monde
India’s recent oil palm cultivation growth performance is encouraging, efforts are needed to sustain it
Updated - May 25, 2024 at 12:45 PM.
There is good scope to bring another 4-5 lakh hecatres under the crop in the next 7- 10 years
India cultivates various oilseed crops like rapeseed, mustard, groundnut, soyabean, castorseed, sesamum etc. over a considerable area but the annual yield is significantly low compared to palm oil production per hectare (ha).
Due to population growth and improvements in the buying capacity of consumers, the demand for edible oil will increase continuously. India consumed an estimated volume of over 23 million tonnes of vegetable oils in Fiscal year 2023. The overall consumption grew at a CAGR of ~ 3 per cent over 2013-2021.
The growth will continue to be ~ 3-3.5 per cent going forward. The growing gap has been fulfilled by import of vegetable oils in ever increasing quantity. Palm oil constitutes around 60 per cent of import basket of edible oil.
Sustainable growth
We have scaled up oil palm ( OP) area coverage to 4.5 lakh ha ( approx.) till FY 23-24 through farmers. The production of crude palm oil (CPO) during FY23-24 in the country is nearly 4.0 lakh tonnes.
There is good scope to bring another 4-5 lakh ha area under OP in the next 7- 10 years, since there is good market support due to the external environment and may continue. Recent growth performance during FY21-22 to FY 23-24 in terms of gross area coverage (=111319 ha) is good and encouraging and efforts need to increase and sustain it.
We are confident of our growth momentum subject to uncertain factors which are beyond our control.
There is a need to focus on innovation in research and development towards the introduction of high-yielding oil palm crosses like clonal and semi-clonal seed materials with the genetic potential of 37-38 tonnes Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) yield per ha against traditional Tenera saplings with a yield of 30-32 tonnes per ha. This will provide resilient and sustainable FFB production.
It is suggested that other oil palm growing states across India should follow the path and practices adopted in Andhra Pradesh( AP) and Telangana, like the installation of micro irrigation and other agronomical practices timely. Un wavering commitment of oil palm farmers of AP and Telangana, Processors and the Government towards OP development are praiseworthy.
There was a misperception that oil palm requires more water. The average use of water in mature oil palm plantations to produce one kg of FFB is less than 450 litres and is comparatively much less than that of popular traditional crops like rice, banana and sugarcane. Crop per drop of water concept through micro irrigation in oil palm field has already been established and it ensures judicious use of water.
Focus
We need to ensure enough production of CPO to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil production in the country and thereby, food security as well. Oil Palm farmers need higher income and income support. The National Mission on Edible Oils- Oil Palm ( NMEO-OP) provides this support to OP farmers.
Supports such as subsidies for ongoing components and inputs required for OP cultivation by the Government should continue and be provided to the growers- kind in transfer (instead of cash). The Hindu Businessline
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India’s domestic vegetable oil production likely to grow by 10-15% – expert
Bhavna Shah, Deputy CEO, NK Proteins Pvt Ltd, gave an overview of the Indian vegetable oils market at a prestigious event organized by UOB Kay Hian in Malaysia on May 20, 2024. In her presentation, she highlighted key facts about the Indian vegetable oils industry. Please see below for the highlights of her presentation.
Domestic production of vegetable oils is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10-15% in 2024. The increase in production is expected due to higher prices, favorable monsoon season and high domestic yields, with rapeseed contributing significantly to this growth. Import duties on vegetable oils are expected to remain unchanged until the conclusion of the ongoing general elections.
Total oil imports in 2023-24 are estimated to be around 16.2 million tons as against 17 million tons in the previous year. Palm oil imports are expected to decline in 2024 (oilseed year) as it loses market share due to small price differential with soft oils. India’s palm oil imports are likely to decline from 10.1 million metric tons in 2023 to 8.65 million metric tons in 2024. As for soft oils, soybean oil imports are likely to increase from 3.87 million metric tons in 2023 to 4.2 million metric tons in 2024, while sunflower oil imports are also likely to increase from 3 million metric tons in 2023 to 3.25 million metric tons in 2024. While imports of other oils are likely to remain unchanged at 0.1 million tons in 2024.
Governments around the world are urging businesses to divest from fossil fuels. Biofuels are expected to play a crucial role in meeting COP 28 targets. India has also committed to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2070. Accelerating the adoption of biofuels is essential to meet these emission targets and replacing coal with biomass is a quick fix. As the third largest producer of ethanol, India is well positioned for rapid growth.
However, limited availability and rising feedstock costs are significant barriers to biofuel production. Sources face obstacles such as inaccessibility, proper cultivation, regulation, high polyunsaturated fatty acid content and low unsaturated fatty acid content, but technological advancements can help overcome these challenges. The use of waste vegetable oil (UCO) as the main feedstock can remove some of the limitations. In addition, efficient utilization of biodiesel by-products can help reduce the price of biodiesel, making it more economically viable. UK Agro Consult
---------
Ghana-AngloGold Ashanti supplies oil palm seedlings to farmers in Adansi enclave
Obuasi (Ash), May 24, GNA – AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has distributed 60,000 high yielding oil palm seedlings to farmers in six districts in the Adansi enclave.
It is part of the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation (CROPP) project, which is being undertaken by AngloGold, in partnership with Solidaridad West Africa.
It aims at supporting farmers in the Adansi enclave through oil palm production to improve their livelihoods, while contributing to the deforestation mitigation targets through agro forestry.
The beneficiaries are farmers from the Obuasi Municipal, Obuasi East, Adansi North and South, Adansi Asokwa and Adansi Akrofoum districts.
The company in 2023 distributed 30,000 seedlings under the project to farmers in the districts.
Mr Daniel Arthur-Bentum, Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold Obuasi Mine, speaking at the presentation ceremony, said most arable lands in the Adansi enclave had been significantly depleted due to illegal mining activities.
This had caused rising temperatures, increased inconsistencies in rainfall patterns, reduced suitable areas for farming, and reduced farm yield.
All these, he said had negative consequences on the livelihoods of farmers. Read more MSN
---------
Ethiopian coffee is threatened by European deforestation regulations
Unable to meet the new traceability requirements imposed by Brussels, Ethiopia could see its exports start to fall drastically in 2025.
By Noé Hochet-Bodin (Nairobi (Kenya) correspondent)
Published today at 2:36 am (Paris), updated at 9:47 am
Will Europeans have to do without Ethiopian coffee? The Horn of Africa country where, according to legend, coffee cherries were first discovered a thousand years ago and where their cultivation became widespread from the 16th century, could be severely harmed by the new European Union (EU) regulations aimed at combating deforestation worldwide that are due to come into force on January 1st, 2025.
The law, voted in Brussels in 2023, specifically targets soy and palm oil crops, identified as the two biggest threats to tropical forests. In a few months, however, it will also force coffee importers to prove that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation using satellite data and geographical coordinates.
You can share an article by clicking on the share icons at the top right of it.
The total or partial reproduction of an article, without the prior written authorization of Le Monde, is strictly forbidden.
For more information, see our Terms and Conditions.
For all authorization requests, contact [email protected].
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2024/05/25/ethiopian-coffee-is-threatened-by-european-deforestation-regulations_6672600_114.html
These regulations are of particular concern in Kaffa, the region of origin of the coffee that gives the drink its name, and throughout southern Ethiopia. Providing accurate geographical surveys is a challenge for these 5 million or so smallholders: Internet coverage is poor in the villages, land registries are non-existent, and land disputes are legion. According to several Ethiopian diplomats and exporters, complying with the new European standards could take up to five years.
Buyers already turning away
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 10 million hectares of forest disappeared worldwide every year between 2015 and 2020. As for the European Parliament, it estimates that food consumption in Europe, particularly palm oil and soy, is responsible for 10% of global deforestation.
But coffee-growing's contribution to the destruction of Ethiopia's forests is actually very limited. "The vast majority of it grows in agroforestry systems. A few trees are felled, but it's marginal," assured a connoisseur based in Ethiopia for a decade who wished to remain anonymous. "And 90% of growers respect regulations," he estimated, stressing that few chemical inputs are used in the plantations. Nevertheless, if they can't provide this necessary information to importers, growers risk losing their main customers. Le Monde
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May 24, 2024
EUDR-Stakeholders and NGOs mount pressure on Commission on anti-deforestation rules implementation
Food and agriculture stakeholders are asking the European Commission to finalise the details of the EU’s deforestation regulation while a group of agriculture ministers seek a postponement, a move opposed by NGOs and ruled out by the Commission for now.
At the Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD), organised by industry associations and held in Brussels on Wednesday (22 May), stakeholders expressed concern about their ability to comply with the EU’s Deforestation and Forest Degradation Regulation (EUDR) on time.
“Despite the fact that the legislation will come into force on 30 December, we need to be ready a few months earlier,” said Caroline Westerik-Sikking, director of sustainability at the Swedish giant of vegetable oils AAK.
Under the EUDR – adopted last year – companies that place soy, beef, palm oil, timber, cocoa, coffee, or rubber on the EU market must be able to prove that the products do not come from recently deforested areas or have not contributed to forest degradation.
That obligation for operators and traders will apply after a transition period starting from 30 December 2024. The guidelines for operators were expected by spring. Read more Euractiv
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Deforestation-free failures: Report reveals industry inaction on responsible supply chains
23 May 2024 --- Based on disclosures made on the achievement of deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) supply chains, it appears that while deforestation, which has been high on the EU agenda, is possible, efforts remain scarce. The latest findings reveal not enough is being done to tackle deforestation.
Only 64 companies have managed to eliminate deforestation from at least one supply chain, according to a new report released by the NGO and the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi). Those supply chains include palm oil and soy. This is from a total of 1,152 that reported on Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP’s) forests questionnaire.
Leah Samberg, lead scientist at AFi, tells us this report is vital because “it analyzes responses to up-to-date and best available metrics for assessment of deforestation- and conversion-free progress.” Moreover, CDP’s methodology is reviewed annually and kept current in collaboration with leading reporting and assessment organizations.
“The report is a good example of this. It is the first-time a standardized methodology has been available to make a meaningful assessment of progress toward deforestation and conversion free supply chains. DCF is now the key metric when it comes to assessing deforestation performance and so it is vital for businesses to report against it,” says a CPD spokesperson. Read more Food Ingredients First
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Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue Charts Pathways Towards Climate-smart Solutions
BRUSSELS, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD) 2024 Europe successfully convened stakeholders committed to advancing sustainability in the palm oil sector, including representatives from the European Commission and the Indonesian Government. Organised by APAG Oleochemicals Europe, the EU Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry (FEDIOL), IDH, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), this year's event focused on addressing the climate impacts caused by the palm oil sector and exploring effective solutions.
Held under the theme, "Inclusive Pathways for Climate-smart Solutions," the dialogue featured prominent speakers who discussed multifaceted approaches for voluntary and mandatory initiatives to combat climate change and enhance the sector's overall positive impact.
In her keynote address, Minou Schillings, Regenerative Business Facilitator and Community Weaver from The Green Sprint, emphasised the critical role of regenerative business practices in creating resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. "Inclusive pathways can only be realised through diversity: in agriculture, in perspectives, in leadership styles and narratives, in people, in landscapes, ecosystems and all living beings," Schillings stated.
A much-anticipated discussion on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) shed light on the decades of work by the private sector that has set a foundation for legislation to build upon. Read more PR Newswire
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Indonesia eyes EU market growth via Italian ports: Trade Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan and the Italian Ambassador to Indonesia, Benedetto Latteri, discussed opportunities for Indonesia to expand exports to Europe through the ports of Genoa and Trieste in Jakarta on Wednesday.
"We explored export opportunities to the European Union (EU) through the ports of Genoa and Trieste in Italy, which were offered by Ambassador Latteri," Hasan said in a statement issued by his ministry on Thursday.
He said that the advantage of routing Indonesian exports through the two ports is their position as entry points to Central and Eastern Europe.
Indonesia's trade with Europe remains a third of Vietnam's. It is hoped that utilizing export routes through the two ports would increase Indonesia's trade with the EU, particularly with Italy.
During Wednesday's meeting, Latteri said that the Italian government and private parties in Italy are offering technical solutions for Indonesian mainstay export products, such as crude palm oil and coffee, which have been affected by the EU's deforestation policy.
One of the innovations offered is a certification scheme to ensure compliance with the policy's requirements.
To discuss Italy's offer further, the ambassador invited representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade to visit Italy and meet the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the port authorities of Genoa and Trieste. Read more Antara News
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EU Statements at the Regular Dispute Settlement Body meeting, 24 May 2024
AGENDA POINT 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DSB
2.1. EUROPEAN UNION AND CERTAIN MEMBER STATES – CERTAIN MEASURES CONCERNING PALM OIL AND OIL PALM CROP-BASED BIOFUELS
At its last meeting, the DSB adopted the Panel report in this dispute. In line with its obligation under Article 21 paragraph 3 of the DSU, the EU wishes to inform the DSB today of its intentions in respect of implementation.
Under the DSU, the implementation obligation relates to the recommendations and rulings which the DSB made in adopting the Panel report. Based on Article 19.1 of the DSU, the Panel recommended that the European Union bring its measures into conformity with its obligations under the TBT Agreement and the GATT 1994 insofar as the Panel concluded that the concerned measures are inconsistent with those covered agreements.
The EU intends to implement the above recommendations by bringing the concerned measures into conformity with the WTO Agreement.
Given the implementation task at hand, it is impracticable for the EU to comply immediately. The EU needs a reasonable period of time to do so.
The EU is keen to discuss and agree with Malaysia the length of this period of time at the earliest available opportunity. EEAS Europa
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India-ICMR recommends using palm oil in its dietary guidelines: How do you use it safely?
While palm oil is often a source of debate, the new ICMR guidelines acknowledge that moderate consumption can actually contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have joined forces to release a vital update to India’s dietary guidelines for 2024.
One of the most unexpected highlights in these updated guidelines is the inclusion of palm oil. While palm oil is often a source of debate, the guidelines acknowledge that moderate consumption can contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels. Read more Indian Express
EUDR-Stakeholders and NGOs mount pressure on Commission on anti-deforestation rules implementation
Food and agriculture stakeholders are asking the European Commission to finalise the details of the EU’s deforestation regulation while a group of agriculture ministers seek a postponement, a move opposed by NGOs and ruled out by the Commission for now.
At the Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD), organised by industry associations and held in Brussels on Wednesday (22 May), stakeholders expressed concern about their ability to comply with the EU’s Deforestation and Forest Degradation Regulation (EUDR) on time.
“Despite the fact that the legislation will come into force on 30 December, we need to be ready a few months earlier,” said Caroline Westerik-Sikking, director of sustainability at the Swedish giant of vegetable oils AAK.
Under the EUDR – adopted last year – companies that place soy, beef, palm oil, timber, cocoa, coffee, or rubber on the EU market must be able to prove that the products do not come from recently deforested areas or have not contributed to forest degradation.
That obligation for operators and traders will apply after a transition period starting from 30 December 2024. The guidelines for operators were expected by spring. Read more Euractiv
---------
Deforestation-free failures: Report reveals industry inaction on responsible supply chains
23 May 2024 --- Based on disclosures made on the achievement of deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) supply chains, it appears that while deforestation, which has been high on the EU agenda, is possible, efforts remain scarce. The latest findings reveal not enough is being done to tackle deforestation.
Only 64 companies have managed to eliminate deforestation from at least one supply chain, according to a new report released by the NGO and the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi). Those supply chains include palm oil and soy. This is from a total of 1,152 that reported on Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP’s) forests questionnaire.
Leah Samberg, lead scientist at AFi, tells us this report is vital because “it analyzes responses to up-to-date and best available metrics for assessment of deforestation- and conversion-free progress.” Moreover, CDP’s methodology is reviewed annually and kept current in collaboration with leading reporting and assessment organizations.
“The report is a good example of this. It is the first-time a standardized methodology has been available to make a meaningful assessment of progress toward deforestation and conversion free supply chains. DCF is now the key metric when it comes to assessing deforestation performance and so it is vital for businesses to report against it,” says a CPD spokesperson. Read more Food Ingredients First
---------
Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue Charts Pathways Towards Climate-smart Solutions
BRUSSELS, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD) 2024 Europe successfully convened stakeholders committed to advancing sustainability in the palm oil sector, including representatives from the European Commission and the Indonesian Government. Organised by APAG Oleochemicals Europe, the EU Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry (FEDIOL), IDH, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), this year's event focused on addressing the climate impacts caused by the palm oil sector and exploring effective solutions.
Held under the theme, "Inclusive Pathways for Climate-smart Solutions," the dialogue featured prominent speakers who discussed multifaceted approaches for voluntary and mandatory initiatives to combat climate change and enhance the sector's overall positive impact.
In her keynote address, Minou Schillings, Regenerative Business Facilitator and Community Weaver from The Green Sprint, emphasised the critical role of regenerative business practices in creating resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. "Inclusive pathways can only be realised through diversity: in agriculture, in perspectives, in leadership styles and narratives, in people, in landscapes, ecosystems and all living beings," Schillings stated.
A much-anticipated discussion on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) shed light on the decades of work by the private sector that has set a foundation for legislation to build upon. Read more PR Newswire
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Indonesia eyes EU market growth via Italian ports: Trade Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan and the Italian Ambassador to Indonesia, Benedetto Latteri, discussed opportunities for Indonesia to expand exports to Europe through the ports of Genoa and Trieste in Jakarta on Wednesday.
"We explored export opportunities to the European Union (EU) through the ports of Genoa and Trieste in Italy, which were offered by Ambassador Latteri," Hasan said in a statement issued by his ministry on Thursday.
He said that the advantage of routing Indonesian exports through the two ports is their position as entry points to Central and Eastern Europe.
Indonesia's trade with Europe remains a third of Vietnam's. It is hoped that utilizing export routes through the two ports would increase Indonesia's trade with the EU, particularly with Italy.
During Wednesday's meeting, Latteri said that the Italian government and private parties in Italy are offering technical solutions for Indonesian mainstay export products, such as crude palm oil and coffee, which have been affected by the EU's deforestation policy.
One of the innovations offered is a certification scheme to ensure compliance with the policy's requirements.
To discuss Italy's offer further, the ambassador invited representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade to visit Italy and meet the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the port authorities of Genoa and Trieste. Read more Antara News
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EU Statements at the Regular Dispute Settlement Body meeting, 24 May 2024
AGENDA POINT 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DSB
2.1. EUROPEAN UNION AND CERTAIN MEMBER STATES – CERTAIN MEASURES CONCERNING PALM OIL AND OIL PALM CROP-BASED BIOFUELS
At its last meeting, the DSB adopted the Panel report in this dispute. In line with its obligation under Article 21 paragraph 3 of the DSU, the EU wishes to inform the DSB today of its intentions in respect of implementation.
Under the DSU, the implementation obligation relates to the recommendations and rulings which the DSB made in adopting the Panel report. Based on Article 19.1 of the DSU, the Panel recommended that the European Union bring its measures into conformity with its obligations under the TBT Agreement and the GATT 1994 insofar as the Panel concluded that the concerned measures are inconsistent with those covered agreements.
The EU intends to implement the above recommendations by bringing the concerned measures into conformity with the WTO Agreement.
Given the implementation task at hand, it is impracticable for the EU to comply immediately. The EU needs a reasonable period of time to do so.
The EU is keen to discuss and agree with Malaysia the length of this period of time at the earliest available opportunity. EEAS Europa
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India-ICMR recommends using palm oil in its dietary guidelines: How do you use it safely?
While palm oil is often a source of debate, the new ICMR guidelines acknowledge that moderate consumption can actually contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have joined forces to release a vital update to India’s dietary guidelines for 2024.
One of the most unexpected highlights in these updated guidelines is the inclusion of palm oil. While palm oil is often a source of debate, the guidelines acknowledge that moderate consumption can contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels. Read more Indian Express
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May 23, 2024
First meeting of the WHO Expert Group to develop a guideline on consumption of tropical oils
Scope and purpose
In response to a call from the 58th World Health Assembly (May 2005), the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Guidelines Review Committee (GRC) in 2007 with the purpose of developing and implementing procedures to ensure that WHO guidelines are developed in ways consistent with internationally recognized best practices, emphasizing the appropriate use of systematically reviewed available evidence. The robust guideline development process being implemented by WHO is described in detail in the WHO Handbook for guideline development (2014).
To implement the strengthening of evidence-informed nutrition guidance, and in addition to convening experts in Guideline Development Groups (GDGs) to address a particular topic, the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety coordinates the work to develop a series of guidelines on topics related to healthy diets.
Following the release of a series of the WHO guidelines, including those on saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake and total fat intake, WHO is now planning to develop a guideline on consumption of tropical oils such as palm oil and coconut oil. This is in response to the need for guidance particularly in the context of replacement of industrially produced trans fat.
A GDG has been formed to develop a guideline on the topic of tropical oil consumption. The GDG includes experts identified through open calls for experts as well as experts from various WHO Expert Advisory Panels, taking into consideration a balanced mix of genders, breadth in areas of expertise and representation from all WHO Regions.
The GDG will provide advice to WHO on the development of a guideline on consumption of tropical oils, including: Read more WHO
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Thailand-Biofuels to help ramp up BBGI's income
SET-listed BBGI, the biotechnology arm of energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation Plc, expects a significant increase in revenue driven by key businesses such as biofuels that have a promising business outlook following Bangchak's takeover of Esso (Thailand) Plc.
The gasohol and biodiesel business alone should increase revenue by 30% this year, said chief executive and president Kittiphong Limsuwannarot.
BBGI's push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and specific enzyme production should also raise its earnings over the next two years, he said.
After the asset acquisition last year, Bangchak changed the name of Esso (Thailand) to Bangchak Sriracha Plc (BSRC), as it operates an oil refinery business. Bangchak continues to run its own oil refinery separately.
BBGI, which produces 1.8 million litres of ethanol and methyl ester a day, supplies them to BSRC and Bangchak. Bangkok Post
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Korea-Dabeeo’s AI monitors Indonesian palm
ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – Kicking off its innovative initiative on Monday, Dabeeo, a top-tier geospatial intelligence AI technology firm, embarked on its latest endeavour: monitoring palm oil farms in Indonesia.
Covering an expansive area surpassing the South Korean capital of Seoul, this project comes to fruition through a partnership with Tunas Sawa Erma Group, a prominent player in Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
The collaboration spans a vast expanse totaling 765 square kilometres, promising significant insights into sustainable agriculture practices.
“While high-precision satellite imagery is commonly used for military and IT purposes, cases like this one, applied in agriculture, are quite rare. This case demonstrates the expanding utility of satellite imagery across various domains, with Dabeeo leading the way,” said Ju Hum Park, CEO of Dabeeo.
“At a time when there are no prominent players in the farm monitoring business, our strategic entry into the market through the recent contract with TSE Group enables us to accelerate business activation in order to expand our market share significantly in the future,” he added.
