Top News on Palm Oil. September 2022
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September 30, 2022
Palm oil set for worst quarter in 14 years on bulging reserves
(Sept 30): Palm oil headed for its biggest quarterly plunge since 2008, as rising inventories in the world’s top growers and mounting concerns of a global economic recession outweighed recent robust exports.
Benchmark futures in Malaysia, which set the tone for global palm oil prices, have plummeted 31% in the July-September quarter, amid forecasts for surging supplies in Indonesia and Malaysia. That could provide some relief to consumers across the globe from high food inflation, as the tropical oil is found in many grocery items from chocolates to pastries and ice creams.
Growing worries about an economic slowdown slashing edible oil demand have further hammered palm, the world’s most-consumed cooking oil. Although exports from Malaysia surged almost 19% in the first 25 days of September from a month earlier, demand from top importer India could taper off in the coming weeks, as the festival season will end in late October with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The Edge Markets
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Nestlé Says It Will Drop Palm Oil Supplier Accused of Abuses
Astra Agro Lestari faced previous similar allegations
Consumer-goods companies are under pressure to drop suppliers
The Swiss company instructed its direct vendors to ensure that palm oil from three entities linked to Astra Agro Lestari Tbk doesn’t enter its supply chain in the future, according to a letter sent to nonprofit Friends of the Earth and seen by Bloomberg. In the document, dated Sept. 28, Nestlé said it expects to complete the process by the end of the year.
“We take these allegations against Astra Agro Lestari very seriously,” according to the letter, signed by Benjamin Ware, Nestlé’s head of sustainable sourcing. “We have been closely following the situation and these three subsidiaries in question have been on our grievance list for several months.”
A representative of Astra Agro Lestari said the company couldn’t comment before reading Nestlé’s statement. Parent company Astra International Tbk didn’t immediately respond to questions sent via text message. Yahoo/ Bloomberg
Palm oil set for worst quarter in 14 years on bulging reserves
(Sept 30): Palm oil headed for its biggest quarterly plunge since 2008, as rising inventories in the world’s top growers and mounting concerns of a global economic recession outweighed recent robust exports.
Benchmark futures in Malaysia, which set the tone for global palm oil prices, have plummeted 31% in the July-September quarter, amid forecasts for surging supplies in Indonesia and Malaysia. That could provide some relief to consumers across the globe from high food inflation, as the tropical oil is found in many grocery items from chocolates to pastries and ice creams.
Growing worries about an economic slowdown slashing edible oil demand have further hammered palm, the world’s most-consumed cooking oil. Although exports from Malaysia surged almost 19% in the first 25 days of September from a month earlier, demand from top importer India could taper off in the coming weeks, as the festival season will end in late October with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The Edge Markets
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Nestlé Says It Will Drop Palm Oil Supplier Accused of Abuses
Astra Agro Lestari faced previous similar allegations
Consumer-goods companies are under pressure to drop suppliers
The Swiss company instructed its direct vendors to ensure that palm oil from three entities linked to Astra Agro Lestari Tbk doesn’t enter its supply chain in the future, according to a letter sent to nonprofit Friends of the Earth and seen by Bloomberg. In the document, dated Sept. 28, Nestlé said it expects to complete the process by the end of the year.
“We take these allegations against Astra Agro Lestari very seriously,” according to the letter, signed by Benjamin Ware, Nestlé’s head of sustainable sourcing. “We have been closely following the situation and these three subsidiaries in question have been on our grievance list for several months.”
A representative of Astra Agro Lestari said the company couldn’t comment before reading Nestlé’s statement. Parent company Astra International Tbk didn’t immediately respond to questions sent via text message. Yahoo/ Bloomberg
September 29, 2022
Indonesia-Japan Sign US$138.2mn Trade Contract for Palm Kernel Shells
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia booked a US$138.2 million worth of palm kernel shells trade contract with Japan for the latter's renewable energy needs. The agreement was met in a business meeting and the signing of a trade agreement in Tokyo today, Sept. 28.
The business meeting that resulted in the trade contract was part of a series of trade missions dubbed 'Business Meeting of Indonesia Palm Kernel Shell', which was held on the same day.
"The implementation of this business meeting is a concrete step and collaboration the central government, Indonesian representatives in Japan, and associations, in increasing exports of Indonesian palm kernel shell commodities to Japan," the Trade Ministry's Director General of National Export Development, Didi Sumedi, said in Jakarta, Wednesday, September 28.
Didi said that Indonesia is one of the world's top producers of palm kernel shells. In 2021, 87.1 percent of the commodities were exported to Japan. Tempo
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Malaysia-One-off intake sees 10,000 Bangladeshi workers arriving from this week
PETALING JAYA: Ten thousand Bangladeshi workers will arrive in Malaysia in batches beginning this week, according to a spokesman for the human resources ministry.
Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, the ministry’s deputy secretary-general in charge of operations, told FMT this came under a government-to-government agreement for a one-off labour intake.
He said the 25 Bangladeshi agencies appointed for the recruitment of workers had nothing to do with the scheme.
“This one-off bilateral cooperation involves the recruitment agency under the government of Bangladesh,” he said. “It’s simply to expedite the intake of foreign labour.” Free Malaysia Today
Indonesia-Japan Sign US$138.2mn Trade Contract for Palm Kernel Shells
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia booked a US$138.2 million worth of palm kernel shells trade contract with Japan for the latter's renewable energy needs. The agreement was met in a business meeting and the signing of a trade agreement in Tokyo today, Sept. 28.
The business meeting that resulted in the trade contract was part of a series of trade missions dubbed 'Business Meeting of Indonesia Palm Kernel Shell', which was held on the same day.
"The implementation of this business meeting is a concrete step and collaboration the central government, Indonesian representatives in Japan, and associations, in increasing exports of Indonesian palm kernel shell commodities to Japan," the Trade Ministry's Director General of National Export Development, Didi Sumedi, said in Jakarta, Wednesday, September 28.