The latest deal marks an expansion for the Dabeeo’s ongoing palm oil farm monitoring projects, which begin in Malaysia last year. Indonesia and Malaysia reportedly produce up to 80 percent of the world’s palm supply, and the company hopes to use their recent deals in the two countries as a stepping stone for expanding its business even further. Read more Borneo Bulletin
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Concerns rise over challenges posed by EUDR to pulp, paper and printing industries
The European Union Regulation (EUDR) mandates that products must be deforestation-free, produced in compliance with relevant laws, and accompanied by a due diligence statement containing precise geographic coordinates
With less than eight months to go before the implementation period for the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) ends on December 30, concerns are mounting in the pulp, paper and printing industries over the potential threats that the legislation poses to European companies.
The regulation, which came into force on June 29, 2023, and which gave stakeholders 18 months to implement the new rules, aims at minimizing the EU’s part in deforestation and forest degradation worldwide, as well as reducing its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and global biodiversity loss. The scope of the regulation includes commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya and wood, as well as relevant products including pulp, paper and printed products.
According to the regulation, relevant commodities and products shall not be placed or made available on the European market or exported, unless they are deforestation-free, they have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production and are covered by a due diligence statement.
The due diligence obligation is actually one of the pivotal points of the EUDR: every company trading one of the listed products in or out of the EU must ensure traceability back to the specific plot of land where the fibers originated. The due diligence statement requires the collection of the exact geographic coordinates for each plot involved plus other information, documents and data which demonstrate that the relevant products are deforestation-free. The due diligence also includes risk assessment and risk mitigation measures.
While industry bodies and firms recognize the importance of the regulation in fighting deforestation and therefore protecting the environment, they are worried that an excess of bureaucracy and lack of essential and suitable tools for implementation could create issues for European companies that buy pulp, paper or printed products comprised of virgin-fiber material originating outside the EU, but also within. Read more Fast Markets
First meeting of the WHO Expert Group to develop a guideline on consumption of tropical oils
Scope and purpose
In response to a call from the 58th World Health Assembly (May 2005), the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Guidelines Review Committee (GRC) in 2007 with the purpose of developing and implementing procedures to ensure that WHO guidelines are developed in ways consistent with internationally recognized best practices, emphasizing the appropriate use of systematically reviewed available evidence. The robust guideline development process being implemented by WHO is described in detail in the WHO Handbook for guideline development (2014).
To implement the strengthening of evidence-informed nutrition guidance, and in addition to convening experts in Guideline Development Groups (GDGs) to address a particular topic, the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety coordinates the work to develop a series of guidelines on topics related to healthy diets.
Following the release of a series of the WHO guidelines, including those on saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake and total fat intake, WHO is now planning to develop a guideline on consumption of tropical oils such as palm oil and coconut oil. This is in response to the need for guidance particularly in the context of replacement of industrially produced trans fat.
A GDG has been formed to develop a guideline on the topic of tropical oil consumption. The GDG includes experts identified through open calls for experts as well as experts from various WHO Expert Advisory Panels, taking into consideration a balanced mix of genders, breadth in areas of expertise and representation from all WHO Regions.
The GDG will provide advice to WHO on the development of a guideline on consumption of tropical oils, including: Read more WHO
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Thailand-Biofuels to help ramp up BBGI's income
SET-listed BBGI, the biotechnology arm of energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation Plc, expects a significant increase in revenue driven by key businesses such as biofuels that have a promising business outlook following Bangchak's takeover of Esso (Thailand) Plc.
The gasohol and biodiesel business alone should increase revenue by 30% this year, said chief executive and president Kittiphong Limsuwannarot.
BBGI's push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and specific enzyme production should also raise its earnings over the next two years, he said.
After the asset acquisition last year, Bangchak changed the name of Esso (Thailand) to Bangchak Sriracha Plc (BSRC), as it operates an oil refinery business. Bangchak continues to run its own oil refinery separately.
BBGI, which produces 1.8 million litres of ethanol and methyl ester a day, supplies them to BSRC and Bangchak. Bangkok Post
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Korea-Dabeeo’s AI monitors Indonesian palm
ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – Kicking off its innovative initiative on Monday, Dabeeo, a top-tier geospatial intelligence AI technology firm, embarked on its latest endeavour: monitoring palm oil farms in Indonesia.
Covering an expansive area surpassing the South Korean capital of Seoul, this project comes to fruition through a partnership with Tunas Sawa Erma Group, a prominent player in Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
The collaboration spans a vast expanse totaling 765 square kilometres, promising significant insights into sustainable agriculture practices.
“While high-precision satellite imagery is commonly used for military and IT purposes, cases like this one, applied in agriculture, are quite rare. This case demonstrates the expanding utility of satellite imagery across various domains, with Dabeeo leading the way,” said Ju Hum Park, CEO of Dabeeo.
“At a time when there are no prominent players in the farm monitoring business, our strategic entry into the market through the recent contract with TSE Group enables us to accelerate business activation in order to expand our market share significantly in the future,” he added.
The latest deal marks an expansion for the Dabeeo’s ongoing palm oil farm monitoring projects, which begin in Malaysia last year. Indonesia and Malaysia reportedly produce up to 80 percent of the world’s palm supply, and the company hopes to use their recent deals in the two countries as a stepping stone for expanding its business even further. Read more Borneo Bulletin
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Concerns rise over challenges posed by EUDR to pulp, paper and printing industries
The European Union Regulation (EUDR) mandates that products must be deforestation-free, produced in compliance with relevant laws, and accompanied by a due diligence statement containing precise geographic coordinates
With less than eight months to go before the implementation period for the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) ends on December 30, concerns are mounting in the pulp, paper and printing industries over the potential threats that the legislation poses to European companies.
The regulation, which came into force on June 29, 2023, and which gave stakeholders 18 months to implement the new rules, aims at minimizing the EU’s part in deforestation and forest degradation worldwide, as well as reducing its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and global biodiversity loss. The scope of the regulation includes commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya and wood, as well as relevant products including pulp, paper and printed products.
According to the regulation, relevant commodities and products shall not be placed or made available on the European market or exported, unless they are deforestation-free, they have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production and are covered by a due diligence statement.
The due diligence obligation is actually one of the pivotal points of the EUDR: every company trading one of the listed products in or out of the EU must ensure traceability back to the specific plot of land where the fibers originated. The due diligence statement requires the collection of the exact geographic coordinates for each plot involved plus other information, documents and data which demonstrate that the relevant products are deforestation-free. The due diligence also includes risk assessment and risk mitigation measures.
While industry bodies and firms recognize the importance of the regulation in fighting deforestation and therefore protecting the environment, they are worried that an excess of bureaucracy and lack of essential and suitable tools for implementation could create issues for European companies that buy pulp, paper or printed products comprised of virgin-fiber material originating outside the EU, but also within. Read more Fast Markets
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May 22, 2024
Time Running Out For Packaging Firms To Be EUDR Compliant, Says GlobalData
Time is running out for packaging companies to ensure they are compliant with the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), with the deadline of 30 December now just a few months away, GlobalData has said.
The EUDR aims to accelerate global efforts to combat deforestation, in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal.
Most firms based in the EU, or those who supply goods to the EU, will be required to be EUDR compliant by 30 December 2024, with companies in areas such as agriculture, food and beverages, cosmetics and paper products particularly in the spotlight.
'Consequential and Wide Reaching'
“Arguably, the EUDR is one of the EU’s most consequential and wide reaching sustainability actions, as the impact will not just be limited to EU-based companies," commented Siddarth Sehgal, consultant and packaging analyst at GlobalData. "Non-EU-based firms exporting to the EU or with operations inside the EU will also need to comply with these regulations.
"For example, a cocoa farmer in Colombia will have to meet the EUDR requirements if selling to a company that uses their produce to make chocolate that is then sold in the EU. Therefore, any company, regardless of its location, that trades in the specified commodities and wants to do business in the EU will need to comply with the EUDR.” Read more ESM Magazine
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Cocoa drives Papua New Guinea’s cash-crop boom
Papua New Guinea is poised to record its best-ever annual cash-crop export revenue in 2024, largely on the back of surging global cocoa prices, note ANZ Research’s Kishti Sen, Soni Kumari and Tom Kenny.
Papua New Guinea’s three key cash crops consist of cocoa, coffee and palm oil. The expected 2024 return is quite extraordinary given the economy experienced an unprecedented boom in cash-crop export receipts in 2021 and 2022, due to a spike in both coffee and palm oil prices.
Current prices for both coffee and palm oil, while still decent, have retreated from recent peaks, in line with increasing global supply. However, any decline in revenue (from a lower price in US dollar terms) will be more than offset by expected bumper returns from cocoa exports from PNG. Read more Business Advantage PNG
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Supply chains have to be made more sustainable, ethical and reliable
Wai-Chan Chan is managing director of The Consumer Goods Forum, a global network of retailers and manufacturers focused on industry standards and driving positive change.
Southeast Asia is home to nearly 15% of the world’s tropical forests, but at least 1.2% of these woodlands are destroyed each year.
The rapid clearance of trees has resulted in an unprecedented increase in dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 400 million metric tons of carbon being released into the atmosphere every year from Southeast Asia.
These statistics are a stark reminder that there is much work to be done in this region to create a forest-positive future.
Sustainable economic development in and around forests can enhance the longevity of local companies and multinational brands that rely on supply chains in Southeast Asia. Read more Consumer Goods Forum
Time Running Out For Packaging Firms To Be EUDR Compliant, Says GlobalData
Time is running out for packaging companies to ensure they are compliant with the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), with the deadline of 30 December now just a few months away, GlobalData has said.
The EUDR aims to accelerate global efforts to combat deforestation, in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal.
Most firms based in the EU, or those who supply goods to the EU, will be required to be EUDR compliant by 30 December 2024, with companies in areas such as agriculture, food and beverages, cosmetics and paper products particularly in the spotlight.
'Consequential and Wide Reaching'
“Arguably, the EUDR is one of the EU’s most consequential and wide reaching sustainability actions, as the impact will not just be limited to EU-based companies," commented Siddarth Sehgal, consultant and packaging analyst at GlobalData. "Non-EU-based firms exporting to the EU or with operations inside the EU will also need to comply with these regulations.
"For example, a cocoa farmer in Colombia will have to meet the EUDR requirements if selling to a company that uses their produce to make chocolate that is then sold in the EU. Therefore, any company, regardless of its location, that trades in the specified commodities and wants to do business in the EU will need to comply with the EUDR.” Read more ESM Magazine
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Cocoa drives Papua New Guinea’s cash-crop boom
Papua New Guinea is poised to record its best-ever annual cash-crop export revenue in 2024, largely on the back of surging global cocoa prices, note ANZ Research’s Kishti Sen, Soni Kumari and Tom Kenny.
Papua New Guinea’s three key cash crops consist of cocoa, coffee and palm oil. The expected 2024 return is quite extraordinary given the economy experienced an unprecedented boom in cash-crop export receipts in 2021 and 2022, due to a spike in both coffee and palm oil prices.
Current prices for both coffee and palm oil, while still decent, have retreated from recent peaks, in line with increasing global supply. However, any decline in revenue (from a lower price in US dollar terms) will be more than offset by expected bumper returns from cocoa exports from PNG. Read more Business Advantage PNG
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Supply chains have to be made more sustainable, ethical and reliable
Wai-Chan Chan is managing director of The Consumer Goods Forum, a global network of retailers and manufacturers focused on industry standards and driving positive change.
Southeast Asia is home to nearly 15% of the world’s tropical forests, but at least 1.2% of these woodlands are destroyed each year.
The rapid clearance of trees has resulted in an unprecedented increase in dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 400 million metric tons of carbon being released into the atmosphere every year from Southeast Asia.
These statistics are a stark reminder that there is much work to be done in this region to create a forest-positive future.
Sustainable economic development in and around forests can enhance the longevity of local companies and multinational brands that rely on supply chains in Southeast Asia. Read more Consumer Goods Forum
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May 21, 2024
CDP: Just 64 firms eliminated deforestation from at least one supply chain in 2023
Majority of companies remain far from achieving deforestation and conversion-free supply chains, new data claims
Just 64 companies disclosing forest data on at least one high-risk commodity with the CDP corporate reporting platform recorded a deforestation and conversion-free supply chain in 2023, a new analysis has revealed.
Published today by the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) and CDP, the report - titled Time for Transparency: Deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains - found a record-breaking 1,152 global companies provided responses to CDP's forests questionnaire in 2023, which asks for information on a range of high risk commodities, such as timber, palm oil, soy, cattle products, cocoa, coffee, and rubber.
Of the 445 companies that disclosed information on the deforestation and conversion-free status of at least one commodity supply chain, 69 per cent had a deforestation or conversion-free commitment, more than four-in-five engaged their suppliers to tackle deforestation, and half participated in wider landscape scale and jurisdictional initiatives.
However, of these, only 186 companies provided clear and appropriate information to Read more Business Green
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EU and Indonesia take stock of progress made by the Joint Task Force to implement the EU Deforestation Regulation
In the margins of the World Water Forum hosted by Indonesia, Ibu Musdhalifah Machmud, co-chair of the EUDR Joint Task Force and Senior Advisor for Connectivity, Service Sector, and Natural Resources, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs for the Republic of Indonesia and Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General for the Environment, European Commission met in Bali on 21 May 2024.
Both sides expressed their appreciation of the fruitful cooperation to ensure transition to deforestation-free supply chains through the Joint Task Force. The EU and Indonesia reconfirmed their willingness to ensure uninterrupted trade flows and enhancing deforestation-free supply chains.
They exchanged on the state of preparation for the entry into application of the Regulation. On the IT system, the EU confirmed that it would provide for data privacy and interoperability.
The EU commended Indonesia’s efforts to enhance traceability and transparency of supply chains of sustainable commodities with the National Dashboard Initiative. Both sides will continue to work closely together on its implementation and further developments towards traceability via geolocation.
The EU welcomed the efforts from Indonesia to include smallholders in the value chain and both sides agreed to involve them further in the next steps. Read more EEAS Europa
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EUDR Pressures Already High Cocoa Prices
A new European Union law that seeks to protect the world’s rainforests that have been affected by land expansion because of cocoa, palm oil, coffee production, and cattle, has compelled farms to invest in technology to meet its requirements, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The EU is the largest chocolate market, importing over half of the world’s cocoa beans. The law will also apply to global brands including Mars and Nestlé, according to the report.
Beginning December 30, chocolate makers that sell or produce products in the EU will have to show that the cocoa they use wasn’t grown on land cut from forests since the end of 2020, according to the report. This requires the cocoa to be linked to the GPS coordinates of the farm where it was harvested.
“This regulation will have a cost,” said Michel Arrion, chief executive of the International Cocoa Organization, which represents 52 cocoa-importing and exporting countries. “There will be a lot of documentation and bureaucracy.” Arrion gave the warning during a recent global conference in Brussels wherein industry groups urged the EU to delay the new law’s implementation.
Cocoa prices have recently spiked as a result of supply chain constraints, difficult weather conditions, and a persistent disease affecting crops called black pod disease. Full Story (Subscription Required)
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CDP: Just 64 firms eliminated deforestation from at least one supply chain in 2023
Majority of companies remain far from achieving deforestation and conversion-free supply chains, new data claims
Just 64 companies disclosing forest data on at least one high-risk commodity with the CDP corporate reporting platform recorded a deforestation and conversion-free supply chain in 2023, a new analysis has revealed.
Published today by the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) and CDP, the report - titled Time for Transparency: Deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains - found a record-breaking 1,152 global companies provided responses to CDP's forests questionnaire in 2023, which asks for information on a range of high risk commodities, such as timber, palm oil, soy, cattle products, cocoa, coffee, and rubber.
Of the 445 companies that disclosed information on the deforestation and conversion-free status of at least one commodity supply chain, 69 per cent had a deforestation or conversion-free commitment, more than four-in-five engaged their suppliers to tackle deforestation, and half participated in wider landscape scale and jurisdictional initiatives.
However, of these, only 186 companies provided clear and appropriate information to Read more Business Green
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EU and Indonesia take stock of progress made by the Joint Task Force to implement the EU Deforestation Regulation
In the margins of the World Water Forum hosted by Indonesia, Ibu Musdhalifah Machmud, co-chair of the EUDR Joint Task Force and Senior Advisor for Connectivity, Service Sector, and Natural Resources, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs for the Republic of Indonesia and Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General for the Environment, European Commission met in Bali on 21 May 2024.
Both sides expressed their appreciation of the fruitful cooperation to ensure transition to deforestation-free supply chains through the Joint Task Force. The EU and Indonesia reconfirmed their willingness to ensure uninterrupted trade flows and enhancing deforestation-free supply chains.
They exchanged on the state of preparation for the entry into application of the Regulation. On the IT system, the EU confirmed that it would provide for data privacy and interoperability.
The EU commended Indonesia’s efforts to enhance traceability and transparency of supply chains of sustainable commodities with the National Dashboard Initiative. Both sides will continue to work closely together on its implementation and further developments towards traceability via geolocation.
The EU welcomed the efforts from Indonesia to include smallholders in the value chain and both sides agreed to involve them further in the next steps. Read more EEAS Europa
---------
EUDR Pressures Already High Cocoa Prices
A new European Union law that seeks to protect the world’s rainforests that have been affected by land expansion because of cocoa, palm oil, coffee production, and cattle, has compelled farms to invest in technology to meet its requirements, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The EU is the largest chocolate market, importing over half of the world’s cocoa beans. The law will also apply to global brands including Mars and Nestlé, according to the report.
Beginning December 30, chocolate makers that sell or produce products in the EU will have to show that the cocoa they use wasn’t grown on land cut from forests since the end of 2020, according to the report. This requires the cocoa to be linked to the GPS coordinates of the farm where it was harvested.
“This regulation will have a cost,” said Michel Arrion, chief executive of the International Cocoa Organization, which represents 52 cocoa-importing and exporting countries. “There will be a lot of documentation and bureaucracy.” Arrion gave the warning during a recent global conference in Brussels wherein industry groups urged the EU to delay the new law’s implementation.
Cocoa prices have recently spiked as a result of supply chain constraints, difficult weather conditions, and a persistent disease affecting crops called black pod disease. Full Story (Subscription Required)
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May 20, 2024
Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) Needs an Update
Malaysian expert on sustainable palm oil, Ir Hong Wai Onn, urges Malaysia to initiate a research group consisting of local and international scientists, researchers, engineers, policymakers and other stakeholders to produce its own updated and independent ILUC report for palm oil.
Over two months have passed since the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled on Malaysia’s objection against the European Union’s (EU) rejection of palm oil as a renewable energy source. Among a number of issues, indirect land use change (ILUC) stands out as a primary factor leading to the EU’s mandate that palm oil cannot count towards the its 2030 renewable energy target for biofuels and must be phased out by 2030.
ILUC, introduced in 2008, happens when growing biofuels on existing farmland keeps the demand for food and animal feed crops high. This can lead to farmers clearing new land elsewhere to meet that demand. Land use changes, such as the conversion of forests into agricultural areas, result in significant greenhouse gas emissions that negate the emission savings from using biofuels instead of fossil fuels.
Among all oil crops, palm oil is globally recognised as the most efficient. Despite this, the European Commission (EC) has designated it as a high-risk feedstock for ILUC biofuels, citing its purported link to substantial annual expansion of production areas globally and elevated ILUC emissions.
Although the ILUC concept is well-intentioned, concerns have been raised regarding the robustness and currency of its frameworks and modellings. Therefore, here are the reasons why it is crucial to immediately reassess the ILUC of palm oil, especially given its significant inclusion in the recent WTO ruling. Read more The Edge Malaysia
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India-Tripura's palm oil production push: One lakh saplings prepared in nursery in Sepahijala to be planted by August
Sepahijala ( Tripura) [India], May 18 (ANI): As the Tripura government in collaboration with private agencies is striving towards the production of oil palm at a commercial scale, around one lakh saplings of the crop prepared in a huge palm nursery will be planted in over 700 hectares of land across the state by August.
The palm nursery was located at Jumerdhepa in the Sepahijala district. A total of 54 workers have been working here in shifts. Separate teams have been engaged for spraying fertilisers, watering the saplings and weeding.
Speaking to ANI, a worker in charge of the nursery, Uttam Debnath said, "In the first phase, there were 15 people working here daily. Later, an additional 15 people were roped in for the task. It took almost one year for the seeds to get sprouted. After that, polythene bags were brought and the seed was planted on it. All the saplings were initially grown in the shaded area and later transferred to the natural atmosphere. Now these saplings are ready for being planted in the agricultural field."According to Debnath, the one lakh saplings prepared in the nursery would be planted in over 700 hectares of land across the state.
"We have a total of one lakh saplings here. All these saplings would be planted on over 700 hectares of land across the state. By August, the plantation would be completed. Once the first lot is sent out for plantation, the second lot of seeds would arrive," Debnath told ANI. Read more ANI News
Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) Needs an Update
Malaysian expert on sustainable palm oil, Ir Hong Wai Onn, urges Malaysia to initiate a research group consisting of local and international scientists, researchers, engineers, policymakers and other stakeholders to produce its own updated and independent ILUC report for palm oil.
Over two months have passed since the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled on Malaysia’s objection against the European Union’s (EU) rejection of palm oil as a renewable energy source. Among a number of issues, indirect land use change (ILUC) stands out as a primary factor leading to the EU’s mandate that palm oil cannot count towards the its 2030 renewable energy target for biofuels and must be phased out by 2030.
ILUC, introduced in 2008, happens when growing biofuels on existing farmland keeps the demand for food and animal feed crops high. This can lead to farmers clearing new land elsewhere to meet that demand. Land use changes, such as the conversion of forests into agricultural areas, result in significant greenhouse gas emissions that negate the emission savings from using biofuels instead of fossil fuels.
Among all oil crops, palm oil is globally recognised as the most efficient. Despite this, the European Commission (EC) has designated it as a high-risk feedstock for ILUC biofuels, citing its purported link to substantial annual expansion of production areas globally and elevated ILUC emissions.
Although the ILUC concept is well-intentioned, concerns have been raised regarding the robustness and currency of its frameworks and modellings. Therefore, here are the reasons why it is crucial to immediately reassess the ILUC of palm oil, especially given its significant inclusion in the recent WTO ruling. Read more The Edge Malaysia
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India-Tripura's palm oil production push: One lakh saplings prepared in nursery in Sepahijala to be planted by August
Sepahijala ( Tripura) [India], May 18 (ANI): As the Tripura government in collaboration with private agencies is striving towards the production of oil palm at a commercial scale, around one lakh saplings of the crop prepared in a huge palm nursery will be planted in over 700 hectares of land across the state by August.
The palm nursery was located at Jumerdhepa in the Sepahijala district. A total of 54 workers have been working here in shifts. Separate teams have been engaged for spraying fertilisers, watering the saplings and weeding.
Speaking to ANI, a worker in charge of the nursery, Uttam Debnath said, "In the first phase, there were 15 people working here daily. Later, an additional 15 people were roped in for the task. It took almost one year for the seeds to get sprouted. After that, polythene bags were brought and the seed was planted on it. All the saplings were initially grown in the shaded area and later transferred to the natural atmosphere. Now these saplings are ready for being planted in the agricultural field."According to Debnath, the one lakh saplings prepared in the nursery would be planted in over 700 hectares of land across the state.
"We have a total of one lakh saplings here. All these saplings would be planted on over 700 hectares of land across the state. By August, the plantation would be completed. Once the first lot is sent out for plantation, the second lot of seeds would arrive," Debnath told ANI. Read more ANI News
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May 19. 2024
UK ratifies CPTPP trade deal earlier than expected in ‘important’ moment for British businesses
The UK government has ratified the terms of the agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) “earlier than expected”, it has been announced today (17 May).
For the CPTPP to enter force by the end of 2024, six other countries need to ratify the treaty. Those who have already done so include Japan, Singapore and Chile. The process is ongoing for several other countries.
It follows royal assent for the agreement earlier this year.
Benefits
Among the benefits described by the government are a cut to “red tape” for UK exports, as well as “increased flexibility” via modernised rules of origin for British goods.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) also says that new provisions will “limit barriers” for investment.
The CPTPP area includes 500m people and would account for 15% of world trade once the UK joins, according to DBT. Read more Export UK
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UK ratifies CPTPP trade deal earlier than expected in ‘important’ moment for British businesses
The UK government has ratified the terms of the agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) “earlier than expected”, it has been announced today (17 May).
For the CPTPP to enter force by the end of 2024, six other countries need to ratify the treaty. Those who have already done so include Japan, Singapore and Chile. The process is ongoing for several other countries.
It follows royal assent for the agreement earlier this year.
Benefits
Among the benefits described by the government are a cut to “red tape” for UK exports, as well as “increased flexibility” via modernised rules of origin for British goods.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) also says that new provisions will “limit barriers” for investment.
The CPTPP area includes 500m people and would account for 15% of world trade once the UK joins, according to DBT. Read more Export UK
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May 18, 2024
EU-Malaysia Joint Press Statement on EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) and the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification Scheme
The EU and Malaysia will continue to work closely together on the implementation of the forthcoming EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR). EEAS.Europa
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EU-Malaysia Joint Press Statement on EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) and the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification Scheme
The EU and Malaysia will continue to work closely together on the implementation of the forthcoming EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR). EEAS.Europa
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May 17. 2024
'We're not protectionist', we're 'logical’: Indonesian President Prabowo Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum
Prabowo said criticism of Indonesia's downstreaming policies for coal, palm oil and nickel was misplaced and insisted that all nations maintained at least some trade restrictions.
President-elect Prabowo Subianto has defended outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's export restrictions on key raw materials to promote the development of downstream industry, saying that the country is simply protecting its own interests. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Prabowo said criticism of Indonesia's downstreaming policies for coal, palm oil and nickel was misplaced and insisted that all nations maintained at least some trade restrictions.
"We're not protectionist. What we're doing is very logical. Every country in the world will fight or protect the national interests of its people," Prabowo said at the discussion. Prabowo was responding to a question from the moderator, Haslinda Amin of Bloomberg, who said Indonesia had adopted “a protectionist policy” under Jokowi. Read more The Jakarta Post
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Cameroon triples palm oil exports in 2023 despite production shortfall
(Business in Cameroon) - Cameroon's National Institute of Statistics (INS) report on the country's foreign trade in 2023 reveals a significant surge in palm oil exports. The nation exported 1,687.5 tons of this product, generating CFA2.2 billion, more than three times the 657 tons in 2022.
The exports occurred despite inadequate domestic production, which failed to meet the escalating demand from processing industries. Official data indicates that Cameroon has been grappling with an annual structural deficit of palm oil, amounting to 160,000 tons.
To supply the country's growing number of processing units, in addition to the quota policy distributing the entire national production, Cameroon annually permits massive imports at reduced customs rates. For instance, in 2023, the government authorized imports of 200,000 tons, setting a new record. Read more Business in Cameroon
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Sustainable Palm Oil Sourcing: The RSPO’s Recommendations For Retailers
In recent years, sustainable sourcing has become a key agenda item in the overall ESG goals of retailers across Europe.
With more consumers prioritising environmentally friendly and ethically sourced products, retailers are increasingly adapting their sourcing policies to meet these expectations.
Having a well-defined sourcing policy demonstrates a retailer’s commitment to sustainability, while mitigating the risk of the reputational damage associated with unsustainable practices, particularly in the palm oil supply chain.
One of the most effective ways for retailers to ensure the sustainability of their palm oil supply chain is by partnering with organisations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
The RSPO offers retailers a comprehensive framework for sourcing palm oil responsibly. By referencing RSPO standards in their sourcing policies and making them a prerequisite for suppliers, retailers work to ensure that the palm oil used in their products is produced in a manner that respects the environment, supports local communities, and upholds human rights. Read more ESM Magazine
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UMeWorld Announces Strategic Expansion in the U.S. and Forecasts Significant Revenue Growth
HONG KONG, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UMeWorld Limited (OTCPK: UMEWF) is pleased to announce a strategic plan for expansion in the United States. Having secured proprietary enzymatic technologies for health-centric products and biofuel production, this plan seeks phased development of a large-scale production facility in Miami to expand the production capacity and market presence of the company in key target markets.
Strategic Expansion Through Phased Development
Phased development shall occur across three primary phases:
Phase 1: Bottling Operations Read more Globe Newswire
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'We're not protectionist', we're 'logical’: Indonesian President Prabowo Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum
Prabowo said criticism of Indonesia's downstreaming policies for coal, palm oil and nickel was misplaced and insisted that all nations maintained at least some trade restrictions.
President-elect Prabowo Subianto has defended outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's export restrictions on key raw materials to promote the development of downstream industry, saying that the country is simply protecting its own interests. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Prabowo said criticism of Indonesia's downstreaming policies for coal, palm oil and nickel was misplaced and insisted that all nations maintained at least some trade restrictions.
"We're not protectionist. What we're doing is very logical. Every country in the world will fight or protect the national interests of its people," Prabowo said at the discussion. Prabowo was responding to a question from the moderator, Haslinda Amin of Bloomberg, who said Indonesia had adopted “a protectionist policy” under Jokowi. Read more The Jakarta Post
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Cameroon triples palm oil exports in 2023 despite production shortfall
(Business in Cameroon) - Cameroon's National Institute of Statistics (INS) report on the country's foreign trade in 2023 reveals a significant surge in palm oil exports. The nation exported 1,687.5 tons of this product, generating CFA2.2 billion, more than three times the 657 tons in 2022.
The exports occurred despite inadequate domestic production, which failed to meet the escalating demand from processing industries. Official data indicates that Cameroon has been grappling with an annual structural deficit of palm oil, amounting to 160,000 tons.
To supply the country's growing number of processing units, in addition to the quota policy distributing the entire national production, Cameroon annually permits massive imports at reduced customs rates. For instance, in 2023, the government authorized imports of 200,000 tons, setting a new record. Read more Business in Cameroon
---------
Sustainable Palm Oil Sourcing: The RSPO’s Recommendations For Retailers
In recent years, sustainable sourcing has become a key agenda item in the overall ESG goals of retailers across Europe.
With more consumers prioritising environmentally friendly and ethically sourced products, retailers are increasingly adapting their sourcing policies to meet these expectations.
Having a well-defined sourcing policy demonstrates a retailer’s commitment to sustainability, while mitigating the risk of the reputational damage associated with unsustainable practices, particularly in the palm oil supply chain.
One of the most effective ways for retailers to ensure the sustainability of their palm oil supply chain is by partnering with organisations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
The RSPO offers retailers a comprehensive framework for sourcing palm oil responsibly. By referencing RSPO standards in their sourcing policies and making them a prerequisite for suppliers, retailers work to ensure that the palm oil used in their products is produced in a manner that respects the environment, supports local communities, and upholds human rights. Read more ESM Magazine
---------
UMeWorld Announces Strategic Expansion in the U.S. and Forecasts Significant Revenue Growth
HONG KONG, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UMeWorld Limited (OTCPK: UMEWF) is pleased to announce a strategic plan for expansion in the United States. Having secured proprietary enzymatic technologies for health-centric products and biofuel production, this plan seeks phased development of a large-scale production facility in Miami to expand the production capacity and market presence of the company in key target markets.
Strategic Expansion Through Phased Development
Phased development shall occur across three primary phases:
Phase 1: Bottling Operations Read more Globe Newswire
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May 16, 2024
Indonesia’s Next Leader Targets World-Beating 8% Plus Growth
(Bloomberg) -- Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto is setting his sights on becoming the world’s fastest-growing economy early in his term, with more aggressive spending to achieve food and energy self-sufficiency.
“I am very confident of achieving 8%” gross domestic product growth in the next two to three years and “determined to go beyond” that, Prabowo, who’s set to start his five-year term in October, told Bloomberg Television’s Haslinda Amin at the Qatar Economic Forum on Wednesday.
Prabowo’s goal, which is more ambitious than the 7% that has eluded incumbent President Joko Widodo after a decade in power, will make Indonesia the world’s fastest-growing major economy — a title currently held by India. Southeast Asia’s largest economy has only expanded by an average of 5% over the last 20 years despite major legal reforms to boost investment and a boom in minerals downstreaming.
Indonesia can be “more daring” with government spending so it can pursue priority programs, Prabowo said. He also called a legal limit capping the budget deficit at 3% of GDP as “arbitrary.”
“Not many countries hold to that, but we have a tradition of prudent fiscal management,” he said. “We have one of the lowest debt-to-GDP figure in the world, so now I think it is time to be more daring within a good governance.” Bloomberg
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Palm oil scores high on ICMR-NIN’s 2024 Dietary Guidelines
Updated guidelines for Indians emphasise palm – oil’s benefits
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), have released the “Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024” highlighting the nutritional value of palm oil due to its balanced fatty acid composition and rich nutrient profile.
The guidelines emphasise dietary fat as a vital component of nutrition, providing concentrated energy, facilitating nutrient absorption, and enhancing dietary satisfaction. Palm oil, alongside edible oils such as groundnut, cottonseed, sesame and olive, is “rich in monounsaturated fatty acids”, offering a spectrum of health benefits, according to the NIN.
“Dietary fats also contain minor components such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, sterols, etc. Tocotrienols in palm oil, for instance, reduce blood cholesterol,” the guidelines noted. The natural flavour of fats/oils is largely due to these minor components. Since most of the minor components are antioxidants, they prevent fats from going rancid.
While oils from sources such as palm, groundnut, cottonseed, sesame and olive are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids as compared to other oils, “linoleic (n-6) and -linolenic (n-3) acids are the simple PUFA, present only in plant foods. All vegetable oils (except coconut) are good sources of linoleic(n-6) acid”, the report stated. Incorporating a variety of oils and foods rich in essential fatty acids ensures a well-rounded nutritional profile, it added.
“Fats play a crucial role in our diet, but it’s essential to strike a balance to optimise health outcomes,” it said. “By making mindful choices and incorporating a diverse array of food sources, individuals can bolster their well-being and mitigate the risk of chronic diseases.”
When it comes to cholesterol, palm oil does not contain cholesterol, like all other edible oils. As pointed out in the report, “Cholesterol is present only in foods of animal origin such as milk, meat, shrimp and prawn, but not in plant foods. Vegetable oils do not contain cholesterol.” It added, “The plant oils in addition contain certain useful substances such as lignans, sterols, tocopherols (vitamin E) oryzanol, carotenoids – all of which reduce cholesterol and reduce oxidant damage due to ageing, inflammation which occur in chronic diseases.”
Understanding the chemistry of fats, particularly in palm oil, whose unique benefits have been so far overlooked, provides valuable insights into making informed dietary choices for optimal health. By incorporating a diverse range of sources and maintaining a balanced intake, individuals can harness the nutritional benefits of fats while mitigating potential health risks. “Use fats and oils in moderation and consume varieties of foods to get good proportion of all fatty acids for optimal health benefits,” the report mentioned. Read more Express Health Care
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Analysis: Benefits of UK ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ will be wiped out by rising demand
UK government targets for “sustainable aviation fuels” (SAFs) will only cut emissions from the sector to 0.8% below current levels in 2040, Carbon Brief analysis shows.
From 2025, flights taking off from the UK must use a fixed share of SAFs, which are largely made from waste products. This share will gradually rise from 2% next year to 22% in 2040.
The government says its “SAF mandate” will cut aviation emissions by 6.3m tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2040.
However, Carbon Brief analysis of government forecasts shows this being almost entirely wiped out by rising demand for air travel, meaning emissions would only fall by 0.8% overall.
The SAF mandate is the most substantial policy to date under the UK government’s “jet-zero” strategy for decarbonising air travel, which eschewed efforts to limit demand. The mandate relies heavily on fuels made from used cooking oil and other waste products, which are in limited supply. Read more Carbon Brief
Indonesia’s Next Leader Targets World-Beating 8% Plus Growth
- Government can be ‘more daring’ with spending to boost economy
- Indonesia growing 8% would be fastest among major economies
(Bloomberg) -- Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto is setting his sights on becoming the world’s fastest-growing economy early in his term, with more aggressive spending to achieve food and energy self-sufficiency.
“I am very confident of achieving 8%” gross domestic product growth in the next two to three years and “determined to go beyond” that, Prabowo, who’s set to start his five-year term in October, told Bloomberg Television’s Haslinda Amin at the Qatar Economic Forum on Wednesday.
Prabowo’s goal, which is more ambitious than the 7% that has eluded incumbent President Joko Widodo after a decade in power, will make Indonesia the world’s fastest-growing major economy — a title currently held by India. Southeast Asia’s largest economy has only expanded by an average of 5% over the last 20 years despite major legal reforms to boost investment and a boom in minerals downstreaming.
Indonesia can be “more daring” with government spending so it can pursue priority programs, Prabowo said. He also called a legal limit capping the budget deficit at 3% of GDP as “arbitrary.”
“Not many countries hold to that, but we have a tradition of prudent fiscal management,” he said. “We have one of the lowest debt-to-GDP figure in the world, so now I think it is time to be more daring within a good governance.” Bloomberg
---------
Palm oil scores high on ICMR-NIN’s 2024 Dietary Guidelines
Updated guidelines for Indians emphasise palm – oil’s benefits
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), have released the “Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024” highlighting the nutritional value of palm oil due to its balanced fatty acid composition and rich nutrient profile.
The guidelines emphasise dietary fat as a vital component of nutrition, providing concentrated energy, facilitating nutrient absorption, and enhancing dietary satisfaction. Palm oil, alongside edible oils such as groundnut, cottonseed, sesame and olive, is “rich in monounsaturated fatty acids”, offering a spectrum of health benefits, according to the NIN.
“Dietary fats also contain minor components such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, sterols, etc. Tocotrienols in palm oil, for instance, reduce blood cholesterol,” the guidelines noted. The natural flavour of fats/oils is largely due to these minor components. Since most of the minor components are antioxidants, they prevent fats from going rancid.
While oils from sources such as palm, groundnut, cottonseed, sesame and olive are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids as compared to other oils, “linoleic (n-6) and -linolenic (n-3) acids are the simple PUFA, present only in plant foods. All vegetable oils (except coconut) are good sources of linoleic(n-6) acid”, the report stated. Incorporating a variety of oils and foods rich in essential fatty acids ensures a well-rounded nutritional profile, it added.
“Fats play a crucial role in our diet, but it’s essential to strike a balance to optimise health outcomes,” it said. “By making mindful choices and incorporating a diverse array of food sources, individuals can bolster their well-being and mitigate the risk of chronic diseases.”
When it comes to cholesterol, palm oil does not contain cholesterol, like all other edible oils. As pointed out in the report, “Cholesterol is present only in foods of animal origin such as milk, meat, shrimp and prawn, but not in plant foods. Vegetable oils do not contain cholesterol.” It added, “The plant oils in addition contain certain useful substances such as lignans, sterols, tocopherols (vitamin E) oryzanol, carotenoids – all of which reduce cholesterol and reduce oxidant damage due to ageing, inflammation which occur in chronic diseases.”
Understanding the chemistry of fats, particularly in palm oil, whose unique benefits have been so far overlooked, provides valuable insights into making informed dietary choices for optimal health. By incorporating a diverse range of sources and maintaining a balanced intake, individuals can harness the nutritional benefits of fats while mitigating potential health risks. “Use fats and oils in moderation and consume varieties of foods to get good proportion of all fatty acids for optimal health benefits,” the report mentioned. Read more Express Health Care
---------
Analysis: Benefits of UK ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ will be wiped out by rising demand
UK government targets for “sustainable aviation fuels” (SAFs) will only cut emissions from the sector to 0.8% below current levels in 2040, Carbon Brief analysis shows.
From 2025, flights taking off from the UK must use a fixed share of SAFs, which are largely made from waste products. This share will gradually rise from 2% next year to 22% in 2040.
The government says its “SAF mandate” will cut aviation emissions by 6.3m tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2040.
However, Carbon Brief analysis of government forecasts shows this being almost entirely wiped out by rising demand for air travel, meaning emissions would only fall by 0.8% overall.
The SAF mandate is the most substantial policy to date under the UK government’s “jet-zero” strategy for decarbonising air travel, which eschewed efforts to limit demand. The mandate relies heavily on fuels made from used cooking oil and other waste products, which are in limited supply. Read more Carbon Brief
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May 15, 2024
Palm Oil Industry Transforms Pasangkayu into West Sulawesi’s Economic Powerhouse
Pasangkayu Regency in West Sulawesi has experienced rapid economic development in recent years, largely due to its thriving palm oil industry.
A palm tree monument in front of the regent’s office symbolizes the crucial role palm oil plantations have played in enhancing the welfare and economic development of Pasangkayu's more than 200,000 residents.
Once a relatively obscure district in Mamuju Regency before its separation in 2004, Pasangkayu has transformed into a vibrant region. The bustling main roads are now lined with hotels, restaurants, minimarkets, banks, cafes, barbershops, car washes, and laundry services.
"It used to be very difficult to find a telecommunication shop here, but now we can sit anywhere and pick up the phone. The [telecommunication] infrastructure and network have been built here," Regent Yaumil Ambo Djiwa said in a statement. Read more Jakarta Globe
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Unlocking economic power of female artisanal palm oil processors
By Ruth ADU-DAAKO
When it comes to developing Ghana’s palm oil industry, the government has focused primarily on promoting large industrial mills and expanding cultivation by smallholder farmers. While increasing productivity and yields is important, this narrow approach overlooks a vital segment of the sector – the thousands of Ghanaian women working in informal, small-scale artisanal palm oil processing.
From 2017-2019, I conducted a research study into economic impacts of women engagement in the artisanal palm oil industry in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana surveying a diverse group of mill operators, farmers, and co-operative groups. Main results from this study are still relevant today and consistently highlights the crucial role these female processors play in rural economies and poverty alleviation. Read more The BFT Online
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India-Can consuming oil actually make you fat? Myths busted about oil consumption
There is much excitement in nutrition circles with the release of the latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024 by the ICMR-NIN Expert Committee on May 8, 2024. While there is much to discuss about these guidelines, let’s focus on fats and oils. Guideline 7 of the document states, “Use oils/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seeds, nuts, nut cereals, and legumes to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids (EFA).” Evidently, a healthy diet does not need to be fat-free.
Even diets aimed at weight loss do not recommend completely eliminating fats. Fats and oils provide fullness, satisfaction, and delay hunger. Despite this, for various reasons, this food group has acquired a bad reputation.
It is important to understand that our fat requirements should be met from the foods we eat, including the fats/oils used for cooking. Almost all the foods we consume, whether cereals, millets, pulses, beans, or vegetables, contain some fat. Nuts, oilseeds, meats, and dairy products are particularly known for their inherent fat content. These fats, though not visible, are crucial for meeting our nutritional needs, especially for essential fatty acids. The oils/fats used for cooking should be consumed in moderation to complement our daily nutrient Read more Times of India
Palm Oil Industry Transforms Pasangkayu into West Sulawesi’s Economic Powerhouse
Pasangkayu Regency in West Sulawesi has experienced rapid economic development in recent years, largely due to its thriving palm oil industry.
A palm tree monument in front of the regent’s office symbolizes the crucial role palm oil plantations have played in enhancing the welfare and economic development of Pasangkayu's more than 200,000 residents.
Once a relatively obscure district in Mamuju Regency before its separation in 2004, Pasangkayu has transformed into a vibrant region. The bustling main roads are now lined with hotels, restaurants, minimarkets, banks, cafes, barbershops, car washes, and laundry services.
"It used to be very difficult to find a telecommunication shop here, but now we can sit anywhere and pick up the phone. The [telecommunication] infrastructure and network have been built here," Regent Yaumil Ambo Djiwa said in a statement. Read more Jakarta Globe
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Unlocking economic power of female artisanal palm oil processors
By Ruth ADU-DAAKO
When it comes to developing Ghana’s palm oil industry, the government has focused primarily on promoting large industrial mills and expanding cultivation by smallholder farmers. While increasing productivity and yields is important, this narrow approach overlooks a vital segment of the sector – the thousands of Ghanaian women working in informal, small-scale artisanal palm oil processing.
From 2017-2019, I conducted a research study into economic impacts of women engagement in the artisanal palm oil industry in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana surveying a diverse group of mill operators, farmers, and co-operative groups. Main results from this study are still relevant today and consistently highlights the crucial role these female processors play in rural economies and poverty alleviation. Read more The BFT Online
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India-Can consuming oil actually make you fat? Myths busted about oil consumption
There is much excitement in nutrition circles with the release of the latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024 by the ICMR-NIN Expert Committee on May 8, 2024. While there is much to discuss about these guidelines, let’s focus on fats and oils. Guideline 7 of the document states, “Use oils/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seeds, nuts, nut cereals, and legumes to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids (EFA).” Evidently, a healthy diet does not need to be fat-free.
Even diets aimed at weight loss do not recommend completely eliminating fats. Fats and oils provide fullness, satisfaction, and delay hunger. Despite this, for various reasons, this food group has acquired a bad reputation.