Didi said that Indonesia is one of the world's top producers of palm kernel shells. In 2021, 87.1 percent of the commodities were exported to Japan. Tempo
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Malaysia-One-off intake sees 10,000 Bangladeshi workers arriving from this week
PETALING JAYA: Ten thousand Bangladeshi workers will arrive in Malaysia in batches beginning this week, according to a spokesman for the human resources ministry.
Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, the ministry’s deputy secretary-general in charge of operations, told FMT this came under a government-to-government agreement for a one-off labour intake.
He said the 25 Bangladeshi agencies appointed for the recruitment of workers had nothing to do with the scheme.
“This one-off bilateral cooperation involves the recruitment agency under the government of Bangladesh,” he said. “It’s simply to expedite the intake of foreign labour.” Free Malaysia Today
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September 28, 2022
40% of Asian companies referencing biodiversity aren’t taking action
Just 4% treat nature-related issues as a priority
Fewer than half of Asian companies are tackling biodiversity issues, despite 70% making reference to them, a report has found.
For its Asian Markets Biodiversity Report Card, Nature Positive analysed 192 companies listed on the Japanese, Thai, Hong Kong and Singapore stock exchanges, finding just 42% treating biodiversity as a material concern. Of those just 4% treat biodiversity as a priority.
This is despite 135 companies – 70% – referencing biodiversity on their websites and published reports, the specialist consultancy firm found.
“While it is encouraging to see companies talking about biodiversity, the extent to which this drives meaningful change is questionable,” said Dr Stephanie Wray, managing director of Nature Positive. ESG Clarity
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Africa Food Prices Soaring Amid High Import Reliance, Says IMF
Amid the economic downturn in some African countries, the prices of staple food in the sub-Saharan Africa have surged by an average of 23.9 percent in 2020-22, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said in a report.
According to a report by Cedric Okou, John Spray, and D. Filiz Unsal, the surge in prices is the most since the 2008 global financial crisis, even as it stated that that is commensurate to an 8.5 percent rise in the cost of a typical food consumption basket (beyond generalised price increases).
“Global factors are partly to blame because the region imports most of its top staple foods-wheat, palm oil, and rice-which local food prices is significant, nearly one-to-one in some countries.
“Prices of locally sourced staple food have also spiked in some countries on the back of domestic supply disruptions, local currency depreciations, and higher fertilizer and input costs. In Nigeria for example, the prices of both cassava and maize have more than doubled even though they’re mainly produced locally. In Ghana, prices for cassava escalated by 78 percent in 2020-21, reflecting higher production costs and transport constraints among other factors,” it stated. This Day Live
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Nigeria-Norsworthy Deepens Agric investment with over 250,000 Oil Palm Trees
A Philanthropist and Chairman of Norsworthy Agro Allied Company Limited, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, has taken further steps to deepen his human capital development strides as well as provide job opportunities for the teeming youth in the South southern part of the nation namely Delta state.
The latest in this quest is the conjunction with Delta State government for the construction of a multi-billion Naira Agro allied industrial palm plantation built on a vast 1,400 hectare of land owned by Akwukwu-Igbo, Ugbolu and Ilah communities in Oshimili North Local Council of Delta state.
The oil mill plantation whose idea was conceived with the dual purpose of job provision for the youth as well as tackling the menace of food insecurity in the nation was inspected by the governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Kings and Chiefs of the community including the staff and management of the company. This Day Live
40% of Asian companies referencing biodiversity aren’t taking action
Just 4% treat nature-related issues as a priority
Fewer than half of Asian companies are tackling biodiversity issues, despite 70% making reference to them, a report has found.
For its Asian Markets Biodiversity Report Card, Nature Positive analysed 192 companies listed on the Japanese, Thai, Hong Kong and Singapore stock exchanges, finding just 42% treating biodiversity as a material concern. Of those just 4% treat biodiversity as a priority.
This is despite 135 companies – 70% – referencing biodiversity on their websites and published reports, the specialist consultancy firm found.
“While it is encouraging to see companies talking about biodiversity, the extent to which this drives meaningful change is questionable,” said Dr Stephanie Wray, managing director of Nature Positive. ESG Clarity
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Africa Food Prices Soaring Amid High Import Reliance, Says IMF
Amid the economic downturn in some African countries, the prices of staple food in the sub-Saharan Africa have surged by an average of 23.9 percent in 2020-22, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said in a report.
According to a report by Cedric Okou, John Spray, and D. Filiz Unsal, the surge in prices is the most since the 2008 global financial crisis, even as it stated that that is commensurate to an 8.5 percent rise in the cost of a typical food consumption basket (beyond generalised price increases).
“Global factors are partly to blame because the region imports most of its top staple foods-wheat, palm oil, and rice-which local food prices is significant, nearly one-to-one in some countries.
“Prices of locally sourced staple food have also spiked in some countries on the back of domestic supply disruptions, local currency depreciations, and higher fertilizer and input costs. In Nigeria for example, the prices of both cassava and maize have more than doubled even though they’re mainly produced locally. In Ghana, prices for cassava escalated by 78 percent in 2020-21, reflecting higher production costs and transport constraints among other factors,” it stated. This Day Live
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Nigeria-Norsworthy Deepens Agric investment with over 250,000 Oil Palm Trees
A Philanthropist and Chairman of Norsworthy Agro Allied Company Limited, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, has taken further steps to deepen his human capital development strides as well as provide job opportunities for the teeming youth in the South southern part of the nation namely Delta state.
The latest in this quest is the conjunction with Delta State government for the construction of a multi-billion Naira Agro allied industrial palm plantation built on a vast 1,400 hectare of land owned by Akwukwu-Igbo, Ugbolu and Ilah communities in Oshimili North Local Council of Delta state.
The oil mill plantation whose idea was conceived with the dual purpose of job provision for the youth as well as tackling the menace of food insecurity in the nation was inspected by the governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Kings and Chiefs of the community including the staff and management of the company. This Day Live
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September 26, 2022
USP publishes monograph for palm oil tocotrienols and tocopherols
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has officially published the Palm Oil Tocotrienols and Tocopherols Monograph on 1 August, 2022, under Non-Botanical Dietary Supplements.