It is important to understand that our fat requirements should be met from the foods we eat, including the fats/oils used for cooking. Almost all the foods we consume, whether cereals, millets, pulses, beans, or vegetables, contain some fat. Nuts, oilseeds, meats, and dairy products are particularly known for their inherent fat content. These fats, though not visible, are crucial for meeting our nutritional needs, especially for essential fatty acids. The oils/fats used for cooking should be consumed in moderation to complement our daily nutrient Read more Times of India
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May 14, 2024
Indonesia-Absolution of Sins for the Forest Demolishers
By: Riani Sanusi Putri and Agung Sedayu
Hundreds of companies, some of which are certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), have planted more than 3 million hectares of illegal oil palm in forest areas. Instead of subjecting them to criminal sanctions, the government actually offered to legalize their oil palm land. Tempo, together with Riauterkini.com, IniBorneo.com, and BanjarHits.co, which are partners of Teras.id, supported by the Pulitzer Center Rainforest Journalism Fund, revealed the pardoning of illegal oil palm plantation in Kalimantan and Riau.
Midway through December 2023, trucks laden with new bunches of oil palm fruit were observed traveling back and forth at the PT Suryamas Cipta Perkasa (PT SCP) plantation located in Paduran Sebangau Village, Sebangau Kuala District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. There are rows of palm trees with yellow leaves and sloping trunks on either side of the road, indicating that the trees were grown on peat land and lacked nutrients.
PT SCP, a subsidiary of the massive palm oil company PT Best Agro International, has converted more than 22,000 hectares of forest in the peat hydrology area into an oil palm plantation. Records from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) show that the protected peat ecosystem function area comprises of 15,596 hectares, or an additional 67% of the total area. The cultivated peat ecosystem function area comprises 7,951 hectares, or 32% of the total area. Read more Tempo
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MSPO certification achieves 87.4% coverage of Malaysian palm oil plantations
SOME 4.94 million ha, or 87.4%, of the palm oil plantations in Malaysia, and 407 of the 446 palm oil mills have been certified under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard as of April this year.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said 151,152 smallholders, covering 542,215 ha (66%), have also obtained certification during the same period.
This represents the collective efforts of the government and industry players over the past decade to enhance the sustainability standards of the industry, according to his speech which was read by his Deputy secretary general (strategic planning and management) Abdul Hadi Omar at the MSPO 10th anniversary celebration and Aidilfitri celebration today.
In addition, the certification has received various recognitions and has signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with stakeholders in key purchasing countries like Japan, China, India, Mongolia and the Philippines.
“A significant MOU was also signed with the Halal Development Centre to promote Malaysian palm oil in the global halal market,” he shared.
Moreover, he said during bilateral discussions with the European Union (EU) on the EU Deforestation-free Regulation and MSPO, positive feedback was received regarding Malaysia’s efforts to reduce deforestation rates.
“The EU has significantly acknowledged Malaysia’s dedication to sustainable commodity production,” he added.
The ministry also announced the rebranding of the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) to MSPO to strengthen the certification scheme’s global standing as a top-quality sustainable palm oil certification scheme. Read more The Malaysian Reserve
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Opinion | EU’s forced labour ban is global benchmark
The bloc’s new import rules go even further than the US’s tightly-enforced UFLPA
Justin Dillon
The writer is founder and CEO of supply chain risk management company FRDM.
Back in 2012, I was working in partnership with the White House and US State Department to drive consumer awareness of slavery in supply chains. We launched an app called Slavery Footprint which tells people how many slaves are required to support their lifestyle. The app went viral, reaching hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide. The White House responded to consumer outcry by closing a loophole in the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 which prohibited imports made by slaves or children but still allowed those goods to be imported if they couldn't be sufficiently provided domestically.
This set a legal precedent that has helped the passage of several supply chain due diligence laws. In 2022, US Congress used the closing of this loophole to pass the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which is aimed at addressing labour exploitation of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China. UFLPA imposes a high standard: it prohibits outright the importation of goods produced or manufactured in Xinjiang, unless the importer can demonstrate they were not produced using forced labour. US Customs and Border Protection is taking a strict approach to enforcement and is actively mapping importers’ supply chains for any connection — direct or indirect — to Xinjiang.
In less than two years, it has detained goods valued at more than $3bn — ranging from work gloves to solar panels— with importers being required to prove that no forced labor was used anywhere in the supply chain. The government’s latest data update in April shows that $667m worth of those goods had been denied entry and another $677m was still being reviewed.
Different tactics Read more FDI Intelligence
Indonesia-Absolution of Sins for the Forest Demolishers
By: Riani Sanusi Putri and Agung Sedayu
Hundreds of companies, some of which are certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), have planted more than 3 million hectares of illegal oil palm in forest areas. Instead of subjecting them to criminal sanctions, the government actually offered to legalize their oil palm land. Tempo, together with Riauterkini.com, IniBorneo.com, and BanjarHits.co, which are partners of Teras.id, supported by the Pulitzer Center Rainforest Journalism Fund, revealed the pardoning of illegal oil palm plantation in Kalimantan and Riau.
Midway through December 2023, trucks laden with new bunches of oil palm fruit were observed traveling back and forth at the PT Suryamas Cipta Perkasa (PT SCP) plantation located in Paduran Sebangau Village, Sebangau Kuala District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. There are rows of palm trees with yellow leaves and sloping trunks on either side of the road, indicating that the trees were grown on peat land and lacked nutrients.
PT SCP, a subsidiary of the massive palm oil company PT Best Agro International, has converted more than 22,000 hectares of forest in the peat hydrology area into an oil palm plantation. Records from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) show that the protected peat ecosystem function area comprises of 15,596 hectares, or an additional 67% of the total area. The cultivated peat ecosystem function area comprises 7,951 hectares, or 32% of the total area. Read more Tempo
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MSPO certification achieves 87.4% coverage of Malaysian palm oil plantations
SOME 4.94 million ha, or 87.4%, of the palm oil plantations in Malaysia, and 407 of the 446 palm oil mills have been certified under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard as of April this year.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said 151,152 smallholders, covering 542,215 ha (66%), have also obtained certification during the same period.
This represents the collective efforts of the government and industry players over the past decade to enhance the sustainability standards of the industry, according to his speech which was read by his Deputy secretary general (strategic planning and management) Abdul Hadi Omar at the MSPO 10th anniversary celebration and Aidilfitri celebration today.
In addition, the certification has received various recognitions and has signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with stakeholders in key purchasing countries like Japan, China, India, Mongolia and the Philippines.
“A significant MOU was also signed with the Halal Development Centre to promote Malaysian palm oil in the global halal market,” he shared.
Moreover, he said during bilateral discussions with the European Union (EU) on the EU Deforestation-free Regulation and MSPO, positive feedback was received regarding Malaysia’s efforts to reduce deforestation rates.
“The EU has significantly acknowledged Malaysia’s dedication to sustainable commodity production,” he added.
The ministry also announced the rebranding of the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) to MSPO to strengthen the certification scheme’s global standing as a top-quality sustainable palm oil certification scheme. Read more The Malaysian Reserve
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Opinion | EU’s forced labour ban is global benchmark
The bloc’s new import rules go even further than the US’s tightly-enforced UFLPA
Justin Dillon
The writer is founder and CEO of supply chain risk management company FRDM.
Back in 2012, I was working in partnership with the White House and US State Department to drive consumer awareness of slavery in supply chains. We launched an app called Slavery Footprint which tells people how many slaves are required to support their lifestyle. The app went viral, reaching hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide. The White House responded to consumer outcry by closing a loophole in the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 which prohibited imports made by slaves or children but still allowed those goods to be imported if they couldn't be sufficiently provided domestically.
This set a legal precedent that has helped the passage of several supply chain due diligence laws. In 2022, US Congress used the closing of this loophole to pass the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which is aimed at addressing labour exploitation of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China. UFLPA imposes a high standard: it prohibits outright the importation of goods produced or manufactured in Xinjiang, unless the importer can demonstrate they were not produced using forced labour. US Customs and Border Protection is taking a strict approach to enforcement and is actively mapping importers’ supply chains for any connection — direct or indirect — to Xinjiang.
In less than two years, it has detained goods valued at more than $3bn — ranging from work gloves to solar panels— with importers being required to prove that no forced labor was used anywhere in the supply chain. The government’s latest data update in April shows that $667m worth of those goods had been denied entry and another $677m was still being reviewed.
Different tactics Read more FDI Intelligence
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May 13, 2024
MSPO MUST BE DYNAMIC, KEEP UP WITH GLOBAL PRIORITIES TO ADD VALUE TO PALM OIL SECTOR
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) -- the new name for the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) -- has been urged to focus on three matters to ensure that the council will be able to continue to provide added value to the nation’s palm oil industry.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said MSPO, among others, should be dynamic and keep abreast of the rapidly evolving global priorities.
“The ministry will ensure the MSPO certification scheme is being continuously improved so that it remains relevant in meeting international sustainability standards, especially concerning elements such as traceability, deforestation-free, legitimate land ownership and good labour practices,” he said in his speech for the MSPO 10th anniversary celebration here today.
Johari’s speech was read by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (strategic planning and management) Datuk Abdul Hadi Omar.
At the event, MSPO also signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with four higher education institutions, namely IIUM Higher Education Sdn Bhd, Persatuan Regenerasi dan Kelestarian Alam, Felcra College and City University.
Ten MSPO Youth Ambassadors from each institution have been selected to promote and raise awareness among other students about the MSPO certification.
Johari also noted that the agency will launch the MSPO Strategy Action Plan 2024-2026, which is based on three main strategies: building a robust and reliable sustainability certification scheme; ensuring compliance of industry players and adding value to MSPO certification; and expanding the recognition and acceptance of MSPO. Read more Bernama
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Malaysia aims to lure overseas venture capital to spur startups
Economy minister says such funding is key to sector's development
KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia is pushing to draw more venture capital investment from overseas as it accelerates its technology startup sector, the country's economy minister said in an interview.
Rafizi Ramli told Nikkei Asia on the sidelines of a startup event in Kuala Lumpur last month that the government is focused on spurring the development of nascent tech companies in the Southeast Asian nation.
"It is very important to bring in mid-tier, sophisticated VC and [private equity] firms from around the world [to back tech startups]," Rafizi said.
Malaysia has long been a key regional manufacturing hub, with global names such as Intel and Airbus operating factories there. But its funding ecosystem for young tech companies has lagged way behind some of its neighbors. Read more Nikkei Asia
MSPO MUST BE DYNAMIC, KEEP UP WITH GLOBAL PRIORITIES TO ADD VALUE TO PALM OIL SECTOR
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) -- the new name for the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) -- has been urged to focus on three matters to ensure that the council will be able to continue to provide added value to the nation’s palm oil industry.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said MSPO, among others, should be dynamic and keep abreast of the rapidly evolving global priorities.
“The ministry will ensure the MSPO certification scheme is being continuously improved so that it remains relevant in meeting international sustainability standards, especially concerning elements such as traceability, deforestation-free, legitimate land ownership and good labour practices,” he said in his speech for the MSPO 10th anniversary celebration here today.
Johari’s speech was read by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (strategic planning and management) Datuk Abdul Hadi Omar.
At the event, MSPO also signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with four higher education institutions, namely IIUM Higher Education Sdn Bhd, Persatuan Regenerasi dan Kelestarian Alam, Felcra College and City University.
Ten MSPO Youth Ambassadors from each institution have been selected to promote and raise awareness among other students about the MSPO certification.
Johari also noted that the agency will launch the MSPO Strategy Action Plan 2024-2026, which is based on three main strategies: building a robust and reliable sustainability certification scheme; ensuring compliance of industry players and adding value to MSPO certification; and expanding the recognition and acceptance of MSPO. Read more Bernama
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Malaysia aims to lure overseas venture capital to spur startups
Economy minister says such funding is key to sector's development
KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia is pushing to draw more venture capital investment from overseas as it accelerates its technology startup sector, the country's economy minister said in an interview.
Rafizi Ramli told Nikkei Asia on the sidelines of a startup event in Kuala Lumpur last month that the government is focused on spurring the development of nascent tech companies in the Southeast Asian nation.
"It is very important to bring in mid-tier, sophisticated VC and [private equity] firms from around the world [to back tech startups]," Rafizi said.
Malaysia has long been a key regional manufacturing hub, with global names such as Intel and Airbus operating factories there. But its funding ecosystem for young tech companies has lagged way behind some of its neighbors. Read more Nikkei Asia
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May 12, 2024
Malaysia keen to help Sri Lanka – Malaysian High Commissioner
Sri Lanka should aim to move away from being a palm oil importing country and become an exporter, said High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Badli Hisham bin Adam.
He was speaking at an international symposium on Agriculture and Environment organised by the Ruhuna University in Matara on Friday.
He said that Government of Malaysia had observed the growth of palm oil production in Indonesia which grew from being a small producer to become the biggest exporter in the world.
“We helped Indonesia in a big way for them to achieve this endeavour and like to offer the same assistance to Sri Lanka,” the Envoy said.
He said that they are ready to take a Sri Lankan delegation to Malaysia and show them the oil palm plantations and prove that there are no adverse environmental issues by growing oil palm.
He said that following Malaysia and Indonesia, today India is a major grower of oil palm and if there are environmental constraints would they have moved into plantation of oil palm? “India is planning to grow oil palm in around two million hectares of land.” Read more Sunday Observer
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ASEAN AND EU SET TO CONVENE 4TH JOINT WORKING GROUP ON PALM OIL
Representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) are preparing for the 4th Joint Working Group (JWG) on Palm Oil, underscoring their commitment to collaboration in this critical sector.
This commitment was emphasised during the 31st Meeting of the ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) held in Jakarta on Wednesday, where both sides explored avenues for further partnership.
In a joint statement, they stated that the next JWG meeting aims to "continue promoting mutual understanding on the sustainable production of vegetable oils and addressing challenges in this sector in a holistic, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner."
The upcoming JWG builds on previous meetings, including the inaugural session in January 2021, followed by subsequent sessions in June 2022 and June 2023. Read more Bernama
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EU-Malaysia join forces for a sustainable future
Letter to the Editor
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11 May 2024, 09:52 AM
Collaboration can ensure a future where economic growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental protection and social equity.
The world experienced its hottest April on record, according to new data from Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service.
In Malaysia, the heat waves claimed two lives, including that of a three-year-old child, and led to crop losses. This stark reminder of the climate emergency demands urgent action. Extreme heat threatens global health, security and our interlinked future.
In line with this, we launched a new campaign under the motto of “EU-Malaysia: Creating Opportunities for a Sustainable Tomorrow” on May 9. This initiative reflects the growing commitment of both the EU and Malaysia to safeguarding our planet for future generations.
The launch coincided with Europe Day, celebrated annually on May 9, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, a pivotal moment in European integration.
This auspicious date is a great opportunity to highlight our joint commitment towards a future defined by peace, security, multilateralism, and sustainability. This collaborative spirit extends to our shared environmental goals, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.
Malaysia’s increasing dedication to sustainability is remarkable. The continuous efforts, for example to combat deforestation and the successful pathway towards sustainability in the production of palm oil, is testimony of this commitment.
Furthermore, Malaysia’s move towards a green economy deeply aligns with the aspirations of the EU. Read more FMT
Malaysia keen to help Sri Lanka – Malaysian High Commissioner
Sri Lanka should aim to move away from being a palm oil importing country and become an exporter, said High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Badli Hisham bin Adam.
He was speaking at an international symposium on Agriculture and Environment organised by the Ruhuna University in Matara on Friday.
He said that Government of Malaysia had observed the growth of palm oil production in Indonesia which grew from being a small producer to become the biggest exporter in the world.
“We helped Indonesia in a big way for them to achieve this endeavour and like to offer the same assistance to Sri Lanka,” the Envoy said.
He said that they are ready to take a Sri Lankan delegation to Malaysia and show them the oil palm plantations and prove that there are no adverse environmental issues by growing oil palm.
He said that following Malaysia and Indonesia, today India is a major grower of oil palm and if there are environmental constraints would they have moved into plantation of oil palm? “India is planning to grow oil palm in around two million hectares of land.” Read more Sunday Observer
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ASEAN AND EU SET TO CONVENE 4TH JOINT WORKING GROUP ON PALM OIL
Representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) are preparing for the 4th Joint Working Group (JWG) on Palm Oil, underscoring their commitment to collaboration in this critical sector.
This commitment was emphasised during the 31st Meeting of the ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) held in Jakarta on Wednesday, where both sides explored avenues for further partnership.
In a joint statement, they stated that the next JWG meeting aims to "continue promoting mutual understanding on the sustainable production of vegetable oils and addressing challenges in this sector in a holistic, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner."
The upcoming JWG builds on previous meetings, including the inaugural session in January 2021, followed by subsequent sessions in June 2022 and June 2023. Read more Bernama
---------
EU-Malaysia join forces for a sustainable future
Letter to the Editor
-
11 May 2024, 09:52 AM
Collaboration can ensure a future where economic growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental protection and social equity.
The world experienced its hottest April on record, according to new data from Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service.
In Malaysia, the heat waves claimed two lives, including that of a three-year-old child, and led to crop losses. This stark reminder of the climate emergency demands urgent action. Extreme heat threatens global health, security and our interlinked future.
In line with this, we launched a new campaign under the motto of “EU-Malaysia: Creating Opportunities for a Sustainable Tomorrow” on May 9. This initiative reflects the growing commitment of both the EU and Malaysia to safeguarding our planet for future generations.
The launch coincided with Europe Day, celebrated annually on May 9, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, a pivotal moment in European integration.
This auspicious date is a great opportunity to highlight our joint commitment towards a future defined by peace, security, multilateralism, and sustainability. This collaborative spirit extends to our shared environmental goals, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.
Malaysia’s increasing dedication to sustainability is remarkable. The continuous efforts, for example to combat deforestation and the successful pathway towards sustainability in the production of palm oil, is testimony of this commitment.
Furthermore, Malaysia’s move towards a green economy deeply aligns with the aspirations of the EU. Read more FMT
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May 11, 2024
Malaysia-Plantation sector urged to increase the use of technology, avoid deforestation
KUALA LANGAT: The plantation sector has been urged not to cut down new forests for oil palm cultivation but instead to improve the use of technology to increase production and income.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said it was one of the three main points emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a closed door briefing with the top management of Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) in conjunction with his working visit to the conglomerate’s operating site in Pulau Carey near here today.
Johari said plantation is one of the biggest sectors that contribute to the country’s economy and the prime minister wants to see this sector fulfill several aspects including increasing the use of technology.
“The prime minister said that we don’t want deforestation to continue, but to stay with what we have, but at the same time we want to increase the yield and one of the ways is to use technology,“ he said when met by reporters after the briefing session which lasted for over half an hour.
The briefing was also attended by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Read more The SunMY
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Mkini submits list of oil palm projects breaching MSPO rules to minister
Malaysiakini has furnished Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani’s office with a list of new oil palm plantation projects approved by the Department of Environment (DOE) which involve deforestation after 2020.
The minister had requested the information during a press conference where he stated that after 2020, oil palm plantations have been disallowed in forested areas. Read more Malaysiakini
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Report: There are no good or bad oil crops, only good and bad practices
When shopping, have you considered the social and environmental impacts of your vegetable oil purchases? Most products offer limited information on these effects. Labels like "No Palm Oil"—linked to environmental damage and threats to orangutans—or "Fair-trade" are familiar, but many ingredients go unmentioned. How reliable are these claims, and what unseen impacts are we responsible for with our choices?
Few topics have provoked as many polarized views and headlines as oil crops. These controversies span conservation, human rights, and nutrition. What does the evidence reveal?
A report by the IUCN Oil Crops Taskforce dives deep into the often controversial environmental, social, economic, and nutritional impacts of vegetable oil crops. Their research shatters the myth that crops like oil palm, soybean, or rapeseed are inherently good or bad. Instead, the report reveals it's all about how these crops are grown, processed, and traded. It's the practices, not the plants, that make the difference. Read more Phys Org
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Nigeria-Enugu govt, firm seal N100 billion deal to revive moribund palm oil company
The palm oil company was set up by the state government to engage in planting of palm trees and production of palm products, but it has remained moribund for years.
The Enugu State Government has signed a N100 billion deal with Pragmatic Palms Limited to resuscitate the moribund United Palm Products Limited in Enugu State.
United Palm Products Ltd was set up by the state government to plant palm trees and engage in production of palm products such as palm oil and kernel, among others.
The firm is an offshoot of the now defunct Agricultural development Corporation established in 1970 by the then Eastern region government led by the then premier Michael Okpara.
However, the United Palm Products Ltd has remained moribund as efforts by successive administrations in the state to revive it were unsuccessful.
The N100 billion deal
The Enugu State Government, on Friday, signed the deal which will enable the Pragmatic Palms Limited to take over the moribund palm company temporarily. Read more Premium TimesNG
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EU-Biofuels election promise, a renewed mandate for renewables
Voters deeply concerned with living costs and climate change are being offered a voice by the European Biodiesel Board, it’s calling for a balanced, inclusive, and affordable climate policy in line with the EU’s net zero by 2050 goal.
The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) recently released a European election manifesto, setting out its view of legislative priorities for the 2024-2029 term, emphasizing the role of domestic sustainable biofuels in achieving a low-carbon transport sector.
Speaking at the launch of the Manifesto, Xavier Noyon, Secretary General of EBB said: “In the run-up to the European elections, sustainability will be one of the most important topics for elected officials. The biggest challenge remains the decarbonization of transport, as the need for transport continues to grow. Biofuels, sourced from sustainable bio-products, continue to be the widest and most available alternative to fossil fuels.” Read more Euractiv
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EUROPEAN UNION – CERTAIN MEASURES CONCERNING PALM OIL AND OIL PALM CROP-BASED BIOFUELS
SUSPENSION OF PANEL WORK COMMUNICATION FROM THE PANEL
The following communication, dated 6 May 2024, was received from the Chairperson of the Panel
with the request that it be circulated to the Dispute Settlement Body.
_______________
On 4 March 2024, Indonesia requested the Panel to suspend its work for a period of two months.
Indonesia made its request pursuant to Article 12.12 of the DSU, which provides that the Panel may
suspend its work at any time at the request of the complaining party for a period not exceeding
12 months. This provision also indicates that if the work of the Panel has been suspended for more
than 12 months, the authority for establishment of the Panel shall lapse.
The Panel agreed to Indonesia's request. On 5 March 2024, the Panel informed the DSB that the
Panel's work was suspended as from 5 March 2024 for a period of two months. The Panel indicated
that it would resume its work, and circulate the Panel Report, on 6 May 2024.
On 3 May 2024, Indonesia requested that the Panel extend the suspension of its work from 6 May
through to 6 July 2024. The Panel has agreed to Indonesia's request. The Panel will resume its work,
and circulate the Panel Report, on Monday 8 July 2024. WTO
Malaysia-Plantation sector urged to increase the use of technology, avoid deforestation
KUALA LANGAT: The plantation sector has been urged not to cut down new forests for oil palm cultivation but instead to improve the use of technology to increase production and income.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said it was one of the three main points emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a closed door briefing with the top management of Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) in conjunction with his working visit to the conglomerate’s operating site in Pulau Carey near here today.
Johari said plantation is one of the biggest sectors that contribute to the country’s economy and the prime minister wants to see this sector fulfill several aspects including increasing the use of technology.
“The prime minister said that we don’t want deforestation to continue, but to stay with what we have, but at the same time we want to increase the yield and one of the ways is to use technology,“ he said when met by reporters after the briefing session which lasted for over half an hour.
The briefing was also attended by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Read more The SunMY
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Mkini submits list of oil palm projects breaching MSPO rules to minister
Malaysiakini has furnished Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani’s office with a list of new oil palm plantation projects approved by the Department of Environment (DOE) which involve deforestation after 2020.
The minister had requested the information during a press conference where he stated that after 2020, oil palm plantations have been disallowed in forested areas. Read more Malaysiakini
---------
Report: There are no good or bad oil crops, only good and bad practices
When shopping, have you considered the social and environmental impacts of your vegetable oil purchases? Most products offer limited information on these effects. Labels like "No Palm Oil"—linked to environmental damage and threats to orangutans—or "Fair-trade" are familiar, but many ingredients go unmentioned. How reliable are these claims, and what unseen impacts are we responsible for with our choices?
Few topics have provoked as many polarized views and headlines as oil crops. These controversies span conservation, human rights, and nutrition. What does the evidence reveal?
A report by the IUCN Oil Crops Taskforce dives deep into the often controversial environmental, social, economic, and nutritional impacts of vegetable oil crops. Their research shatters the myth that crops like oil palm, soybean, or rapeseed are inherently good or bad. Instead, the report reveals it's all about how these crops are grown, processed, and traded. It's the practices, not the plants, that make the difference. Read more Phys Org
---------
Nigeria-Enugu govt, firm seal N100 billion deal to revive moribund palm oil company
The palm oil company was set up by the state government to engage in planting of palm trees and production of palm products, but it has remained moribund for years.
The Enugu State Government has signed a N100 billion deal with Pragmatic Palms Limited to resuscitate the moribund United Palm Products Limited in Enugu State.
United Palm Products Ltd was set up by the state government to plant palm trees and engage in production of palm products such as palm oil and kernel, among others.
The firm is an offshoot of the now defunct Agricultural development Corporation established in 1970 by the then Eastern region government led by the then premier Michael Okpara.
However, the United Palm Products Ltd has remained moribund as efforts by successive administrations in the state to revive it were unsuccessful.
The N100 billion deal
The Enugu State Government, on Friday, signed the deal which will enable the Pragmatic Palms Limited to take over the moribund palm company temporarily. Read more Premium TimesNG
---------
EU-Biofuels election promise, a renewed mandate for renewables
Voters deeply concerned with living costs and climate change are being offered a voice by the European Biodiesel Board, it’s calling for a balanced, inclusive, and affordable climate policy in line with the EU’s net zero by 2050 goal.
The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) recently released a European election manifesto, setting out its view of legislative priorities for the 2024-2029 term, emphasizing the role of domestic sustainable biofuels in achieving a low-carbon transport sector.
Speaking at the launch of the Manifesto, Xavier Noyon, Secretary General of EBB said: “In the run-up to the European elections, sustainability will be one of the most important topics for elected officials. The biggest challenge remains the decarbonization of transport, as the need for transport continues to grow. Biofuels, sourced from sustainable bio-products, continue to be the widest and most available alternative to fossil fuels.” Read more Euractiv
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EUROPEAN UNION – CERTAIN MEASURES CONCERNING PALM OIL AND OIL PALM CROP-BASED BIOFUELS
SUSPENSION OF PANEL WORK COMMUNICATION FROM THE PANEL
The following communication, dated 6 May 2024, was received from the Chairperson of the Panel
with the request that it be circulated to the Dispute Settlement Body.
_______________
On 4 March 2024, Indonesia requested the Panel to suspend its work for a period of two months.
Indonesia made its request pursuant to Article 12.12 of the DSU, which provides that the Panel may
suspend its work at any time at the request of the complaining party for a period not exceeding
12 months. This provision also indicates that if the work of the Panel has been suspended for more
than 12 months, the authority for establishment of the Panel shall lapse.
The Panel agreed to Indonesia's request. On 5 March 2024, the Panel informed the DSB that the
Panel's work was suspended as from 5 March 2024 for a period of two months. The Panel indicated
that it would resume its work, and circulate the Panel Report, on 6 May 2024.
On 3 May 2024, Indonesia requested that the Panel extend the suspension of its work from 6 May
through to 6 July 2024. The Panel has agreed to Indonesia's request. The Panel will resume its work,
and circulate the Panel Report, on Monday 8 July 2024. WTO
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May 10, 2024
Six-Month Pilot to Study Prolonged Use of Biofuels and Associated Costs
A six-month trial is getting underway to study the cost and impact of long-term continuous use of biofuels on large vessels. Japan’s NYK is partnering with the Singapore-based Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization in what they believe will be a critical piece to further support the adoption of biofuel in the shipping industry.
The organizers highlight that the past decade has seen trials of various biofuel onboard, but they have primarily focused on the combustion characteristics and extent of emission abatement. Biofuel’s compatibility with existing engines and bunkering infrastructure has already been proven making it an attractive “drop-in” green fuel. Data however on the long-term and continuous use of biofuels is far more limited and a critical piece to address the anticipated demand for biofuels.
Sales of biofuels have surged in the past few years with a broad range of shipping companies undertaking the first phases of testing. GCMD highlights that sales rose from negligible levels in 2020 to 1 million metric tons in 2023, yet biofuel still only represents less than two percent of total bunker sales in key hubs such as Singapore and Rotterdam. Maritime Executive
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Land Conflicts and Palm Oil Looting in Central Kalimantan Continue to Bring Suffering
Looting and claiming palm oil land caused conflict in Central Kalimantan to culminate in the looting of palm oil companies.
Oil palm looting in company plantations triggered by mutual land claims has been rampant in Central Kalimantan in the last month. Some of the alleged perpetrators were arrested. However, there are still residents hiding in the forest. It's not happiness, it's all just suffering.
Margaretha Maria's (49) heart and mind are still unsettled. The arrival of new people coming in and out of her residence in Penyang Village, Telawang Sub-district, East Kotawaringin Regency, is one of the reasons.
On Wednesday (8/5/2024), he chose to sit in the corner of his relative, Aur's (49), wooden-walled and cement-floored house. It is about 300 kilometers from Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan.
In that house, their mouth is more often shut. Instead, their eyes are more active in observing their surroundings. Anyone who passes in front of them is scrutinized from head to toe. Read more Kompas
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Indonesian palm oil, Brazilian beef top contributors to U.S. deforestation exposure
Nigeria-‘Poor traceability system bane of oil palm production’
Stakeholders in agriculture have expressed concern over proper implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector.
They spoke yesterday in Abuja during a policy dialogue on implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector, saying the system is a standardised way of handling products to meet global standards which Nigerians must adhere to attract investors.
They noted with proper implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector, local and private sectors will have confidence in investing in the subsector. Read more The Nation Online
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Mighty Earth Claims Success: Widya Corporation held accountable for failed High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest assessment process
In the PT Mulia Inti Persaka concession owned by the Widya Corporation, Mighty Earth found 1,304 ha of deforestation between August 2018 and January 2020
Mighty Earth initially published this case in Rapid Response Report 6, showing 30 ha of deforestation by PT Mulia Inti Perkasa in July of 2018, traders did not immediately act. As deforestation in PT Mulia Inti Perkasa continued, Mighty Earth published twelve follow-up reports on the case (listed in the table below). Read more Mighty Earth
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Malaysia aims for high-tech palm oil industry, less foreign labour
ADOPTING new technologies to reduce reliance on foreign workers in the country’s palm oil industry is vital, says Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
During a visit to Sime Darby Plantation in Pulau Carey today, he highlighted the government’s goals and the company’s efforts in this direction.
“The technology being developed by Sime Darby Plantation aims to advance mechanisation technology with the goal of reducing the need for foreign labour in the future,” he said.
Johari commended that Sime Darby’s investments in technologies have improved its mechanisation, resulting in higher productivity per worker.
“Currently, for example, if we have 8ha of plantation, it requires one worker to manage. However, Sime Darby has increased this to one worker managing 12.5ha, which is higher than our current ratio,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of increasing yields through technology while minimising deforestation.
Johari said although the country aims to reduce reliance on foreign labour, they are still needed for certain tasks. Read more The Malaysian Reserve
Six-Month Pilot to Study Prolonged Use of Biofuels and Associated Costs
A six-month trial is getting underway to study the cost and impact of long-term continuous use of biofuels on large vessels. Japan’s NYK is partnering with the Singapore-based Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization in what they believe will be a critical piece to further support the adoption of biofuel in the shipping industry.
The organizers highlight that the past decade has seen trials of various biofuel onboard, but they have primarily focused on the combustion characteristics and extent of emission abatement. Biofuel’s compatibility with existing engines and bunkering infrastructure has already been proven making it an attractive “drop-in” green fuel. Data however on the long-term and continuous use of biofuels is far more limited and a critical piece to address the anticipated demand for biofuels.
Sales of biofuels have surged in the past few years with a broad range of shipping companies undertaking the first phases of testing. GCMD highlights that sales rose from negligible levels in 2020 to 1 million metric tons in 2023, yet biofuel still only represents less than two percent of total bunker sales in key hubs such as Singapore and Rotterdam. Maritime Executive
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Land Conflicts and Palm Oil Looting in Central Kalimantan Continue to Bring Suffering
Looting and claiming palm oil land caused conflict in Central Kalimantan to culminate in the looting of palm oil companies.
Oil palm looting in company plantations triggered by mutual land claims has been rampant in Central Kalimantan in the last month. Some of the alleged perpetrators were arrested. However, there are still residents hiding in the forest. It's not happiness, it's all just suffering.
Margaretha Maria's (49) heart and mind are still unsettled. The arrival of new people coming in and out of her residence in Penyang Village, Telawang Sub-district, East Kotawaringin Regency, is one of the reasons.
On Wednesday (8/5/2024), he chose to sit in the corner of his relative, Aur's (49), wooden-walled and cement-floored house. It is about 300 kilometers from Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan.
In that house, their mouth is more often shut. Instead, their eyes are more active in observing their surroundings. Anyone who passes in front of them is scrutinized from head to toe. Read more Kompas
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Indonesian palm oil, Brazilian beef top contributors to U.S. deforestation exposure
- A new report reveals that the United States imported palm oil, cattle products, soybeans, cocoa, rubber, coffee and corn linked to an area of tropical deforestation the size of Los Angeles between October 2021 and November 2023.
- Palm oil from Indonesia was the largest contributor to deforestation, followed by Brazil due to cattle grazing.
- The report by Trase, commissioned by Global Witness, found that the U.S. continues to import deforestation-linked commodities while awaiting the passage of the FOREST Act, which aims to prohibit imports of products linked to illegal deforestation.
- Experts emphasize the need for action from companies, governments, financial institutions and citizens to stop commodity-driven forest loss, urging support for smallholders, increased transparency in supply chains, and the passage of the FOREST Act in the U.S. Read more UK Agro Consult
Nigeria-‘Poor traceability system bane of oil palm production’
Stakeholders in agriculture have expressed concern over proper implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector.
They spoke yesterday in Abuja during a policy dialogue on implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector, saying the system is a standardised way of handling products to meet global standards which Nigerians must adhere to attract investors.
They noted with proper implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector, local and private sectors will have confidence in investing in the subsector. Read more The Nation Online
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Mighty Earth Claims Success: Widya Corporation held accountable for failed High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest assessment process
In the PT Mulia Inti Persaka concession owned by the Widya Corporation, Mighty Earth found 1,304 ha of deforestation between August 2018 and January 2020
Mighty Earth initially published this case in Rapid Response Report 6, showing 30 ha of deforestation by PT Mulia Inti Perkasa in July of 2018, traders did not immediately act. As deforestation in PT Mulia Inti Perkasa continued, Mighty Earth published twelve follow-up reports on the case (listed in the table below). Read more Mighty Earth
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Malaysia aims for high-tech palm oil industry, less foreign labour
ADOPTING new technologies to reduce reliance on foreign workers in the country’s palm oil industry is vital, says Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
During a visit to Sime Darby Plantation in Pulau Carey today, he highlighted the government’s goals and the company’s efforts in this direction.
“The technology being developed by Sime Darby Plantation aims to advance mechanisation technology with the goal of reducing the need for foreign labour in the future,” he said.
Johari commended that Sime Darby’s investments in technologies have improved its mechanisation, resulting in higher productivity per worker.
“Currently, for example, if we have 8ha of plantation, it requires one worker to manage. However, Sime Darby has increased this to one worker managing 12.5ha, which is higher than our current ratio,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of increasing yields through technology while minimising deforestation.
Johari said although the country aims to reduce reliance on foreign labour, they are still needed for certain tasks. Read more The Malaysian Reserve
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May 09, 2024
Innovative solutions address Malaysia’s palm oil waste challenge
Altering the narrative around palm oil involves making the supply chain more environmentally friendly and ensuring byproducts are used sustainably
by AUFA MARDHIAH
PALM oil waste in Malaysia represents a significant environmental and management challenge, as the country is one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil.
The industry generates substantial amounts of waste — including empty fruit bunches (EFBs), palm oil mill effluent (POME) and palm kernel shells (PKS).
There are ongoing efforts to manage these wastes more effectively and sustainably.
For instance, converting waste into bioenergy or incorporating it into building materials not only helps reduce the environmental impact but also adds economic value to the palm oil industry. Read more The Malaysian Reserve
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Innovative solutions address Malaysia’s palm oil waste challenge
Altering the narrative around palm oil involves making the supply chain more environmentally friendly and ensuring byproducts are used sustainably
by AUFA MARDHIAH
PALM oil waste in Malaysia represents a significant environmental and management challenge, as the country is one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil.
The industry generates substantial amounts of waste — including empty fruit bunches (EFBs), palm oil mill effluent (POME) and palm kernel shells (PKS).
There are ongoing efforts to manage these wastes more effectively and sustainably.
For instance, converting waste into bioenergy or incorporating it into building materials not only helps reduce the environmental impact but also adds economic value to the palm oil industry. Read more The Malaysian Reserve
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May 08, 2024
Malaysia eyes 'orangutan diplomacy' with nations that import palm oil
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Reuters) - Malaysia plans to introduce "orangutan diplomacy" in its relations with major palm oil-importing countries, offering the animals as trading gifts in an effort to allay concerns about the environmental effects of growing the commodity.
However the plan, likened to China's "panda diplomacy" by the commodities minister, has prompted concerns among wildlife advocacy groups which called on the government to consider alternative measures to protect the orangutan's habitat and improve the sustainable production of palm oil, which is used in everything from lipstick to pizza.
The proposal comes after the European Union last year approved an import ban on commodities linked to deforestation, which could hurt palm oil. Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, has described the law as discriminatory.
Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia would offer gifts of orangutans to trading partners, particularly major importers such as the EU, India and China, as part of a diplomatic strategy.
"This will prove to the global community that Malaysia is committed to biodiversity conservation," Johari said on social media platform X late on Tuesday.
"Malaysia cannot take a defensive approach to the issue of palm oil. Instead we need to show the countries of the world that Malaysia is a sustainable oil palm producer and is committed to protecting forests and environmental sustainability."
No further details of the plan were immediately available. Reuters
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‘No Palm Oil’ label leads to seizure of 1,134 chocolate bars in Labuan
LABUAN (May 8): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) raided two supermarkets here for suspected sale of food products with the words ‘No Palm Oil’ (NPO) on their packaging.
The raids were carried out following complaints from the public, KPDN said in a Facebook post.
During the raids, enforcement personnel found 1,134 chocolate bars with NPO printed on their packaging.
The products worth RM23,704 were confiscated for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Trade Descriptions (Prohibition of Use of Statement, Expression or Indication) (Palm Oil and Palm Oil Goods) Regulations 2022.
If convicted, the parties concerned could be fined up to RM250,000 or imprisoned for up to five years.
KPDN added strict action will be taken against any importing company, distributor, seller, and related parties that sell products imported from abroad that do not comply with relevant legislation.
Among the offences include statements in the form of expressions or indications that may discriminate or boycott any products or goods involving the country’s main commodity palm oil. Borneo Post
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Sustainability snag: Experts blast new EU-funded analysis touting ‘shortcomings’ in Malaysian palm oil certification scheme
08-May-2024 By Pearly Neo
Palm oil industry experts have criticised a new EU-backed analysis that identified ‘shortcomings’ in Malaysia’s national sustainability certification scheme that prevent it from being fully accepted under the new EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).
HTTPS://WWW.FOODNAVIGATOR-ASIA.COM/ARTICLE/2024/05/08/EXPERTS-BLAST-NEW-EU-FUNDED-GAP-ANALYSIS-TOUTING-SHORTCOMINGS-IN-MALAYSIAN-PALM-OIL-CERTIFICATION-SCHEME
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Vegetable oils and biodiversity: IUCN presents unrealistic guideline for sustainable vegetable oils
Oil crops occupy roughly 37% of the world’s agricultural land, and oil demand is growing.
By 2050, expected demand for vegetable oils could require a 14% increase in production – potentially threatening biodiversity if natural areas are cleared for vegetable oil crops.
While vegetable oils are an important part of a healthy diet, the production of oil crops has a range of environmental and social impacts.
We can limit the impacts of vegetable oils on biodiversity if sustainable production methods are used, the expansion of oil crops into natural ecosystems is prevented, current yields are increased, oil crops are primarily used in food rather than as animal feeds or biofuels, and if synthetic oils become available in much greater volumes. IUCN
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Suspicious frying oil from China is hurting US biofuels business
China is flooding the US with used cooking oil that the biofuel industry says may be tainted, hurting American farmers and President Joe Biden’s push to promote climate-friendly energy.
US imports of used cooking oil, an ingredient to make renewable diesel, more than tripled in 2023 from a year earlier, with more than 50% coming from China, according to the US International Trade Commission. American industry groups and biofuel executives are becoming increasingly worried that a significant amount of those supplies are fraudulent, and are urging the government to tighten scrutiny on the imports.
The heightened suspicions come after the European biofuel industry expressed similar concerns about cooking oil from China last year. Used cooking oil has a better carbon intensity score than feedstocks widely produced in the US like fresh soybean oil, so any potentially tainted imports are benefiting from Biden’s renewables incentives at the expense of American farmers.
“We’re putting more pressure on the US government to say what are we really importing,” said Todd Becker, chief executive officer of Green Plains Inc., which through its production of ethanol sells distillers corn oil, also a green diesel ingredient. “Somebody’s got to figure out that that’s not all Chinese used cooking oil.”
Tainted used cooking oil would exacerbate a challenging situation for farmers and agriculture companies. Companies including Bunge Global SA and Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. have been counting on soaring demand for crop-based green diesel feedstocks, but competition from foreign imports is eating into profits and jeopardizing ambitious expansion plans. More broadly, there is a risk that illegal shipments could worsen trade tensions between China and the US.
Imports of used cooking oil, or UCO, amounted to 1.4 million metric tons (3.1 billion pounds) in 2023 — equivalent to the oil squeezed from more than 6% of US soybeans crushed to make soyoil last season. In addition to having a more favorable carbon intensity score, UCO is also priced about a third cheaper than refined soyoil. Read more AJOT
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Indonesian palm oil, Brazilian beef top contributors to U.S. deforestation exposure
More than a third (33.8%) of the deforestation was linked to oil palm imports, primarily from Indonesia. Cattle products, sourced mainly from Brazil, Australia and Mexico, were the second-largest contributor, at 31.8%. Coffee placed third, at 24.2%, followed by cocoa (7.6%), soybeans (2%), corn (0.37%) and rubber (0.15%). Read more Mongabay
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Malaysia eyes 'orangutan diplomacy' with nations that import palm oil
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Reuters) - Malaysia plans to introduce "orangutan diplomacy" in its relations with major palm oil-importing countries, offering the animals as trading gifts in an effort to allay concerns about the environmental effects of growing the commodity.
However the plan, likened to China's "panda diplomacy" by the commodities minister, has prompted concerns among wildlife advocacy groups which called on the government to consider alternative measures to protect the orangutan's habitat and improve the sustainable production of palm oil, which is used in everything from lipstick to pizza.
The proposal comes after the European Union last year approved an import ban on commodities linked to deforestation, which could hurt palm oil. Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, has described the law as discriminatory.
Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia would offer gifts of orangutans to trading partners, particularly major importers such as the EU, India and China, as part of a diplomatic strategy.
"This will prove to the global community that Malaysia is committed to biodiversity conservation," Johari said on social media platform X late on Tuesday.
"Malaysia cannot take a defensive approach to the issue of palm oil. Instead we need to show the countries of the world that Malaysia is a sustainable oil palm producer and is committed to protecting forests and environmental sustainability."
No further details of the plan were immediately available. Reuters
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‘No Palm Oil’ label leads to seizure of 1,134 chocolate bars in Labuan
LABUAN (May 8): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) raided two supermarkets here for suspected sale of food products with the words ‘No Palm Oil’ (NPO) on their packaging.
The raids were carried out following complaints from the public, KPDN said in a Facebook post.
During the raids, enforcement personnel found 1,134 chocolate bars with NPO printed on their packaging.
The products worth RM23,704 were confiscated for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Trade Descriptions (Prohibition of Use of Statement, Expression or Indication) (Palm Oil and Palm Oil Goods) Regulations 2022.
If convicted, the parties concerned could be fined up to RM250,000 or imprisoned for up to five years.
KPDN added strict action will be taken against any importing company, distributor, seller, and related parties that sell products imported from abroad that do not comply with relevant legislation.
Among the offences include statements in the form of expressions or indications that may discriminate or boycott any products or goods involving the country’s main commodity palm oil. Borneo Post
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Sustainability snag: Experts blast new EU-funded analysis touting ‘shortcomings’ in Malaysian palm oil certification scheme
08-May-2024 By Pearly Neo
Palm oil industry experts have criticised a new EU-backed analysis that identified ‘shortcomings’ in Malaysia’s national sustainability certification scheme that prevent it from being fully accepted under the new EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).
HTTPS://WWW.FOODNAVIGATOR-ASIA.COM/ARTICLE/2024/05/08/EXPERTS-BLAST-NEW-EU-FUNDED-GAP-ANALYSIS-TOUTING-SHORTCOMINGS-IN-MALAYSIAN-PALM-OIL-CERTIFICATION-SCHEME
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Vegetable oils and biodiversity: IUCN presents unrealistic guideline for sustainable vegetable oils
Oil crops occupy roughly 37% of the world’s agricultural land, and oil demand is growing.
By 2050, expected demand for vegetable oils could require a 14% increase in production – potentially threatening biodiversity if natural areas are cleared for vegetable oil crops.