The United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) is recognised as an official compendium of the United States by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FFDCA). The USP’s publicly available monographs are meant to be used by regulators, public health authorities and including dietary supplement companies to verify the quality expectations and standards of an ingredient or product and thereby public’s trust and confidence.
The specification is made up of acceptance criteria, evaluation procedures and validated tests. In general, USP Monograph sets the gold standard in the industry for a particular product or ingredient vis a vis quality, strength, purity and safety. Nutraceutical Business Review
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Solidaridad Network-Include smallholders in the palm oil value chain
KUALA LUMPUR: In the face of new opportunities and external sustainability agenda, more attention has to be paid as to how companies can better support the three million smallholders worldwide who produce roughly 30 per cent of global palm oil, said international civil society organisation Solidaridad Network.
The organisation in a report ‘Palm Oil Barometer 2022’ said smallholders’ contribution to the overall palm oil supply is expected to rise as the private sector implement zero-deforestation commitments as governmental moratoriums on large-scale oil palm plantation expansion lead to more scrutiny on bigger estates.
Nevertheless, farmers organisations themselves have a key role to play in contributing to the debate on smallholders and their future. Such a debate, which engages farmers as well as the private sector, needs to be fostered in search of better-informed policies and practices, the report said. The Borneo Post
USP publishes monograph for palm oil tocotrienols and tocopherols
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has officially published the Palm Oil Tocotrienols and Tocopherols Monograph on 1 August, 2022, under Non-Botanical Dietary Supplements.
The United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) is recognised as an official compendium of the United States by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FFDCA). The USP’s publicly available monographs are meant to be used by regulators, public health authorities and including dietary supplement companies to verify the quality expectations and standards of an ingredient or product and thereby public’s trust and confidence.
The specification is made up of acceptance criteria, evaluation procedures and validated tests. In general, USP Monograph sets the gold standard in the industry for a particular product or ingredient vis a vis quality, strength, purity and safety. Nutraceutical Business Review
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Solidaridad Network-Include smallholders in the palm oil value chain
KUALA LUMPUR: In the face of new opportunities and external sustainability agenda, more attention has to be paid as to how companies can better support the three million smallholders worldwide who produce roughly 30 per cent of global palm oil, said international civil society organisation Solidaridad Network.
The organisation in a report ‘Palm Oil Barometer 2022’ said smallholders’ contribution to the overall palm oil supply is expected to rise as the private sector implement zero-deforestation commitments as governmental moratoriums on large-scale oil palm plantation expansion lead to more scrutiny on bigger estates.
Nevertheless, farmers organisations themselves have a key role to play in contributing to the debate on smallholders and their future. Such a debate, which engages farmers as well as the private sector, needs to be fostered in search of better-informed policies and practices, the report said. The Borneo Post
September 24, 2022
EU biofuel import controls need tightening: APPB
A better traceability of imported feedstocks used to produced advanced biofuels, particularly those derived from the palm oil sector, is essential for both the reputation of the market and the EU but the block's recent drive for better certification falls short, according to Portugal's association of biofuels producers APPB.
The problem concerns not only the environment, but also the competitivity of biorefiners that use little or no derivatives or waste from the palm oil sector — such as those in Portugal — which have been competing with an increase in pre-blended, imported biofuels since early 2021.
Recent votes in the European Parliament such as the amendments to the RED II directive, or proposals to halt the sale of products from deforested or degraded land, are steps towards a better tracing of palm oil and its derivatives and preventing fraud arising from mixing palm oil with used cooking oil (UCO). But they only meet a fraction of the need for tighter monitoring of waste-based feedstocks, according to the association.
New controls on auditing and governance of sustainable biofuel supply chains via a central track-and-trace database, hosted by the European Commission, will include advanced biofuel feedstocks, but are only set to start becoming operational from 1 January 2023. Argus Media
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Malaysia-Indonesia's Palm Oil Export Levy Waivers will not impact demand for Malaysian CPO
PETALING JAYA: Demand for Malaysia’s crude palm oil (CPO) is expected to remain stable despite the Indonesian government's recent decision to extend its export levy waiver for the commodity.
Given that there is a huge demand for CPO right now, Indonesia’s move is not expected to have an impact on the market for the local commodity, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
“There is nothing to be concerned about at this time, (the demand for) our CPO will not be affected. The (global) market is still short of palm oil,“ she told the media after her working visit to the Chocolate Museum here today.
She was commenting on a news report on Wednesday which stated that Malaysia’s CPO exports are expected to fall in the next two to three months, raising the inventory level by the end of December 2022 to 2.5 million metric tonnes -- the highest since April 2019.
The projection was based on Indonesia’s move to reduce its CPO stocks at cheaper prices and extend its export levy waiver to Oct 31, 2022, after lifting its export ban in May. The Sun Daily
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Indonesia-Musim Mas' Program Helps Indonesian Oil Palm Farmers Receive USD 733K
Musim Mas, one of the world's largest fully integrated palm oil corporations, announced that the current batch of independent farmers from its smallholders' extension program has successfully sold their RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil to international buyers through the RSPO's trading platform.
2,295 independent smallholders from farmers' associations in North Sumatra Province (Rantauprapat) and Riau Province (Pelalawan, Rokan Hilir, and Rokan Hulu) have received almost IDR 11 billion, or USD 733K from the transaction. Combined with similar sales in 2020 and 2021, these four associations have earned close to USD 1.3 million.
The associations are part of Musim Mas' independent smallholders' training and RSPO certification program that started more than five years ago as part of the Indonesian Palm Oil Development Scheme for Smallholders (IPODS). Musim Mas developed the original IPODS program with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a way to encourage and enable independent oil palm farmers to obtain certification by the globally-recognized Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
"It is a significant achievement for smallholders to be certified because it opens more doors for them to sell their palm oil volume to global buyers seeking sustainable palm oil," said Rudman Simanjuntak, Musim Mas' Manager of Independent Smallholders. AccessWire
EU biofuel import controls need tightening: APPB
A better traceability of imported feedstocks used to produced advanced biofuels, particularly those derived from the palm oil sector, is essential for both the reputation of the market and the EU but the block's recent drive for better certification falls short, according to Portugal's association of biofuels producers APPB.