While vegetable oils are an important part of a healthy diet, the production of oil crops has a range of environmental and social impacts.
We can limit the impacts of vegetable oils on biodiversity if sustainable production methods are used, the expansion of oil crops into natural ecosystems is prevented, current yields are increased, oil crops are primarily used in food rather than as animal feeds or biofuels, and if synthetic oils become available in much greater volumes. IUCN
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Suspicious frying oil from China is hurting US biofuels business
China is flooding the US with used cooking oil that the biofuel industry says may be tainted, hurting American farmers and President Joe Biden’s push to promote climate-friendly energy.
US imports of used cooking oil, an ingredient to make renewable diesel, more than tripled in 2023 from a year earlier, with more than 50% coming from China, according to the US International Trade Commission. American industry groups and biofuel executives are becoming increasingly worried that a significant amount of those supplies are fraudulent, and are urging the government to tighten scrutiny on the imports.
The heightened suspicions come after the European biofuel industry expressed similar concerns about cooking oil from China last year. Used cooking oil has a better carbon intensity score than feedstocks widely produced in the US like fresh soybean oil, so any potentially tainted imports are benefiting from Biden’s renewables incentives at the expense of American farmers.
“We’re putting more pressure on the US government to say what are we really importing,” said Todd Becker, chief executive officer of Green Plains Inc., which through its production of ethanol sells distillers corn oil, also a green diesel ingredient. “Somebody’s got to figure out that that’s not all Chinese used cooking oil.”
Tainted used cooking oil would exacerbate a challenging situation for farmers and agriculture companies. Companies including Bunge Global SA and Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. have been counting on soaring demand for crop-based green diesel feedstocks, but competition from foreign imports is eating into profits and jeopardizing ambitious expansion plans. More broadly, there is a risk that illegal shipments could worsen trade tensions between China and the US.
Imports of used cooking oil, or UCO, amounted to 1.4 million metric tons (3.1 billion pounds) in 2023 — equivalent to the oil squeezed from more than 6% of US soybeans crushed to make soyoil last season. In addition to having a more favorable carbon intensity score, UCO is also priced about a third cheaper than refined soyoil. Read more AJOT
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Indonesian palm oil, Brazilian beef top contributors to U.S. deforestation exposure
- A new report reveals that the United States imported palm oil, cattle products, soybeans, cocoa, rubber, coffee and corn linked to an area of tropical deforestation the size of Los Angeles between October 2021 and November 2023.
- Palm oil from Indonesia was the largest contributor to deforestation, followed by Brazil due to cattle grazing.
- The report by Trase, commissioned by Global Witness, found that the U.S. continues to import deforestation-linked commodities while awaiting the passage of the FOREST Act, which aims to prohibit imports of products linked to illegal deforestation.
- Experts emphasize the need for action from companies, governments, financial institutions and citizens to stop commodity-driven forest loss, urging support for smallholders, increased transparency in supply chains, and the passage of the FOREST Act in the U.S.
More than a third (33.8%) of the deforestation was linked to oil palm imports, primarily from Indonesia. Cattle products, sourced mainly from Brazil, Australia and Mexico, were the second-largest contributor, at 31.8%. Coffee placed third, at 24.2%, followed by cocoa (7.6%), soybeans (2%), corn (0.37%) and rubber (0.15%). Read more Mongabay
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May 07, 2024
SD Plantation Expands into Green Industrial Parks and Renewable Energy
SD Plantation and its largest shareholder, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) intend to collaborate in this 1,000-acre development, strategically located in SD Plantation’s Tali Ayer Estate in Perak. A joint proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry (MITI) in February.
KIGIP, conceptualised to attract green electrical and electronics (E&E) investments into the country, was announced by the Government in the 2024 National Budget. The plan also involves the establishment of 660 acres of solar farms as the principal green energy source for the area, designed to attract semiconductors and E&E investments, two of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy.
KIGIP is an initiative driven by the Federal Government in close collaboration with the State of Perak.
“The decision to actively participate in the KIGIP development is an important milestone for us as we venture into the natural adjacency of plantation companies,” SD Plantation’s Group Managing Director, Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said. “We will establish strategic partnerships to develop our land where it makes the most sense to do so, and thus, establish a new and sustainable revenue stream.” He added that the company is well positioned to expand into this area due to its landbank and strong balance sheet. Read more Sime Darby Plantation
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Commodity boom for PNG welcome news for the country, economist says
An economist in Papua New Guinea says the recent announcement by the government of a huge increase in revenue from export commodities like cocoa, palm oil and coffee is very positive for the country.
The PNG government says it's looking at $2 billion in earnings from cash crops thanks to high global prices for cocoa.
Economics lecturer Maholopa Laveil from the University of Papua New Guinea says it's good news for the economy.
Credits
Caroline Tiriman, Reporter for ABC AU
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Malaysia-Palm oil contributed RM102 billion in exports, RM18 billion in taxes
GENTING HIGHLANDS: The palm oil industry contributes three percent of Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with export value reaching RM102 billion and RM18 billion in tax revenue.
The Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, said the industry, which represents a large part of Malaysia's economy, has provided a source of income to a million people, including 450,000 smallholders.
"Among the seven agricultural commodities under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, which are palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa, pepper, tobacco and kenaf, palm oil covers 5.7 million hectares or 84 percent of the total 6.8 million hectares of cultivated area.
"In total, about four million individuals depend on the palm oil industry directly and indirectly," he said when officiating the Biodiversity Forum of the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) here today. Berita Harian
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EU-More environmental rules under attack: but the pushback to the pushback continues
In the run-up to EU elections in June 2024, EU and national politicians are continuing their roll back of the hard-won environmental gains of the European Green Deal. Such developments go against the wishes of most EU citizens, 87% of whom stated that they do not wish to be a party to forest destruction, which is so often paired with human rights abuse. This month it is the groundbreaking EU Regulation on deforestation-free (EUDR) products which was agreed in late 2022, and which bars access to the EU market of commodities such as timber, palm oil, cocoa, beef and soy if they are grown on recently deforested land.
This much-lauded legislation has become a target of the political right and of Member State agricultural ministers, seeking to stoke farmers’ concerns about environmental rules (FW 292), while shifting attention away from the considerable challenges farmers and foresters already face such as droughts and fires. A call to postpone the EUDR’s full application (scheduled for December 2024) has been gathering steam; it was recently aired again in the Member State Working Party of the Environment by Sweden, Czechia, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria and Ireland.
A recent leak has shown that the Commission plans to resist these calls. Its legal service has made it clear that postponement of EUDR application cannot be envisaged without revising the legislative act in question. New frequently asked questions will be issued by 30 May, and further guidance published before year’s end. Yet EUDR negotiations have already tarnished the EU’s credibility as partner countries in the global South have noted the EU’s lack of enthusiasm to apply environmental standards to itself. Read more FERN
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Indonesia Seeks Netherlands Support for IEU-CEPA
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands have agreed to engage in discussions concerning the continuation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).
“The leaders of Indonesia and the European Union (EU) have concurred to finalize these negotiations by the end of this year,” Deputy Trade Minister Jerry Sambuaga said in a written statement on Monday, May 6.
According to him, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartanto met with the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Karien Van Gennip on Friday, May 3, during which both parties agreed to maintain a constructive approach. Read more Tempo
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SD Plantation Expands into Green Industrial Parks and Renewable Energy
- New Business Vertical kicks off with plan to co-develop Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park
- The proposed 1,000-acre industrial park development to include large scale solar farms for Green Energy
- Foray into industrial park development marks a new direction for the soon-to-be rebranded plantation company
SD Plantation and its largest shareholder, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) intend to collaborate in this 1,000-acre development, strategically located in SD Plantation’s Tali Ayer Estate in Perak. A joint proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry (MITI) in February.
KIGIP, conceptualised to attract green electrical and electronics (E&E) investments into the country, was announced by the Government in the 2024 National Budget. The plan also involves the establishment of 660 acres of solar farms as the principal green energy source for the area, designed to attract semiconductors and E&E investments, two of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy.
KIGIP is an initiative driven by the Federal Government in close collaboration with the State of Perak.
“The decision to actively participate in the KIGIP development is an important milestone for us as we venture into the natural adjacency of plantation companies,” SD Plantation’s Group Managing Director, Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said. “We will establish strategic partnerships to develop our land where it makes the most sense to do so, and thus, establish a new and sustainable revenue stream.” He added that the company is well positioned to expand into this area due to its landbank and strong balance sheet. Read more Sime Darby Plantation
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Commodity boom for PNG welcome news for the country, economist says
An economist in Papua New Guinea says the recent announcement by the government of a huge increase in revenue from export commodities like cocoa, palm oil and coffee is very positive for the country.
The PNG government says it's looking at $2 billion in earnings from cash crops thanks to high global prices for cocoa.
Economics lecturer Maholopa Laveil from the University of Papua New Guinea says it's good news for the economy.
Credits
Caroline Tiriman, Reporter for ABC AU
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Malaysia-Palm oil contributed RM102 billion in exports, RM18 billion in taxes
GENTING HIGHLANDS: The palm oil industry contributes three percent of Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with export value reaching RM102 billion and RM18 billion in tax revenue.
The Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, said the industry, which represents a large part of Malaysia's economy, has provided a source of income to a million people, including 450,000 smallholders.
"Among the seven agricultural commodities under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, which are palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa, pepper, tobacco and kenaf, palm oil covers 5.7 million hectares or 84 percent of the total 6.8 million hectares of cultivated area.
"In total, about four million individuals depend on the palm oil industry directly and indirectly," he said when officiating the Biodiversity Forum of the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) here today. Berita Harian
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EU-More environmental rules under attack: but the pushback to the pushback continues
In the run-up to EU elections in June 2024, EU and national politicians are continuing their roll back of the hard-won environmental gains of the European Green Deal. Such developments go against the wishes of most EU citizens, 87% of whom stated that they do not wish to be a party to forest destruction, which is so often paired with human rights abuse. This month it is the groundbreaking EU Regulation on deforestation-free (EUDR) products which was agreed in late 2022, and which bars access to the EU market of commodities such as timber, palm oil, cocoa, beef and soy if they are grown on recently deforested land.
This much-lauded legislation has become a target of the political right and of Member State agricultural ministers, seeking to stoke farmers’ concerns about environmental rules (FW 292), while shifting attention away from the considerable challenges farmers and foresters already face such as droughts and fires. A call to postpone the EUDR’s full application (scheduled for December 2024) has been gathering steam; it was recently aired again in the Member State Working Party of the Environment by Sweden, Czechia, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria and Ireland.
A recent leak has shown that the Commission plans to resist these calls. Its legal service has made it clear that postponement of EUDR application cannot be envisaged without revising the legislative act in question. New frequently asked questions will be issued by 30 May, and further guidance published before year’s end. Yet EUDR negotiations have already tarnished the EU’s credibility as partner countries in the global South have noted the EU’s lack of enthusiasm to apply environmental standards to itself. Read more FERN
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Indonesia Seeks Netherlands Support for IEU-CEPA
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands have agreed to engage in discussions concerning the continuation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).
“The leaders of Indonesia and the European Union (EU) have concurred to finalize these negotiations by the end of this year,” Deputy Trade Minister Jerry Sambuaga said in a written statement on Monday, May 6.
According to him, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartanto met with the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Karien Van Gennip on Friday, May 3, during which both parties agreed to maintain a constructive approach. Read more Tempo
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May 06, 2024
OPINION: How can the EU use its influence to make commodities more sustainable?
By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton
The EU buys a range of agricultural commodities, meaning a significant leverage over markets where they are produced. How much leverage does the EU have in making sourcing more sustainable? Read more at Food Navigator
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Indonesia's GDP growth accelerates to 5.11%, beats economist forecasts
Consumption climbs to 4.91%, buoyed by spending during mammoth elections
JAKARTA -- Indonesia's economy grew 5.11% on the year in the January to March quarter, up from a 5.04% expansion in October to December last year, the country's statistics agency said Monday.
The median growth forecast of economists polled by Reuters was 5% for the first quarter.
Household consumption, which makes up half the Indonesian economy, rose 4.91%, supported by Ramadan-related expenses, including for transport, food, restaurants and hotels.
"The trend of declines in prices of Indonesia's main export commodities, such as crude palm oil and coal, continued in the first quarter of 2024," Amalia Widyasanti, acting chief at Statistics Indonesia, said during a news conference on Monday. "Amid declines in prices of the main export commodities, Indonesia's economy grew a solid at 5.11%. That growth was supported by strong domestic economic activity."
On the production side, the main contributors to growth were mining, processing industries, construction and trade. When it comes to consumption, the major contributors was household spending. Consumption was supported by activities related to presidential elections in February.
Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Maluku and Papua islands recorded higher growth than the national average, mainly due to the mining and metals processing industries.
Bank Indonesia, the nation's central bank, said last month that it expected growth in the first two quarters of 2024 to exceed the final three months of 2023, thanks to the usual increase in household consumption during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which ran through early April this year, and the Eid holiday that marks the end of the period. Read more Nikkei Asia
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Posco's palm oil business in Indonesia becomes a cash cow
It was a sweltering morning on April 23 at a palm oil farm owned by Bio Inti Agrindo (PT BIA), POSCO International’s palm oil business corporation, which is located in Merauke in Papua, Indonesia. Such cruelly hot weather gives desirable living conditions to palm trees. Most fruits were tinted with deep red in the 3.47 million and 5,000 trees planted across the farm, signaling all-year peak harvesting time.
Papua Island, located in the far east of Indonesia and well-known for consisting of many islands, is home to the palm plantation business. It is 265 kilometers from Mopa International Airport at the bottom of the island. It is 34,200 hectares in area, half the size of Seoul City.
Widely used across various food industries for cooking oil, snacks, and instant noodle products, palm oil is likely to be more highly utilized as biofuels for aviation, for instance. In June 2011, POSCO International started cultivating this barren land to make inroads into this industry at a time when access roads were not even built around it.
Ten years later, this farm became a cash cow with more than 50 million dollars in operating profit per year. Back in 2022 when raw material prices soared due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, it recorded a new high operating profit of 80.36 million dollars. It performed well in this year’s first quarter, with an operating profit of 19.65 million dollars. “We looked ahead in Indonesia, one of the world’s largest palm oil producers,” PT BIA CEO Kim Won-il said. “Our efforts are paying off.” Read more at Donga
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EUDR. EU Farm Chief WOJCIECHOWSKI URGES VDL TO POSTPONE IMPLEMENTATION OF DEFORESTATION REG
EU Farm chief Janusz Wojciechowski has called on his boss Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to
postpone the implementation of the bloc’s Regulation on Deforestation-free products (2023/1115) covering
commodities such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya, rubber & wood and derived products. In a 2-page
correspondence, dated April 22, the Polish Commissioner refers to concerns raised during the AGRIFISH
Council on March 26, where countries such as AT, FI, IT, PL, SK, SI & SE tabled a n ‘Urgent Call for Action:
Challenges for European agriculture & forestry businesses posed by the EUDR in the context of the current
agricultural crisis,’ garnering support from “an overwhelming large majority of Member States (20).” These
countries, “while expressing their continued support for the objectives of the EUDR, called on the
Commission to address a number of crucial points,” he underlines, mentioning, in particular, delaying the
period of entry into application to allow sufficient time for practicable implementation & legal certainty for
farmers, foresters & Member States, introducing a De Minimis threshold (e.g. 0.5 hectare) & a general
exemption for producers in low-risk countries (in particular regarding the due diligence statements) as well as
re-evaluating the existing certification systems & simplifying them as much as possible.
Turning to third countries, he also evoked “similar concerns” that have been raised by “most of our main
trade partners”, referring to a recent joint meeting with Australia, Canada, New Zealand & the US with several
Commission services, where the “first & main request was a deferral of the entry into application, concretely
to a date 24 months after the completion of the country benchmarking (risk assessment) by the Commission. ”
The Commissioner has received numerous letters “illustrating the difficulties our farmers, forest-owners &
businesses face in the implementation of this regulation,” with organisations bemoaning the “disproportionate
administrative burden & uncertainties,” calling for a “deferral of the deadline for implementation.” In specific
terms, he notes that there is a “need for clarity about country benchmarking, functionality of the IT system, &
a need for legal certainty & appropriate guidance on many open questions linked to the implementation of the
EUDR.” He also raises the need to “grant a certain harmonised margin of tolerance for operators & monitoring authorities to be equally applied worldwide,” while “support should be given for simplifying the ex-
ante due diligence statement submission requirements for small-scale local marketing & in low-risk
countries.” He reiterates the importance of treating “EU & non-EU countries in an equal manner,” adding that
“our services will therefore need to ensure that these proposals are compatible with the fundamental WTO
principle of non-discrimination.”
By way of conclusion, he is sanguine that “in order to make the EU Deforestation Regulation a success for
the Green Deal on a global scale, we need more time to address the substantial concerns raised by Member
States & our partners.” “Farmers & foresters must have legal certainty & face less administrative burden, in
order to continue to produce food & deliver on biodiversity in the EU & in low-risk partner countries with
growing forests.” He reminds VdL, who is seeking a second term at the helm, that it is “our obligation to take
all the necessary measures to ensure continuity of businesses & supply of products covered by the regulation
and to avoid any disruption of trade due to a hasty implementation of this regulation.” *A copy of the letter
was sent to Executive Vice-Presidents Šefčovič & Dombrovskis as well as Commissioners Sinkevičius
(Environment), Breton (Internal Market) & Jutta Urpilainen (International Partnerships);
“Postponement unavoidable”: The postponement of the implementation of the EUDR now looks
“unavoidable”, well-placed sources confirmed this week, as Member States need to put in place specific
structures, which are still not ready. Under pressure from countries such as Germany & Austria, there is also
talk that VdL stands ready to introduce further simplification & certain revisions to the regulation, but it is
unclear how the EU executive would proceed with any of those changes. The move is likely to come as a
blow to environmental groups such as Fern, ClientEarth & Earthsight, which have rejected any prolongation
of the transition period or scaling back of the deforestation rules & lobbied heavily for the timely entry into
force of the legislation. Meanwhile, the EU’s largest farm lobby Copa-Cogeca backs the postponement “but
also a true & workable simplification” of the text. A joint EUDR platform, coordinated by Copa-Cogeca, is
scheduled to take place on May 15, in the presence of Agriculture Commissioner Wojciechowski. Agra Facts
---------
Careless Leadership Lands Bassa Citizens In Abject Poverty And Leaves The County Underdeveloped
BUCHANAN – A prominent son of Grand Bassa Rev. Wynston Dixon says careless leaders are continuously landing citizens of Grand Bassa County into abject poverty and keeping the County undeveloped.
Grand Bassa County, a jewel of untapped potential, is strategically nestled by the Atlantic Ocean and home to four significant concessions—Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC), Equatorial Palm Oil (EPO), and MMG Gold—the highest number in the country. This abundance of resources, coupled with the presence of several logging companies, paints a picture of a county brimming with opportunities, eagerly awaiting exemplary leadership to unlock its full potential.
Rev. Dixon said “It is a fortunate circumstance to have a multibillion-dollar company in Bassa. ArcelorMittal Liberia contributes one million dollars to the county each year; that’s 10 million dollars over the last ten years. However, despite this, Grand Bassa County remains underdeveloped. The question arises: why? Is it a lack of leadership or corruption of the leaders? This contrast is glaring when we witness our leaders driving $80,000 vehicles, seeking healthcare abroad, and sending their children and grandchildren overseas for education. Meanwhile, Ma Musu’s children and grandchildren succumb to a lack of medical services, and Ma Yatti’s children receive subpar education”. Read more at GNN Liberia
OPINION: How can the EU use its influence to make commodities more sustainable?
By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton
The EU buys a range of agricultural commodities, meaning a significant leverage over markets where they are produced. How much leverage does the EU have in making sourcing more sustainable? Read more at Food Navigator
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Indonesia's GDP growth accelerates to 5.11%, beats economist forecasts
Consumption climbs to 4.91%, buoyed by spending during mammoth elections
JAKARTA -- Indonesia's economy grew 5.11% on the year in the January to March quarter, up from a 5.04% expansion in October to December last year, the country's statistics agency said Monday.
The median growth forecast of economists polled by Reuters was 5% for the first quarter.
Household consumption, which makes up half the Indonesian economy, rose 4.91%, supported by Ramadan-related expenses, including for transport, food, restaurants and hotels.
"The trend of declines in prices of Indonesia's main export commodities, such as crude palm oil and coal, continued in the first quarter of 2024," Amalia Widyasanti, acting chief at Statistics Indonesia, said during a news conference on Monday. "Amid declines in prices of the main export commodities, Indonesia's economy grew a solid at 5.11%. That growth was supported by strong domestic economic activity."
On the production side, the main contributors to growth were mining, processing industries, construction and trade. When it comes to consumption, the major contributors was household spending. Consumption was supported by activities related to presidential elections in February.
Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Maluku and Papua islands recorded higher growth than the national average, mainly due to the mining and metals processing industries.
Bank Indonesia, the nation's central bank, said last month that it expected growth in the first two quarters of 2024 to exceed the final three months of 2023, thanks to the usual increase in household consumption during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which ran through early April this year, and the Eid holiday that marks the end of the period. Read more Nikkei Asia
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Posco's palm oil business in Indonesia becomes a cash cow
It was a sweltering morning on April 23 at a palm oil farm owned by Bio Inti Agrindo (PT BIA), POSCO International’s palm oil business corporation, which is located in Merauke in Papua, Indonesia. Such cruelly hot weather gives desirable living conditions to palm trees. Most fruits were tinted with deep red in the 3.47 million and 5,000 trees planted across the farm, signaling all-year peak harvesting time.
Papua Island, located in the far east of Indonesia and well-known for consisting of many islands, is home to the palm plantation business. It is 265 kilometers from Mopa International Airport at the bottom of the island. It is 34,200 hectares in area, half the size of Seoul City.
Widely used across various food industries for cooking oil, snacks, and instant noodle products, palm oil is likely to be more highly utilized as biofuels for aviation, for instance. In June 2011, POSCO International started cultivating this barren land to make inroads into this industry at a time when access roads were not even built around it.