The problem concerns not only the environment, but also the competitivity of biorefiners that use little or no derivatives or waste from the palm oil sector — such as those in Portugal — which have been competing with an increase in pre-blended, imported biofuels since early 2021.
Recent votes in the European Parliament such as the amendments to the RED II directive, or proposals to halt the sale of products from deforested or degraded land, are steps towards a better tracing of palm oil and its derivatives and preventing fraud arising from mixing palm oil with used cooking oil (UCO). But they only meet a fraction of the need for tighter monitoring of waste-based feedstocks, according to the association.
New controls on auditing and governance of sustainable biofuel supply chains via a central track-and-trace database, hosted by the European Commission, will include advanced biofuel feedstocks, but are only set to start becoming operational from 1 January 2023. Argus Media
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Malaysia-Indonesia's Palm Oil Export Levy Waivers will not impact demand for Malaysian CPO
PETALING JAYA: Demand for Malaysia’s crude palm oil (CPO) is expected to remain stable despite the Indonesian government's recent decision to extend its export levy waiver for the commodity.
Given that there is a huge demand for CPO right now, Indonesia’s move is not expected to have an impact on the market for the local commodity, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
“There is nothing to be concerned about at this time, (the demand for) our CPO will not be affected. The (global) market is still short of palm oil,“ she told the media after her working visit to the Chocolate Museum here today.
She was commenting on a news report on Wednesday which stated that Malaysia’s CPO exports are expected to fall in the next two to three months, raising the inventory level by the end of December 2022 to 2.5 million metric tonnes -- the highest since April 2019.
The projection was based on Indonesia’s move to reduce its CPO stocks at cheaper prices and extend its export levy waiver to Oct 31, 2022, after lifting its export ban in May. The Sun Daily
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Indonesia-Musim Mas' Program Helps Indonesian Oil Palm Farmers Receive USD 733K
Musim Mas, one of the world's largest fully integrated palm oil corporations, announced that the current batch of independent farmers from its smallholders' extension program has successfully sold their RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil to international buyers through the RSPO's trading platform.
2,295 independent smallholders from farmers' associations in North Sumatra Province (Rantauprapat) and Riau Province (Pelalawan, Rokan Hilir, and Rokan Hulu) have received almost IDR 11 billion, or USD 733K from the transaction. Combined with similar sales in 2020 and 2021, these four associations have earned close to USD 1.3 million.
The associations are part of Musim Mas' independent smallholders' training and RSPO certification program that started more than five years ago as part of the Indonesian Palm Oil Development Scheme for Smallholders (IPODS). Musim Mas developed the original IPODS program with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a way to encourage and enable independent oil palm farmers to obtain certification by the globally-recognized Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
"It is a significant achievement for smallholders to be certified because it opens more doors for them to sell their palm oil volume to global buyers seeking sustainable palm oil," said Rudman Simanjuntak, Musim Mas' Manager of Independent Smallholders. AccessWire
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September 23, 2022
World's Leading Consumer Goods Companies Put Transparency and Transformation at Forefront of Latest Deforestation Report
NEW YORK and PARIS, Sept. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Goods Forum's (CGF) Forest Positive Coalition of Action has today released its second Annual Report, sharing the Coalition's progress on commitments to remove deforestation, forest degradation, and conversion from key commodity supply chains.
Launched during an event at New York Climate Week, the report features new data to demonstrate collectively how all Coalition members are reporting on 62% of the Coalition's ambitious set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
As the world's leading initiative of consumer goods companies taking collective action for a forest positive future, representing a market value of more than USD 2 trillion, the report demonstrates the positive impact of continued collaboration to tackle deforestation, as well as encourages businesses and stakeholders to continue and accelerate efforts, particularly around supply chain transparency and public disclosure, towards a forest positive future. Yahoo
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Investor working group on sustainable palm oil: engagement results
This report summarises the outcomes of the PRI Investor Working Group on Sustainable Palm Oil. As of 2021, the group comprised of 64 investors with USD$7.9 trillion in assets under management. The working group’s aim was to tackle deforestation by coordinating engagement with companies across the palm oil supply chain.
This document tracks the results of engagement specifically with 24 companies that grow, process and trade palm oil, and 10 banks in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
We gathered data from the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) SPOTT benchmark and WWF’s Sustainable Banking Assessment tool to track company progress on their deforestation-related policies and practices. Along with the results, we recommend how to continue stewardship activities in this area. UNPRI
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India's top palm oil buyer expects 23% jump in imports
AGRA, India, Sept 23 (Reuters) - India's palm oil imports could jump 23% in 2022/23 to an eight-year high of 9.5 million tonnes, as a rebound in consumption and competitive prices prompt refiners to increase purchases, the country's top palm oil buyer said.
"Palm is very attractive as prices are under pressure because of stocks," Sanjeev Asthana, chief executive officer at Patanjali Foods Ltd (PAFO.NS), said on the sidelines of Globoil conference.
Palm oil's big discount to soyoil is unsustainable and it is likely to narrow in the coming months, he said.
Palm oil futures have dropped nearly half from their record highs and palm oil is again at a sizeable discount to rival oils, dealers said.
Palm oil is offered at $950 a tonne including cost, insurance and freight (CIF) to India for October shipment, compared with $1,250 for crude soyoil, according to them. Reuters
World's Leading Consumer Goods Companies Put Transparency and Transformation at Forefront of Latest Deforestation Report
NEW YORK and PARIS, Sept. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Goods Forum's (CGF) Forest Positive Coalition of Action has today released its second Annual Report, sharing the Coalition's progress on commitments to remove deforestation, forest degradation, and conversion from key commodity supply chains.