Ten years later, this farm became a cash cow with more than 50 million dollars in operating profit per year. Back in 2022 when raw material prices soared due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, it recorded a new high operating profit of 80.36 million dollars. It performed well in this year’s first quarter, with an operating profit of 19.65 million dollars. “We looked ahead in Indonesia, one of the world’s largest palm oil producers,” PT BIA CEO Kim Won-il said. “Our efforts are paying off.” Read more at Donga
---------
EUDR. EU Farm Chief WOJCIECHOWSKI URGES VDL TO POSTPONE IMPLEMENTATION OF DEFORESTATION REG
EU Farm chief Janusz Wojciechowski has called on his boss Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to
postpone the implementation of the bloc’s Regulation on Deforestation-free products (2023/1115) covering
commodities such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya, rubber & wood and derived products. In a 2-page
correspondence, dated April 22, the Polish Commissioner refers to concerns raised during the AGRIFISH
Council on March 26, where countries such as AT, FI, IT, PL, SK, SI & SE tabled a n ‘Urgent Call for Action:
Challenges for European agriculture & forestry businesses posed by the EUDR in the context of the current
agricultural crisis,’ garnering support from “an overwhelming large majority of Member States (20).” These
countries, “while expressing their continued support for the objectives of the EUDR, called on the
Commission to address a number of crucial points,” he underlines, mentioning, in particular, delaying the
period of entry into application to allow sufficient time for practicable implementation & legal certainty for
farmers, foresters & Member States, introducing a De Minimis threshold (e.g. 0.5 hectare) & a general
exemption for producers in low-risk countries (in particular regarding the due diligence statements) as well as
re-evaluating the existing certification systems & simplifying them as much as possible.
Turning to third countries, he also evoked “similar concerns” that have been raised by “most of our main
trade partners”, referring to a recent joint meeting with Australia, Canada, New Zealand & the US with several
Commission services, where the “first & main request was a deferral of the entry into application, concretely
to a date 24 months after the completion of the country benchmarking (risk assessment) by the Commission. ”
The Commissioner has received numerous letters “illustrating the difficulties our farmers, forest-owners &
businesses face in the implementation of this regulation,” with organisations bemoaning the “disproportionate
administrative burden & uncertainties,” calling for a “deferral of the deadline for implementation.” In specific
terms, he notes that there is a “need for clarity about country benchmarking, functionality of the IT system, &
a need for legal certainty & appropriate guidance on many open questions linked to the implementation of the
EUDR.” He also raises the need to “grant a certain harmonised margin of tolerance for operators & monitoring authorities to be equally applied worldwide,” while “support should be given for simplifying the ex-
ante due diligence statement submission requirements for small-scale local marketing & in low-risk
countries.” He reiterates the importance of treating “EU & non-EU countries in an equal manner,” adding that
“our services will therefore need to ensure that these proposals are compatible with the fundamental WTO
principle of non-discrimination.”
By way of conclusion, he is sanguine that “in order to make the EU Deforestation Regulation a success for
the Green Deal on a global scale, we need more time to address the substantial concerns raised by Member
States & our partners.” “Farmers & foresters must have legal certainty & face less administrative burden, in
order to continue to produce food & deliver on biodiversity in the EU & in low-risk partner countries with
growing forests.” He reminds VdL, who is seeking a second term at the helm, that it is “our obligation to take
all the necessary measures to ensure continuity of businesses & supply of products covered by the regulation
and to avoid any disruption of trade due to a hasty implementation of this regulation.” *A copy of the letter
was sent to Executive Vice-Presidents Šefčovič & Dombrovskis as well as Commissioners Sinkevičius
(Environment), Breton (Internal Market) & Jutta Urpilainen (International Partnerships);
“Postponement unavoidable”: The postponement of the implementation of the EUDR now looks
“unavoidable”, well-placed sources confirmed this week, as Member States need to put in place specific
structures, which are still not ready. Under pressure from countries such as Germany & Austria, there is also
talk that VdL stands ready to introduce further simplification & certain revisions to the regulation, but it is
unclear how the EU executive would proceed with any of those changes. The move is likely to come as a
blow to environmental groups such as Fern, ClientEarth & Earthsight, which have rejected any prolongation
of the transition period or scaling back of the deforestation rules & lobbied heavily for the timely entry into
force of the legislation. Meanwhile, the EU’s largest farm lobby Copa-Cogeca backs the postponement “but
also a true & workable simplification” of the text. A joint EUDR platform, coordinated by Copa-Cogeca, is
scheduled to take place on May 15, in the presence of Agriculture Commissioner Wojciechowski. Agra Facts
---------
Careless Leadership Lands Bassa Citizens In Abject Poverty And Leaves The County Underdeveloped
BUCHANAN – A prominent son of Grand Bassa Rev. Wynston Dixon says careless leaders are continuously landing citizens of Grand Bassa County into abject poverty and keeping the County undeveloped.
Grand Bassa County, a jewel of untapped potential, is strategically nestled by the Atlantic Ocean and home to four significant concessions—Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC), Equatorial Palm Oil (EPO), and MMG Gold—the highest number in the country. This abundance of resources, coupled with the presence of several logging companies, paints a picture of a county brimming with opportunities, eagerly awaiting exemplary leadership to unlock its full potential.
Rev. Dixon said “It is a fortunate circumstance to have a multibillion-dollar company in Bassa. ArcelorMittal Liberia contributes one million dollars to the county each year; that’s 10 million dollars over the last ten years. However, despite this, Grand Bassa County remains underdeveloped. The question arises: why? Is it a lack of leadership or corruption of the leaders? This contrast is glaring when we witness our leaders driving $80,000 vehicles, seeking healthcare abroad, and sending their children and grandchildren overseas for education. Meanwhile, Ma Musu’s children and grandchildren succumb to a lack of medical services, and Ma Yatti’s children receive subpar education”. Read more at GNN Liberia
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May 05, 2024
Booming biodiesel production in Korea in growing pains
The biodiesel industry, which was expected to grow due to the global trend of reducing carbon emissions, is suffering from excessive competition. This is because more companies decide to make pre-emptive investments for the future while market demand is not ripe. Recently, small-scale companies are reportedly considering suspending their businesses in the face of the double whammy of increasing raw material costs.
According to the oil refining industry on the 5th, the total production capacity of domestic biodiesel companies is 1.43 million tons per year, exceeding the demand of 940,000 tons by 52%. Last month, HD Hyundai Oilbank began commercial operation of a 130,000-ton biodiesel production facility at its Daesan plant in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do, making the industry more competitive.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from animal and vegetable oil, not oil, that can reduce carbon emissions. The government has raised the mandatory mixing ratio for diesel by 0.5 percentage point from this year to 4%. It is expected to increase to 8% by 2030, but supply growth seems to be faster than demand. GS Bio, a subsidiary of GS Caltex, has also been expanding its biodiesel plant in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do since last year with the aim of completing it at the end of this year.
Palm oil prices for biodiesel production are on the rise, and industry worries are deepening. In March, the domestic import unit price was $911 per ton, the highest in 10 months since May last year ($947). It has been on the rise for five consecutive months since $817 per ton in November last year. Read more MK Korea
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Nigeria can beat the world in palm kernel export – NEPC boss to South-South exporters
Nigeria can compete strongly internationally with palm kernels alone. To achieve this, Nigerians interested in its export should think of and develop capacity to move shiploads, not mere containers abroad.
These tips were dropped in Port Harcourt on May 3, 2024, by Nigeria Export Promotions Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, chief executive officer (CEO), where he motivated exporters in the South-South to think more about non-oil export. She said they were the ones to push palm kernel for Nigeria because the zone is a big player in the oil palm value chain.
Ayeni who urged exporters in the zone to develop what she calls global mindset, pleaded with exporters and other business owners in the region as well as public sector support institutions to come closer to the NEPC to find out ways of boosting non-oil export business for wealth creation and job creation.
Ayeni was in the region to help boost export consciousness and participation, saying NEPC was ready to help from zero to export including access to market.
The NEPC boss reiterated the Council’s commitment to the South-South to develop and promote the non-oil export sector, while calling on exporters to have a global and value addition mindset. Business DayNG
Booming biodiesel production in Korea in growing pains
The biodiesel industry, which was expected to grow due to the global trend of reducing carbon emissions, is suffering from excessive competition. This is because more companies decide to make pre-emptive investments for the future while market demand is not ripe. Recently, small-scale companies are reportedly considering suspending their businesses in the face of the double whammy of increasing raw material costs.
According to the oil refining industry on the 5th, the total production capacity of domestic biodiesel companies is 1.43 million tons per year, exceeding the demand of 940,000 tons by 52%. Last month, HD Hyundai Oilbank began commercial operation of a 130,000-ton biodiesel production facility at its Daesan plant in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do, making the industry more competitive.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from animal and vegetable oil, not oil, that can reduce carbon emissions. The government has raised the mandatory mixing ratio for diesel by 0.5 percentage point from this year to 4%. It is expected to increase to 8% by 2030, but supply growth seems to be faster than demand. GS Bio, a subsidiary of GS Caltex, has also been expanding its biodiesel plant in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do since last year with the aim of completing it at the end of this year.
Palm oil prices for biodiesel production are on the rise, and industry worries are deepening. In March, the domestic import unit price was $911 per ton, the highest in 10 months since May last year ($947). It has been on the rise for five consecutive months since $817 per ton in November last year. Read more MK Korea
---------
Nigeria can beat the world in palm kernel export – NEPC boss to South-South exporters
Nigeria can compete strongly internationally with palm kernels alone. To achieve this, Nigerians interested in its export should think of and develop capacity to move shiploads, not mere containers abroad.
These tips were dropped in Port Harcourt on May 3, 2024, by Nigeria Export Promotions Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, chief executive officer (CEO), where he motivated exporters in the South-South to think more about non-oil export. She said they were the ones to push palm kernel for Nigeria because the zone is a big player in the oil palm value chain.
Ayeni who urged exporters in the zone to develop what she calls global mindset, pleaded with exporters and other business owners in the region as well as public sector support institutions to come closer to the NEPC to find out ways of boosting non-oil export business for wealth creation and job creation.
Ayeni was in the region to help boost export consciousness and participation, saying NEPC was ready to help from zero to export including access to market.
The NEPC boss reiterated the Council’s commitment to the South-South to develop and promote the non-oil export sector, while calling on exporters to have a global and value addition mindset. Business DayNG
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May 04, 2024
Malaysia's Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification can fulfil EU Deforestation Regulation demands, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — A panel of certification experts convened by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has assessed the ability of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification to serve as a tool for compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“Areas where further alignment can be pursued were also identified. This includes reducing information gaps related to deforestation, legality, geolocation and traceability in palm oil production,” MPOC said.
International certification expert and auditor for palm oil and rubber Pierre Bois d’Enghien said the MSPO should be recognised by the EU as a compliance tool.
He said the MSPO is a good standard and meets all the sustainability requirements and legality requirements of the EUDR. Read more Malay Mail
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Mali and Burkina Faso Lead Côte d'Ivoire's Trade Gains in 2023
(Ecofin Agency) - In 2023, Côte d'Ivoire's most significant commercial gain was achieved collectively with Mali and Burkina Faso, despite being the 3rd and 6th individual clients. Official data shows that they purchased CFA1,444.6 billion worth of Ivorian products, solidifying their pivotal role in the country's trade relations.
Unlike major clients like the Netherlands and Switzerland, which mainly purchase raw Ivorian materials like cocoa, palm oil, rubber, and cashew nuts, Mali and Burkina Faso engage in a broader range of trade, contributing to a substantial CFA1,429.51 billion surplus for Côte d'Ivoire in 2023.
These figures, less known to the public, challenge the common perception that France, despite ranking 9th in clients, wields significant control over the Ivorian market through the common currency, the FCFA. Data reveals a surge in trade between Côte d'Ivoire and its Malian and Burkinabe partners since 2019, with sales doubling from CFA705.5 billion to CFA1,444.6 billion in 2023.
This trade dynamic highlights the resilience of historical trade routes connecting Abidjan to Bamako in Mali and Bobo-Dioulasso/Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, despite regional differences. However, it's crucial to note that while Mali and Burkina Faso hold a privileged client status, this relationship has minimal impact on Côte d'Ivoire's balance of payments due to the common use of the FCFA in these countries.
This is a fact that should weigh in the balance when the leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali, in particular, consider the direction they want to take with this currency, inherited from colonization and now denounced by a section of public opinion. The stakes are also high for Côte d'Ivoire, which could see its economic expansion slow down if it loses these two brand-name customers. Ecofin Agency
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'Warning shows Malaysia means business'
KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani's warning on stern action against companies discriminating against palm oil is the right move to show the world that Malaysia is taking its industry seriously.
Economists said that the suspected sale of food products with the words "No Palm Oil" written on the plastic packaging at a convenience store in Putrajaya was probably a result of foreign management in the local retail industry, which lacked understanding of national issues.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the raid by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry on Thursday also served as a reminder to retailers to heed Johari's warning.
"This will send out a message to wholesalers and importers that products with these labels cannot be sold here. They have to repackage it, that is the least resellers or importers can do because this is discrimination against palm oil. New Straits Times
Malaysia's Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification can fulfil EU Deforestation Regulation demands, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — A panel of certification experts convened by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has assessed the ability of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification to serve as a tool for compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“Areas where further alignment can be pursued were also identified. This includes reducing information gaps related to deforestation, legality, geolocation and traceability in palm oil production,” MPOC said.
International certification expert and auditor for palm oil and rubber Pierre Bois d’Enghien said the MSPO should be recognised by the EU as a compliance tool.
He said the MSPO is a good standard and meets all the sustainability requirements and legality requirements of the EUDR. Read more Malay Mail
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Mali and Burkina Faso Lead Côte d'Ivoire's Trade Gains in 2023
(Ecofin Agency) - In 2023, Côte d'Ivoire's most significant commercial gain was achieved collectively with Mali and Burkina Faso, despite being the 3rd and 6th individual clients. Official data shows that they purchased CFA1,444.6 billion worth of Ivorian products, solidifying their pivotal role in the country's trade relations.
Unlike major clients like the Netherlands and Switzerland, which mainly purchase raw Ivorian materials like cocoa, palm oil, rubber, and cashew nuts, Mali and Burkina Faso engage in a broader range of trade, contributing to a substantial CFA1,429.51 billion surplus for Côte d'Ivoire in 2023.
These figures, less known to the public, challenge the common perception that France, despite ranking 9th in clients, wields significant control over the Ivorian market through the common currency, the FCFA. Data reveals a surge in trade between Côte d'Ivoire and its Malian and Burkinabe partners since 2019, with sales doubling from CFA705.5 billion to CFA1,444.6 billion in 2023.
This trade dynamic highlights the resilience of historical trade routes connecting Abidjan to Bamako in Mali and Bobo-Dioulasso/Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, despite regional differences. However, it's crucial to note that while Mali and Burkina Faso hold a privileged client status, this relationship has minimal impact on Côte d'Ivoire's balance of payments due to the common use of the FCFA in these countries.
This is a fact that should weigh in the balance when the leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali, in particular, consider the direction they want to take with this currency, inherited from colonization and now denounced by a section of public opinion. The stakes are also high for Côte d'Ivoire, which could see its economic expansion slow down if it loses these two brand-name customers. Ecofin Agency
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'Warning shows Malaysia means business'
KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani's warning on stern action against companies discriminating against palm oil is the right move to show the world that Malaysia is taking its industry seriously.
Economists said that the suspected sale of food products with the words "No Palm Oil" written on the plastic packaging at a convenience store in Putrajaya was probably a result of foreign management in the local retail industry, which lacked understanding of national issues.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the raid by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry on Thursday also served as a reminder to retailers to heed Johari's warning.
"This will send out a message to wholesalers and importers that products with these labels cannot be sold here. They have to repackage it, that is the least resellers or importers can do because this is discrimination against palm oil. New Straits Times
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May 03, 2024
Malaysia looks to tap palm oil biomass for producing advanced fuels
Malaysia will focus on using biomass created by the palm oil industry as a feedstock for new and advanced fuels, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Liew Chin Tong, said May 2.
The government is looking to bolster the biomass sector by attracting investments and to see biomass as "a necessary enabler for new and high value-added industries," the minister said at an event by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, has also made efforts to drive investments into palm oil byproducts as part of its national economic plan called the 12th Malaysia Plan to be implemented between 2021 and 2025, which has outlined biomass as a strategic sector.
However, slow investments since 2019 have challenged efforts to fully utilize its biomass potential, chairman of the Malaysian investment authority, Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob, said at the event May 2.
Due to the trend of fluctuating investments in the biomass sector since 2019, we have not met our ambitious target of MR10 billion ($2.1 billion) as set in the 12th Malaysian Plan, Mahbob said. Read more SP Global
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The Biofuels Report: The top 5 highlights from Singapore Argus Biofuels and Feedstocks conference
The Biofuels Report: The top 5 highlights from Singapore Argus Biofuels and Feedstocks conference
In this first episode of this new podcast series, get some insights from last week's Argus Biofuels and Feedstock Conference in Singapore. Among the prominent topics were emerging regional mandates in Asia, particularly on SAF, changing trade flows and increased traceability for feedstocks, as well as some exciting updates on SAF blends. The team also share highlights from the Women in Biofuels breakfast panel which attracted a large audience at the conference.
Listen to Josefine Ahlström, VP Business Development Europe, Sunita Sharma, VP of Oil Products, and Lauren Moffitt, deputy editor for Biofuels in this episode. Argus Media
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TIMELY FOR MALAYSIA TO SEE BIOMASS AS FEEDSTOCK FOR ADVANCE FUELS -- LIEW
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said it is time for Malaysia to see biomass as the feedstock for new and advanced fuels and other green industries.
He emphasised the government’s strategy to bolster the biomass sector as biomass is often seen as the byproduct of the palm oil industry.
“The mindset shift means biomass is seen as a necessary enabler for new and high value-added industries that will help achieve the missions set out in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
Yesterday’s session at MIDA Sentral brought together key stakeholders from the biomass ecosystem, demonstrating a concerted effort to drive high-value investments and progress towards Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The session highlighted Malaysia’s dedication to promoting sustainable investments in the biomass sector, which is crucial for achieving its net-zero target by 2050 as per the Paris Agreement 2016.
MIDA chief executive officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid highlighted its role to foster a favourable environment for the growth of the biomass industries in Malaysia. Read more Bernama
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Navigating the sustainability landscape: Top three trends
Sustainability and ESG expert, Paula Galbiatti Silveira, detailed the top three global sustainability regulatory trends affecting the compliance landscape today.
With myriad regulatory and non-regulatory information being published across the globe, in multiple languages, navigating the corporate sustainability landscape of mandatory reporting and compliance trends can be complicated.
In the last six months alone, Enhesa has published 1,186 developments on corporate sustainability — 282 focused on environment, 511 on social, and 393 on governance. Among the most trending topics was corporate culture, sustainable products strategy, climate change, and sustainable investments.
In a recent webinar about Sustainability Reporting, Sustainability and ESG expert, Paula Galbiatti Silveira, detailed the top three trends affecting the compliance landscape today. Read more Enhesa
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MSPO certification can fulfil EU Deforestation Regulation demands, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — A panel of certification experts convened by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has assessed the ability of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification to serve as a tool for compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
At the recent MPOC Webinar 3.0, over 500 participants from Malaysia, Europe and around the world listened to three experts outline their assessment of the value of the MSPO, including its compliance role for the EUDR.
In a statement today, MPOC said that during the webinar, European Forest Institute technical expert Dr Josil Murray presented a gap analysis of MSPO and EUDR and highlighted many areas in which the MSPO is a successful certification. Read more Malay Mail
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Bullish On Green: Palm oil is green, but still seen as grey
DR Hezri Adnan / The Edge Malaysia
Despite the palm oil industry bending over backwards to green up its act in the last few decades, it is still under fire. Critics cannot shake the image of palm oil as the nemesis of biodiversity, or worse, the big bad wolf of tropical deforestation. No matter how hard palm oil producers try to play a good character, they still end up being cast as a villain in an environmental saga.
Recently, Global Witness has raised alarms over agricultural products in US supermarkets, linking them to deforestation comparable in size to Los Angeles. Based on the findings of Trase, a sustainable trade data initiative, they spotlighted palm oil as a key factor in the US’ association with deforestation in tropical regions from 2021 to 2023. In this report, Indonesia accounts for an incredible 95.4% of the 41,500ha lost, while Colombia and Malaysia contribute 3% and 1.5% respectively to this forest destruction.
Yet, back in 2011, Indonesia set a firm boundary against deforestation, no longer allowing palm oil companies to expand into primary or virgin forests. Fast-forward to 2021, and the payoff is clear — a 75% drop in deforestation rates from 2020 — the lowest forest loss since records began in 1990. Rarely acknowledged, also, Indonesia keeps 95.6 million hectares under forest cover, an area more than twice the size of California.
For Malaysia, palm oil-driven deforestation is yesterday’s news. It has set a ceiling for palm oil cultivation area at 6.5 million hectares. Due to urban sprawl, the figure has fallen even further to 5.6 million hectares, shrinking the impact of Malaysia’s palm oil on the environment. Read more The EdgeMY
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From Landfills to EV Battery Factories - How Graphjet Technology is Producing Graphite out of Waste
Graphite is a form of carbon that is a key ingredient used to make electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Graphjet Technology is the world’s first and only direct agriculture waste-to-graphite technology developer and producer for the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
"It’s actually more important than the lithium itself inside of a lithium-ion battery for EVs. In addition to the accelerating demand for graphite, in my home country, Malaysia, we saw an opportunity for Graphjet to put by-products in the palm oil industry to use – more than 5 million tonnes of palm kernel waste per year," Graphjet Technology’s CEO and Co-Founder, Aiden Lee, tells Auto Futures.
EV battery anodes are almost entirely comprised of graphite, whereas the cathode is where you find the lithium, nickel, cobalt and other materials. In total graphite makes up nearly half of a battery cell and nearly a third of the entire battery.
"It’s the largest material by volume and mass, and there is more than 10 times more graphite than lithium in a battery. It’s crazy how important graphite is to the EV industry, and it’s not talked about nearly enough," says Li. Read more Auto Futures
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Malaysian Ministry raids convenience store for selling ‘no palm oil’ ice cream
PUTRAJAYA: A convenience store in Precinct 3 here was raided by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) yesterday, for suspected sale of food products with the words 'No Palm Oil' (NPO) written on the product's plastic packaging.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the raid which started at 11.45am was due to a public complaint received by the KPDN and from the inspection, the raiding team found various flavours of ice cream products with NPO wordings.
"All the ice cream products worth RM897.60 have been confiscated for further investigation.
"The case will be investigated under the Trade Descriptions (Prohibition of Use of Statement, Expression or Indication) (Palm Oil and Palm Oil Goods) Regulations 2022," he said in a statement today.
If convicted, the party concerned can be fined not more than RM250,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years.
According to Armizan, the regulations came into force on March 15 2022. Read more The StarMY
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Johari wants stricter customs checks against ‘No Palm Oil’ products
The plantation and commodities minister says it is important to send a message to the market that no one can undermine the country’s commodities.
KUALA LUMPUR: The plantation and commodities ministry will push for stricter customs checks against imported goods with labels that discriminate against palm oil, says its minister, Johari Ghani.
Johari said such actions are necessary to assert that no one in the market can “bully” the country’s products and that the government views the matter seriously.
“We will instruct the customs department to stop letting in these products (that discriminate against palm oil).
“If the department doesn’t have specific instructions (to do so), we will write to them and tell them these products cannot be allowed in due to our existing laws,” he told a press conference here today. Read more FMT
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Malaysia looks to tap palm oil biomass for producing advanced fuels
- Country to focus on biomass for advanced fuels
- Slow investments challenge Malaysia's biomass goals
- Malaysia produces 90 mil mt oil palm biomass annually
Malaysia will focus on using biomass created by the palm oil industry as a feedstock for new and advanced fuels, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Liew Chin Tong, said May 2.
The government is looking to bolster the biomass sector by attracting investments and to see biomass as "a necessary enabler for new and high value-added industries," the minister said at an event by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, has also made efforts to drive investments into palm oil byproducts as part of its national economic plan called the 12th Malaysia Plan to be implemented between 2021 and 2025, which has outlined biomass as a strategic sector.
However, slow investments since 2019 have challenged efforts to fully utilize its biomass potential, chairman of the Malaysian investment authority, Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob, said at the event May 2.
Due to the trend of fluctuating investments in the biomass sector since 2019, we have not met our ambitious target of MR10 billion ($2.1 billion) as set in the 12th Malaysian Plan, Mahbob said. Read more SP Global
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The Biofuels Report: The top 5 highlights from Singapore Argus Biofuels and Feedstocks conference
The Biofuels Report: The top 5 highlights from Singapore Argus Biofuels and Feedstocks conference
In this first episode of this new podcast series, get some insights from last week's Argus Biofuels and Feedstock Conference in Singapore. Among the prominent topics were emerging regional mandates in Asia, particularly on SAF, changing trade flows and increased traceability for feedstocks, as well as some exciting updates on SAF blends. The team also share highlights from the Women in Biofuels breakfast panel which attracted a large audience at the conference.
Listen to Josefine Ahlström, VP Business Development Europe, Sunita Sharma, VP of Oil Products, and Lauren Moffitt, deputy editor for Biofuels in this episode. Argus Media
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TIMELY FOR MALAYSIA TO SEE BIOMASS AS FEEDSTOCK FOR ADVANCE FUELS -- LIEW
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said it is time for Malaysia to see biomass as the feedstock for new and advanced fuels and other green industries.
He emphasised the government’s strategy to bolster the biomass sector as biomass is often seen as the byproduct of the palm oil industry.
“The mindset shift means biomass is seen as a necessary enabler for new and high value-added industries that will help achieve the missions set out in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
Yesterday’s session at MIDA Sentral brought together key stakeholders from the biomass ecosystem, demonstrating a concerted effort to drive high-value investments and progress towards Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The session highlighted Malaysia’s dedication to promoting sustainable investments in the biomass sector, which is crucial for achieving its net-zero target by 2050 as per the Paris Agreement 2016.
MIDA chief executive officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid highlighted its role to foster a favourable environment for the growth of the biomass industries in Malaysia. Read more Bernama
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Navigating the sustainability landscape: Top three trends
Sustainability and ESG expert, Paula Galbiatti Silveira, detailed the top three global sustainability regulatory trends affecting the compliance landscape today.
With myriad regulatory and non-regulatory information being published across the globe, in multiple languages, navigating the corporate sustainability landscape of mandatory reporting and compliance trends can be complicated.
In the last six months alone, Enhesa has published 1,186 developments on corporate sustainability — 282 focused on environment, 511 on social, and 393 on governance. Among the most trending topics was corporate culture, sustainable products strategy, climate change, and sustainable investments.
In a recent webinar about Sustainability Reporting, Sustainability and ESG expert, Paula Galbiatti Silveira, detailed the top three trends affecting the compliance landscape today. Read more Enhesa
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MSPO certification can fulfil EU Deforestation Regulation demands, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — A panel of certification experts convened by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has assessed the ability of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification to serve as a tool for compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
At the recent MPOC Webinar 3.0, over 500 participants from Malaysia, Europe and around the world listened to three experts outline their assessment of the value of the MSPO, including its compliance role for the EUDR.
In a statement today, MPOC said that during the webinar, European Forest Institute technical expert Dr Josil Murray presented a gap analysis of MSPO and EUDR and highlighted many areas in which the MSPO is a successful certification. Read more Malay Mail
---------
Bullish On Green: Palm oil is green, but still seen as grey
DR Hezri Adnan / The Edge Malaysia
Despite the palm oil industry bending over backwards to green up its act in the last few decades, it is still under fire. Critics cannot shake the image of palm oil as the nemesis of biodiversity, or worse, the big bad wolf of tropical deforestation. No matter how hard palm oil producers try to play a good character, they still end up being cast as a villain in an environmental saga.
Recently, Global Witness has raised alarms over agricultural products in US supermarkets, linking them to deforestation comparable in size to Los Angeles. Based on the findings of Trase, a sustainable trade data initiative, they spotlighted palm oil as a key factor in the US’ association with deforestation in tropical regions from 2021 to 2023. In this report, Indonesia accounts for an incredible 95.4% of the 41,500ha lost, while Colombia and Malaysia contribute 3% and 1.5% respectively to this forest destruction.
Yet, back in 2011, Indonesia set a firm boundary against deforestation, no longer allowing palm oil companies to expand into primary or virgin forests. Fast-forward to 2021, and the payoff is clear — a 75% drop in deforestation rates from 2020 — the lowest forest loss since records began in 1990. Rarely acknowledged, also, Indonesia keeps 95.6 million hectares under forest cover, an area more than twice the size of California.
For Malaysia, palm oil-driven deforestation is yesterday’s news. It has set a ceiling for palm oil cultivation area at 6.5 million hectares. Due to urban sprawl, the figure has fallen even further to 5.6 million hectares, shrinking the impact of Malaysia’s palm oil on the environment. Read more The EdgeMY
---------
From Landfills to EV Battery Factories - How Graphjet Technology is Producing Graphite out of Waste
Graphite is a form of carbon that is a key ingredient used to make electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Graphjet Technology is the world’s first and only direct agriculture waste-to-graphite technology developer and producer for the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
"It’s actually more important than the lithium itself inside of a lithium-ion battery for EVs. In addition to the accelerating demand for graphite, in my home country, Malaysia, we saw an opportunity for Graphjet to put by-products in the palm oil industry to use – more than 5 million tonnes of palm kernel waste per year," Graphjet Technology’s CEO and Co-Founder, Aiden Lee, tells Auto Futures.
EV battery anodes are almost entirely comprised of graphite, whereas the cathode is where you find the lithium, nickel, cobalt and other materials. In total graphite makes up nearly half of a battery cell and nearly a third of the entire battery.
"It’s the largest material by volume and mass, and there is more than 10 times more graphite than lithium in a battery. It’s crazy how important graphite is to the EV industry, and it’s not talked about nearly enough," says Li. Read more Auto Futures
---------
Malaysian Ministry raids convenience store for selling ‘no palm oil’ ice cream
PUTRAJAYA: A convenience store in Precinct 3 here was raided by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) yesterday, for suspected sale of food products with the words 'No Palm Oil' (NPO) written on the product's plastic packaging.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the raid which started at 11.45am was due to a public complaint received by the KPDN and from the inspection, the raiding team found various flavours of ice cream products with NPO wordings.
"All the ice cream products worth RM897.60 have been confiscated for further investigation.
"The case will be investigated under the Trade Descriptions (Prohibition of Use of Statement, Expression or Indication) (Palm Oil and Palm Oil Goods) Regulations 2022," he said in a statement today.
If convicted, the party concerned can be fined not more than RM250,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years.
According to Armizan, the regulations came into force on March 15 2022. Read more The StarMY
---------
Johari wants stricter customs checks against ‘No Palm Oil’ products
The plantation and commodities minister says it is important to send a message to the market that no one can undermine the country’s commodities.
KUALA LUMPUR: The plantation and commodities ministry will push for stricter customs checks against imported goods with labels that discriminate against palm oil, says its minister, Johari Ghani.
Johari said such actions are necessary to assert that no one in the market can “bully” the country’s products and that the government views the matter seriously.
“We will instruct the customs department to stop letting in these products (that discriminate against palm oil).
“If the department doesn’t have specific instructions (to do so), we will write to them and tell them these products cannot be allowed in due to our existing laws,” he told a press conference here today. Read more FMT
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May 02, 2024
Indonesia calls for fair UK due diligence rules on palm oil
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has urged the United Kingdom to be fair in implementing the Due Diligence Law on Forest-Risk Commodities, which would have an impact on the palm oil trade.
The request was conveyed by Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, during his meeting with British Minister of State for Climate, Environment, and Energy, Richard Henry Ronald Benyon, in London on Tuesday.
"The Due Diligence Law must not create trade distortions or be discriminatory in terms of product coverage and national treatment," Hartarto said in a statement from his ministry on Wednesday.
He added that developing countries have the right to build a sustainable multilateral trade system. Therefore, the British government is expected to comply with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination, and consistency with multilateral trade rules and regulations. Read more Antara News
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Indonesia expresses interest in joining CPTPP
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto conveyed Indonesia's interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) during a meeting with United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
In a statement issued by his ministry here on Wednesday, Hartarto said that Indonesia's active participation in several international forums would open more opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and boost investment.
"From the results of the initial review of the CPTPP Chapter 30 rules, around 70 percent of the domestic rules are in harmony (with them)," the minister pointed out during his visit to London on Tuesday.
In March, the UK agreed to join the CPTPP, a trade bloc comprising Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. It is the UK's biggest trade deal since Brexit.
Indonesia is currently starting the accession process to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with support from 38 countries, including the UK.
To Hartarto, Trevelyan emphasized that the UK supports Indonesia's bids to join the OECD and the CPTPP. Read more Antara News
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Unilever Holders Back ESG Rowback as Protesters Disrupt Meeting
(Bloomberg) -- Unilever Plc’s move to dial back environmental commitments drew protests at the company’s annual meeting, even as shareholders of the maker of Dove soap and Magnum ice cream approved the softer targets.
Demonstrators interrupted the London gathering Wednesday, singing “Power to the People,” shouting “no to plastic” and demanding a more ambitious commitment from the consumer goods company.
Some other shareholders expressed impatience with the protesters. The company’s new climate transition action plan was approved by investors representing 68% of the share capital.
It was a clash of Unilever old and new: The company has long framed itself as a corporate trailblazer on environmental, social and governance issues. Under pressure from frustrated shareholders, new Chief Executive Officer Hein Schumacher has watered down ESG commitments.
Read More: ESG Poster Child Unilever Waters Down Green Pledges Bloomberg
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Malaysia and Japan test recycling dead palm trees into biofuel
Palm oil industry looks to lessen carbon footprint tied to decaying trunks
KUALA LUMPUR -- Japanese and Malaysian researchers are testing a process to turn felled palm trees into biomass that serves as a renewable source of energy.
The trunks of felled palm trees are arranged in stacks at a demonstration plant in Kluang, a town in southern Malaysia. The trunks, when fed into a machine, are reduced to heaps of moist, amber fiber within seconds.
The palm trees are easy to mulch because their elevated water content softens the wood. The fibers are later washed, dried and converted into small, cylindrical fuel pellets.
The plant also makes use of the liquid wrung out of fibers after they are washed. The liquid contains sap that is recycled into pellets. Read more Nikkei Asia
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Scania pilot testing biodiesel buses in Malaysia
In Malaysia, Scania is pilot testing renewable fuels and electrification solutions with Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) for the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT). Scania held tests in two buses over the 20-kilometre loop route from April 11 to 15; the 10-meter biodiesel for schedule passengers, and the 12-meter Electric development project for IRDA’s technical team only. The 15-meter High Capacity bus is also available for test ride only for IRDA.
The 10-meter biodiesel bus from Scania runs on B100. FAME-prepared Scania buses run on all blends of diesel and biodiesel ranging from B10, B20 and even up to B100. It is environmentally-friendly – lowering global emissions by reducing CO2 to limit the effects of climate change. Riding this bus more also helps to increase the rakyat’s wealth by spurring the rapid development of the Malaysia’s palm oil industry. Read more Biofuels Digest
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What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Palm Oil
Though the health reports on this common food additive are conflicting, it can still be part of a healthy diet. Just be mindful of the source.
Palm oil is found almost everywhere. Unless you strictly avoid it, chances are you’ve likely eaten something that contains palm oil or used a product with it. In this article, you’ll learn what palm oil is, how it impacts human health, its environmental impact, and considerations for including it in your diet.
What is Palm Oil?
As the name implies, palm oil comes from the fruit of the oil palm. It is native to West and Central Africa, where the exact species cultivated there is Elaeis guineensi, and it has been for over 7,000 years. Other oil palm species are cultivated worldwide, mostly in Southeast Asia. You can find palm oil in most international markets, in jars or bottles, usually in its red variety. Read more Eating Well
Indonesia calls for fair UK due diligence rules on palm oil
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has urged the United Kingdom to be fair in implementing the Due Diligence Law on Forest-Risk Commodities, which would have an impact on the palm oil trade.
The request was conveyed by Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, during his meeting with British Minister of State for Climate, Environment, and Energy, Richard Henry Ronald Benyon, in London on Tuesday.
"The Due Diligence Law must not create trade distortions or be discriminatory in terms of product coverage and national treatment," Hartarto said in a statement from his ministry on Wednesday.
He added that developing countries have the right to build a sustainable multilateral trade system. Therefore, the British government is expected to comply with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination, and consistency with multilateral trade rules and regulations. Read more Antara News
---------
Indonesia expresses interest in joining CPTPP
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto conveyed Indonesia's interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) during a meeting with United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
In a statement issued by his ministry here on Wednesday, Hartarto said that Indonesia's active participation in several international forums would open more opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and boost investment.
"From the results of the initial review of the CPTPP Chapter 30 rules, around 70 percent of the domestic rules are in harmony (with them)," the minister pointed out during his visit to London on Tuesday.
In March, the UK agreed to join the CPTPP, a trade bloc comprising Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. It is the UK's biggest trade deal since Brexit.
Indonesia is currently starting the accession process to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with support from 38 countries, including the UK.
To Hartarto, Trevelyan emphasized that the UK supports Indonesia's bids to join the OECD and the CPTPP. Read more Antara News
---------
Unilever Holders Back ESG Rowback as Protesters Disrupt Meeting
(Bloomberg) -- Unilever Plc’s move to dial back environmental commitments drew protests at the company’s annual meeting, even as shareholders of the maker of Dove soap and Magnum ice cream approved the softer targets.
Demonstrators interrupted the London gathering Wednesday, singing “Power to the People,” shouting “no to plastic” and demanding a more ambitious commitment from the consumer goods company.
Some other shareholders expressed impatience with the protesters. The company’s new climate transition action plan was approved by investors representing 68% of the share capital.
It was a clash of Unilever old and new: The company has long framed itself as a corporate trailblazer on environmental, social and governance issues. Under pressure from frustrated shareholders, new Chief Executive Officer Hein Schumacher has watered down ESG commitments.
Read More: ESG Poster Child Unilever Waters Down Green Pledges Bloomberg
---------
Malaysia and Japan test recycling dead palm trees into biofuel
Palm oil industry looks to lessen carbon footprint tied to decaying trunks
KUALA LUMPUR -- Japanese and Malaysian researchers are testing a process to turn felled palm trees into biomass that serves as a renewable source of energy.
The trunks of felled palm trees are arranged in stacks at a demonstration plant in Kluang, a town in southern Malaysia. The trunks, when fed into a machine, are reduced to heaps of moist, amber fiber within seconds.
The palm trees are easy to mulch because their elevated water content softens the wood. The fibers are later washed, dried and converted into small, cylindrical fuel pellets.
The plant also makes use of the liquid wrung out of fibers after they are washed. The liquid contains sap that is recycled into pellets. Read more Nikkei Asia
---------
Scania pilot testing biodiesel buses in Malaysia
In Malaysia, Scania is pilot testing renewable fuels and electrification solutions with Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) for the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT). Scania held tests in two buses over the 20-kilometre loop route from April 11 to 15; the 10-meter biodiesel for schedule passengers, and the 12-meter Electric development project for IRDA’s technical team only. The 15-meter High Capacity bus is also available for test ride only for IRDA.
The 10-meter biodiesel bus from Scania runs on B100. FAME-prepared Scania buses run on all blends of diesel and biodiesel ranging from B10, B20 and even up to B100. It is environmentally-friendly – lowering global emissions by reducing CO2 to limit the effects of climate change. Riding this bus more also helps to increase the rakyat’s wealth by spurring the rapid development of the Malaysia’s palm oil industry. Read more Biofuels Digest
---------
What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Palm Oil
Though the health reports on this common food additive are conflicting, it can still be part of a healthy diet. Just be mindful of the source.
Palm oil is found almost everywhere. Unless you strictly avoid it, chances are you’ve likely eaten something that contains palm oil or used a product with it. In this article, you’ll learn what palm oil is, how it impacts human health, its environmental impact, and considerations for including it in your diet.
What is Palm Oil?
As the name implies, palm oil comes from the fruit of the oil palm. It is native to West and Central Africa, where the exact species cultivated there is Elaeis guineensi, and it has been for over 7,000 years. Other oil palm species are cultivated worldwide, mostly in Southeast Asia. You can find palm oil in most international markets, in jars or bottles, usually in its red variety. Read more Eating Well
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May 01, 2024
Indonesia palm oil exports slide by a quarter in February as rival oils become cheaper
Indonesia, the world’s biggest palm oil producer, saw February palm oil exports tumble by a quarter as buyers switched to cheaper rival vegetable oils, the country’s biggest industry group said on Tuesday.
Indonesia shipped 2.17 million metric tons of palm oil products in February, compared to 2.91 million tons in the same month last year, data from the Indonesia Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) showed.
Indonesia’s palm oil faced stiff price competition from other edible oils such as sunflower and rapeseed oils in the first two month of the year, weighing on demand from markets such as top vegetable oils importer India.
“If the other oils are cheaper, automatically they (buyers) will switch to the cheaper products,” GAPKI chairperson Eddy Martono told reporters.
A slowdown in global economic growth also affected demand, while supplies of vegetable oils are ample on higher-than-expected soy oil output, he added.
Domestic consumption of palm oil in February edged higher to 1.86 million tons, versus 1.80 million tons a year earlier, driven by more demand for biodiesel, GAPKI data showed.
Indonesia produced 3.88 million tons of crude palm oil in February. Inventories rose to 3.26 million tons by the end of the month from 3.03 million tons a month earlier.
Source: Reuters (Reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by Martin Petty, John Mair and Edwina Gibbs) Hellenic Shipping News
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UNDP and SECO Launch Third Phase of Green Commodities Programme in Indonesia
UNDP and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have launched the third phase of the Green Commodities Programme (GCP) in Indonesia, building on the efforts started in 2010 to catalyse changes in the sustainability of agricultural production for society, the economy, and the environment.
Leveraging Swiss citizens’ interest in sustainable food, UNDP and SECO renewed their working partnership – first formed in 2015 – to further strengthen their joint engagement in sustainable agricultural commodities productions, which started with palm oil in Indonesia, as well as coffee and cocoa in Peru. Already in 2021 Swiss voters approved in a referendum a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the European Free Trade Association and Indonesia, which among other things provides for preferential market access for sustainably produced palm oil.
The continuation of the GCP project will extend the expertise gained in the previous two phases to three additional countries: Malaysia (palm oil), Ghana (cocoa), and Brazil (beef and soy).
Phase III is a continuation of the achievements achieved since 2015, in particular the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Platform and the National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil (NAP-SPO/RAN KSB) which have been legalized since 2019 in the form of Presidential Instruction Number 6 of 2019 regarding NAP SPO for 2019- 2024 and will be continued and strengthened into a Presidential Regulation in the near future.
“The key is to strengthen country commodity transformation processes through capacity building in systems leadership and use of multi-stakeholder Effective Collaborative Action methodologies and tools,” said UNDP Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems Senior Advisor Leif Pedersen. “We also use our expertise in public-private partnership building, learning and exchange between country teams through our FACS Community, and collaboration and advocacy with companies in global supply-chains.”
Indonesia palm oil exports slide by a quarter in February as rival oils become cheaper
Indonesia, the world’s biggest palm oil producer, saw February palm oil exports tumble by a quarter as buyers switched to cheaper rival vegetable oils, the country’s biggest industry group said on Tuesday.
Indonesia shipped 2.17 million metric tons of palm oil products in February, compared to 2.91 million tons in the same month last year, data from the Indonesia Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) showed.
Indonesia’s palm oil faced stiff price competition from other edible oils such as sunflower and rapeseed oils in the first two month of the year, weighing on demand from markets such as top vegetable oils importer India.
“If the other oils are cheaper, automatically they (buyers) will switch to the cheaper products,” GAPKI chairperson Eddy Martono told reporters.
A slowdown in global economic growth also affected demand, while supplies of vegetable oils are ample on higher-than-expected soy oil output, he added.
Domestic consumption of palm oil in February edged higher to 1.86 million tons, versus 1.80 million tons a year earlier, driven by more demand for biodiesel, GAPKI data showed.
Indonesia produced 3.88 million tons of crude palm oil in February. Inventories rose to 3.26 million tons by the end of the month from 3.03 million tons a month earlier.
Source: Reuters (Reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by Martin Petty, John Mair and Edwina Gibbs) Hellenic Shipping News
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UNDP and SECO Launch Third Phase of Green Commodities Programme in Indonesia
UNDP and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have launched the third phase of the Green Commodities Programme (GCP) in Indonesia, building on the efforts started in 2010 to catalyse changes in the sustainability of agricultural production for society, the economy, and the environment.
Leveraging Swiss citizens’ interest in sustainable food, UNDP and SECO renewed their working partnership – first formed in 2015 – to further strengthen their joint engagement in sustainable agricultural commodities productions, which started with palm oil in Indonesia, as well as coffee and cocoa in Peru. Already in 2021 Swiss voters approved in a referendum a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the European Free Trade Association and Indonesia, which among other things provides for preferential market access for sustainably produced palm oil.
The continuation of the GCP project will extend the expertise gained in the previous two phases to three additional countries: Malaysia (palm oil), Ghana (cocoa), and Brazil (beef and soy).
Phase III is a continuation of the achievements achieved since 2015, in particular the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Platform and the National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil (NAP-SPO/RAN KSB) which have been legalized since 2019 in the form of Presidential Instruction Number 6 of 2019 regarding NAP SPO for 2019- 2024 and will be continued and strengthened into a Presidential Regulation in the near future.
“The key is to strengthen country commodity transformation processes through capacity building in systems leadership and use of multi-stakeholder Effective Collaborative Action methodologies and tools,” said UNDP Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems Senior Advisor Leif Pedersen. “We also use our expertise in public-private partnership building, learning and exchange between country teams through our FACS Community, and collaboration and advocacy with companies in global supply-chains.”
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CSPO Watch May 2024