Launched during an event at New York Climate Week, the report features new data to demonstrate collectively how all Coalition members are reporting on 62% of the Coalition's ambitious set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
As the world's leading initiative of consumer goods companies taking collective action for a forest positive future, representing a market value of more than USD 2 trillion, the report demonstrates the positive impact of continued collaboration to tackle deforestation, as well as encourages businesses and stakeholders to continue and accelerate efforts, particularly around supply chain transparency and public disclosure, towards a forest positive future. Yahoo
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Investor working group on sustainable palm oil: engagement results
This report summarises the outcomes of the PRI Investor Working Group on Sustainable Palm Oil. As of 2021, the group comprised of 64 investors with USD$7.9 trillion in assets under management. The working group’s aim was to tackle deforestation by coordinating engagement with companies across the palm oil supply chain.
This document tracks the results of engagement specifically with 24 companies that grow, process and trade palm oil, and 10 banks in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
We gathered data from the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) SPOTT benchmark and WWF’s Sustainable Banking Assessment tool to track company progress on their deforestation-related policies and practices. Along with the results, we recommend how to continue stewardship activities in this area. UNPRI
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India's top palm oil buyer expects 23% jump in imports
AGRA, India, Sept 23 (Reuters) - India's palm oil imports could jump 23% in 2022/23 to an eight-year high of 9.5 million tonnes, as a rebound in consumption and competitive prices prompt refiners to increase purchases, the country's top palm oil buyer said.
"Palm is very attractive as prices are under pressure because of stocks," Sanjeev Asthana, chief executive officer at Patanjali Foods Ltd (PAFO.NS), said on the sidelines of Globoil conference.
Palm oil's big discount to soyoil is unsustainable and it is likely to narrow in the coming months, he said.
Palm oil futures have dropped nearly half from their record highs and palm oil is again at a sizeable discount to rival oils, dealers said.
Palm oil is offered at $950 a tonne including cost, insurance and freight (CIF) to India for October shipment, compared with $1,250 for crude soyoil, according to them. Reuters
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September 22, 2022
Five Asian countries, including India, join hands to form palm oil alliance
At the initiative of the global sustainable agriculture specialist organisation Solidaridad Network, the apex edible oil industry associations from five major palm oil importing countries from Asia have come together for the first time to form an Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA).
The APOA alliance is initiated by the apex solvent extractors associations of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. In the coming year, the membership would be further expanded to include other select companies or industry organisations operating in the production and/or refining of palm oil in Asia. Economic Times
Five Asian countries, including India, join hands to form palm oil alliance
At the initiative of the global sustainable agriculture specialist organisation Solidaridad Network, the apex edible oil industry associations from five major palm oil importing countries from Asia have come together for the first time to form an Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA).
The APOA alliance is initiated by the apex solvent extractors associations of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. In the coming year, the membership would be further expanded to include other select companies or industry organisations operating in the production and/or refining of palm oil in Asia. Economic Times
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September 21, 2022
Scientists use modelling to hone emissions estimates for oil palm on peat
National estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from oil palm plantations on tropical peatlands can be improved significantly with the help of computer modelling results from a recent study in Indonesia, according to scientists.
Countries reporting to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change may be overestimating their carbon dioxide emissions from oil palm on converted peatlands while underestimating the release of nitrous oxide from decomposing peat. Inaccurate estimates can misrepresent the climate action of parties to the Paris Agreement and other international treaties.
These were among the findings of scientists at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and the University of New Hampshire.
The authors based the study on simulated emissions from oil palm plantations in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan over a 30-year period. To begin with, field measurements of greenhouse gas emissions were collected over three years in order to capture the variability over time and extrapolate the results using computer modelling. CIFOR
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Malaysia-Len Talif: Data from Tropi’s research able to counter negative perception of oil palm sector
KUCHING (Sept 21): The research conducted by Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) on the impact oil palm cultivation on peatlands could help counter those who condemn this sector, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datu Len Talif Salleh.
According to him, the research is a Sarawak government’s initiative done through Tropi, led by its director Lulie Melling.
“This scientific research is not only carried out by our scientists in Sarawak and Malaysia, but it also involves experts with high credibility from Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom.
“Tropi has been established for a long time and it has released data that could be used to counter accusations hurled by NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and individuals abroad on the use of peatlands to plant oilpalm,” he told reporters when met prior to presenting his keynote paper for AsiaFlux 2022 held at Tropi yesterday.
On his keynote paper, ‘Environment and Environmental Sustainability to Mitigate Climate Change’, Len Talif described it as ‘one of the state government’s measures to overcome climate change’. The Borneo Post
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Malaysia Can Be the Biomass Hub, Creating Wealth from Waste: Zuraida
According to YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin, Malaysia has the possibility to emerge as a Biomass Hub. It is appropriate for the country’s status as the second largest palm oil producer and biomass industry contributor.
She was speaking to the audience for the 2nd Global Clean-up Congress.
“Malaysia is the second largest producers and exporters of palm oil in the world, next to Indonesia, supported by 5.7 million hectares of oil palm cultivation which produces 18.1 million tonnes of palm oil. Although we are behind Indonesia in production but, we are the first in terms of yield per hectare,” Zuraida was quoted as saying in her speech.
“Now this is our achievement that we must celebrate, and be proud of because in that sense, we are more efficient in managing our resources – in accordance with the Sustainability Thrust in our National Agricomodity Policy 2030 aka DAKN 2030,” she added.
“Integrating circular economy within the palm oil value chain is an effective solution to optimise the usage of resources
(raw materials) and minimise wastage from production, emissions and energy usage. This is done by reducing and reusing materials that are commonly underutilised in the current linear economy model,” she stressed. Business TodayMY
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Malaysia-Use oil palm biomass as feedstock for "green" jet fuel: Transport Minister
SINGAPORE: Malaysia hopes that oil palm biomass will be accepted as a feedstock for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) given the rising demand for the use of the jet fuel alternative worldwide.
Transport Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong said Malaysia had been involved in the effort to include the oil palm biomass as part of the CORSIA Eligible Fuel Criteria in 2021.
"We need to push for that because we are the main producers of palm oil in the world… We can have the volume (for feedstock) and we need experts like NESTE to process it," he told media after his official visit to NESTE refinery here today.
The visit is also in line with Firefly's first international passenger flight using the Neste MY SAF on the ATR 72-500 aircraft from Seletar Airport to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport in Subang. New Straits Times
---------
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT VOTE ON THE RED REVISION: USE OF RESIDUES BY PRIMARY FOOD PROCESSORS TO PRODUCE GREEN ENERGY NEEDS TO BE FURTHER FACILITATED
On Wednesday 14 September the European Parliament voted its position on the Renewable Energy
Directive (RED).
MEPs rejected PFP’s call for a new sub-annex to facilitate the use of biomass residues in stationary
installations to decarbonise factory processes in the primary food processing industry. The amendment
failed to pass despite being approved by the ENVI Committee (albeit with reference to Annex VI rather
than Annex IX).
MEPs also voted to make the sustainability criteria under the RED subject to the waste hierarchy and
cascading use principle. However, it is unclear how the cascading use principle would apply in practice.
More positively, MEPs struck down the European Commission’s proposal to modify Annex VI to assign
field emissions to non-Annex IX residues and wastes. This is a step forward, improving on the position of
both the Commission and Member States. PFP-EU
---------
EU-Declaration of Leaders’ Summit on Global Food Security
We, the leaders of the Governments of Spain, and the United States of America, the African Union, the European Union, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, having met on September 20, 2022, affirm our commitment to act with urgency, at scale and in concert, to respond to the urgent food security and nutrition needs of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Food systems and global food security are at a critical moment. The compounded impacts from a global pandemic, growing pressures from the climate crisis, high energy and fertilizer prices, and protracted conflicts, including Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine have disrupted production and supply chains and dramatically increased global food insecurity, especially for the most vulnerable.
We can only overcome global food insecurity by working together to create innovative partnerships – including international financial institutions and other key stakeholders – within the global community. We commit to strengthen international cooperation and partnership initiatives between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations as well as civil society organizations. As of September 20, 2022, over 100 United Nations Member States have endorsed the Roadmap for Global Food Security – Call to Action. Consilium Europa
----------
EU sanctions hamstrung by threat to food security
The EU has lifted some restrictions on the trade and financing of Russian coal, and some chemicals, to avoid an energy and food security crisis in poorer countries.
Coal "should be allowed to combat food and energy insecurity around the world," the EU Commission wrote in guidance shared with EU member states on Monday (19 September).
Animal feed and some chemicals used in fertilisers and fuels are also allowed to be financed and shipped by EU operators to third countries.
A group of EU countries, including Poland and the Baltic nations, have criticised the partial loosening of sanctions, fearing it will further support Russian war efforts.
But EU efforts to quit Russian fossil fuels are hamstrung by the inherent risk it poses to global energy and food security. EU Observer
---------
Malaysia-MPIC supports palm oil downstream players in China
THE Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) aims to support palm oil downstream players who want to solidify their presence overseas especially in China, in response to the increasing demand for cakes and bread in the republic.
According to Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, Malaysia’s bakery fats business in China’s bakery industry is small but she is confident that its market share will grow with the right promotion and marketing strategies.
“Although there are still sporadic lockdowns due to its zero-Covid policy, the gradual reopening of China’s borders to business travellers soon can serve as a good opportunity for Malaysian bakery’s fast players to build business contacts, thus riding on this growing opportunity,” Zuraida said in a statement.
She hoped that local shortening and margarine manufacturers should weigh in on the prospects of forging tie-ups with reputable bakery enterprises in China. The Malaysian Reserve
---------
Indonesia-Positive Response KLHK Blocks Foreign Researchers, DPR: Relating to Sovereignty
KedaiPena.Com - The House of Representatives (DPR) gave a positive response to the steps taken by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) to ban foreign researchers on behalf of Erik Meijaard and his friends from entering the area of National Parks and Natural Resources Conservation in Indonesia.
This positive response was conveyed by Member of Commission IV of the DPR RI from the PDI-P faction or PDIP Ono Surono in response to the ban that was carried out after Erik Meijaard et al published an article related to orangutans.
"The KLHK's move is very appropriate because it is related to sovereignty," said Ono when he was called, Wednesday (9/21/2022).
Ono also hopes that in the future the government can anticipate foreigners who are indicated to be conducting research. Ono asked KLHK to coordinate with immigration authorities to anticipate this. KedaiPena
Scientists use modelling to hone emissions estimates for oil palm on peat
National estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from oil palm plantations on tropical peatlands can be improved significantly with the help of computer modelling results from a recent study in Indonesia, according to scientists.
Countries reporting to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change may be overestimating their carbon dioxide emissions from oil palm on converted peatlands while underestimating the release of nitrous oxide from decomposing peat. Inaccurate estimates can misrepresent the climate action of parties to the Paris Agreement and other international treaties.
These were among the findings of scientists at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and the University of New Hampshire.
The authors based the study on simulated emissions from oil palm plantations in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan over a 30-year period. To begin with, field measurements of greenhouse gas emissions were collected over three years in order to capture the variability over time and extrapolate the results using computer modelling. CIFOR
---------
Malaysia-Len Talif: Data from Tropi’s research able to counter negative perception of oil palm sector
KUCHING (Sept 21): The research conducted by Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) on the impact oil palm cultivation on peatlands could help counter those who condemn this sector, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datu Len Talif Salleh.
According to him, the research is a Sarawak government’s initiative done through Tropi, led by its director Lulie Melling.
“This scientific research is not only carried out by our scientists in Sarawak and Malaysia, but it also involves experts with high credibility from Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom.
“Tropi has been established for a long time and it has released data that could be used to counter accusations hurled by NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and individuals abroad on the use of peatlands to plant oilpalm,” he told reporters when met prior to presenting his keynote paper for AsiaFlux 2022 held at Tropi yesterday.
On his keynote paper, ‘Environment and Environmental Sustainability to Mitigate Climate Change’, Len Talif described it as ‘one of the state government’s measures to overcome climate change’. The Borneo Post
---------
Malaysia Can Be the Biomass Hub, Creating Wealth from Waste: Zuraida
According to YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin, Malaysia has the possibility to emerge as a Biomass Hub. It is appropriate for the country’s status as the second largest palm oil producer and biomass industry contributor.
She was speaking to the audience for the 2nd Global Clean-up Congress.
“Malaysia is the second largest producers and exporters of palm oil in the world, next to Indonesia, supported by 5.7 million hectares of oil palm cultivation which produces 18.1 million tonnes of palm oil. Although we are behind Indonesia in production but, we are the first in terms of yield per hectare,” Zuraida was quoted as saying in her speech.
“Now this is our achievement that we must celebrate, and be proud of because in that sense, we are more efficient in managing our resources – in accordance with the Sustainability Thrust in our National Agricomodity Policy 2030 aka DAKN 2030,” she added.
“Integrating circular economy within the palm oil value chain is an effective solution to optimise the usage of resources
(raw materials) and minimise wastage from production, emissions and energy usage. This is done by reducing and reusing materials that are commonly underutilised in the current linear economy model,” she stressed. Business TodayMY
---------
Malaysia-Use oil palm biomass as feedstock for "green" jet fuel: Transport Minister
SINGAPORE: Malaysia hopes that oil palm biomass will be accepted as a feedstock for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) given the rising demand for the use of the jet fuel alternative worldwide.
Transport Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong said Malaysia had been involved in the effort to include the oil palm biomass as part of the CORSIA Eligible Fuel Criteria in 2021.
"We need to push for that because we are the main producers of palm oil in the world… We can have the volume (for feedstock) and we need experts like NESTE to process it," he told media after his official visit to NESTE refinery here today.
The visit is also in line with Firefly's first international passenger flight using the Neste MY SAF on the ATR 72-500 aircraft from Seletar Airport to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport in Subang. New Straits Times
---------
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT VOTE ON THE RED REVISION: USE OF RESIDUES BY PRIMARY FOOD PROCESSORS TO PRODUCE GREEN ENERGY NEEDS TO BE FURTHER FACILITATED
On Wednesday 14 September the European Parliament voted its position on the Renewable Energy
Directive (RED).
MEPs rejected PFP’s call for a new sub-annex to facilitate the use of biomass residues in stationary
installations to decarbonise factory processes in the primary food processing industry. The amendment
failed to pass despite being approved by the ENVI Committee (albeit with reference to Annex VI rather
than Annex IX).
MEPs also voted to make the sustainability criteria under the RED subject to the waste hierarchy and
cascading use principle. However, it is unclear how the cascading use principle would apply in practice.
More positively, MEPs struck down the European Commission’s proposal to modify Annex VI to assign
field emissions to non-Annex IX residues and wastes. This is a step forward, improving on the position of
both the Commission and Member States. PFP-EU
---------
EU-Declaration of Leaders’ Summit on Global Food Security
We, the leaders of the Governments of Spain, and the United States of America, the African Union, the European Union, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, having met on September 20, 2022, affirm our commitment to act with urgency, at scale and in concert, to respond to the urgent food security and nutrition needs of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Food systems and global food security are at a critical moment. The compounded impacts from a global pandemic, growing pressures from the climate crisis, high energy and fertilizer prices, and protracted conflicts, including Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine have disrupted production and supply chains and dramatically increased global food insecurity, especially for the most vulnerable.
We can only overcome global food insecurity by working together to create innovative partnerships – including international financial institutions and other key stakeholders – within the global community. We commit to strengthen international cooperation and partnership initiatives between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations as well as civil society organizations. As of September 20, 2022, over 100 United Nations Member States have endorsed the Roadmap for Global Food Security – Call to Action. Consilium Europa
----------
EU sanctions hamstrung by threat to food security
The EU has lifted some restrictions on the trade and financing of Russian coal, and some chemicals, to avoid an energy and food security crisis in poorer countries.
Coal "should be allowed to combat food and energy insecurity around the world," the EU Commission wrote in guidance shared with EU member states on Monday (19 September).
Animal feed and some chemicals used in fertilisers and fuels are also allowed to be financed and shipped by EU operators to third countries.
A group of EU countries, including Poland and the Baltic nations, have criticised the partial loosening of sanctions, fearing it will further support Russian war efforts.
But EU efforts to quit Russian fossil fuels are hamstrung by the inherent risk it poses to global energy and food security. EU Observer
---------
Malaysia-MPIC supports palm oil downstream players in China
THE Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) aims to support palm oil downstream players who want to solidify their presence overseas especially in China, in response to the increasing demand for cakes and bread in the republic.
According to Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, Malaysia’s bakery fats business in China’s bakery industry is small but she is confident that its market share will grow with the right promotion and marketing strategies.
“Although there are still sporadic lockdowns due to its zero-Covid policy, the gradual reopening of China’s borders to business travellers soon can serve as a good opportunity for Malaysian bakery’s fast players to build business contacts, thus riding on this growing opportunity,” Zuraida said in a statement.
She hoped that local shortening and margarine manufacturers should weigh in on the prospects of forging tie-ups with reputable bakery enterprises in China. The Malaysian Reserve
---------
Indonesia-Positive Response KLHK Blocks Foreign Researchers, DPR: Relating to Sovereignty
KedaiPena.Com - The House of Representatives (DPR) gave a positive response to the steps taken by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) to ban foreign researchers on behalf of Erik Meijaard and his friends from entering the area of National Parks and Natural Resources Conservation in Indonesia.
This positive response was conveyed by Member of Commission IV of the DPR RI from the PDI-P faction or PDIP Ono Surono in response to the ban that was carried out after Erik Meijaard et al published an article related to orangutans.
"The KLHK's move is very appropriate because it is related to sovereignty," said Ono when he was called, Wednesday (9/21/2022).
Ono also hopes that in the future the government can anticipate foreigners who are indicated to be conducting research. Ono asked KLHK to coordinate with immigration authorities to anticipate this. KedaiPena
|
|
Indonesia trimming palm oil stocks with discounts, India sales
MUMBAI/JAKARTA, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Indonesian palm oil producers are whittling down their hefty inventory overhang with discounts versus rivals and aggressive sales to India, where demand is picking up for next month's Diwali festival, industry officials said.
Backed by Jakarta's waiver of palm oil export levies, which was recently extended to Oct. 31 and reversed course from an export ban in May that had shut them out of global trade, producers are moving in to lighten up their stocks at tempting prices.
And India, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils, is buying - offering potential support to benchmark palm oil futures prices while threatening to undercut imports of rivals soyoil and sunoil.
"India has been aggressively buying palm oil from Indonesia since prices are attractive and festival demand is approaching," said Sandeep Bajoria, the chief executive of vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy Sunvin Group. Reuters
---------
Indonesia’s unexpected success story
The economy is prospering despite the sense of crisis elsewhere but the country’s politics could become more unstable
At a time when the global economy is being battered by the Ukraine war and the global energy, food and climate crises, Indonesia has emerged as an unlikely outlier, boasting both a booming economy and period of political stability.
Gross domestic product expanded 5.4 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter, well above forecasts. The country’s inflation rate at 4.7 per cent in August, prior to a recent petrol subsidy cut, is one of the lowest globally. Its currency, the rupiah, is among the best performing in Asia this year and its stock market is hitting record highs.
The resource-rich archipelago, south-east Asia’s largest country with 276mn people, is riding high on soaring commodity prices. Exports rose 30.2 per cent year-on-year to $27.9bn last month, the most on record. The world’s largest producer of nickel, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries, Indonesia is putting in place plans to benefit from the upcoming boom in EVs. Financial Times
---------
Indonesia-Regulations on Foreign NGOs Should be Strengthened
Completeness of compliance with regulations for foreign NGOs must be guided by the requirements related to financial problems of funds, problems with activities, and problems with the structure of the institution.
As we know, NGOs themselves have a position as institutions that help the government achieve the goals of national development. Optimizing the capabilities of the potential that exists in the community is one of the roles of NGOs.
However, such institutions, especially foreign NGOs operating in Indonesia, have to follow the regulatory guidelines from the authorities. Completeness of compliance with regulations for foreign NGOs must be guided by the requirements related to financial problems of funds, problems with activities, and problems with the structure of the institution.
Thus, the establishment of an institution that protects the community will bring positive benefits to the society and the state. If there is a violation, the government has the right to give this institution sanctions.
However, it turns out that there are foreign NGOs that are actually making noise in Indonesia, either by confronting the citizens or the government. The recklessness of the "action" of fraud made the community as well as agencies unite to say that they had hidden intentions. Outlook India
---------
Malaysia-Expanding palm oil stockpile to dampen CPO prices
THE Malaysian palm oil inventory, which is likely to have surpassed two million tonnes for the first time in two years, is expected to add further downward pressure on crude palm oil (CPO) prices that have fallen from their peak in April this year.
As production picks up in the second half and stiffer competition from rival Indonesia curbs export demand, palm oil inventories in Malaysia are expected to climb at least 15.8% in August from a month earlier to 2.05 million tonnes, according to the median of 10 estimates in a Bloomberg survey of analysts, traders and plantation executives.
“Expanding stockpiles could further dampen palm oil prices, which have tumbled more than 40% since May, as the world’s top producer Indonesia implemented various policies to boost its own shipments, including an export levy waiver that has since been extended to end-October,” says analyst Avtar Sandu of Singapore-based Phillip Nova Pte Ltd, which is part of the PhillipCapital Group. The Edge Markets
---------
Biofuels-Is a biofuel mandate the worst option for cutting transport emissions?
Biofuels—and a broader bioeconomy—are key parts of New Zealand's recently released first emissions reduction plan, particularly for transport, forestry and a transition to a more circular use of resources.
Work is moving fast, with a biofuel mandate for land transport to be introduced from April 2023 and a plan to transform the forestry industry currently under consultation.
A bioeconomy is heralded as an opportunity to replace imported fossil fuels with carbon-neutral domestic biofuels and to create higher-value products from plantation forestry (much of which is currently exported as unprocessed logs) while supporting carbon sequestration at the same time.
New Zealand is not the only country thinking along these lines. Biofuels are part of a widespread strategy to address emissions from existing fossil-fueled vehicles, tens of millions of which are still being produced annually. They are also promoted for planes, ships and heavy trucks, often with few alternatives. Phys Org
---------
New York-P&G Board Members Face Shareholder Vote Over Forest Destruction in Supply Chain
NEW YORK – A proposal to shareholders urges Procter & Gamble (P&G) investors to vote against current members of the board of directors, due to the company’s failure to address unsustainable sourcing of wood pulp and palm oil from climate-critical forests in the Canadian boreal and southeast Asia. The proposal was supported by environmental advocacy organizations NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), Friends of the Earth, and Rainforest Action Network (RAN).
In an exempt solicitation filed with the Securities Exchange Commission today, P&G investors are urged to vote against three current members of the Board at its October 11 Annual General Meeting: Board Chair and CEO Jon Moeller; the Chair of the Governance and Public Accountability Committee, Angela Braly; and Patricia Woertz. The exempt solicitation makes the case that these board members have failed to provide the leadership needed to align P&G’s forest sourcing with the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, exposing the company to significant risk.
At P&G’s 2020 shareholder meeting, 67 percent of voting shareholders urged the company to increase the scale, pace, and rigor with which it addresses environmental and social harms linked to its sourcing of pulp and palm oil. Yet insufficient action has been taken by P&G leadership since that vote. NRDC
MUMBAI/JAKARTA, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Indonesian palm oil producers are whittling down their hefty inventory overhang with discounts versus rivals and aggressive sales to India, where demand is picking up for next month's Diwali festival, industry officials said.
Backed by Jakarta's waiver of palm oil export levies, which was recently extended to Oct. 31 and reversed course from an export ban in May that had shut them out of global trade, producers are moving in to lighten up their stocks at tempting prices.
And India, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils, is buying - offering potential support to benchmark palm oil futures prices while threatening to undercut imports of rivals soyoil and sunoil.
"India has been aggressively buying palm oil from Indonesia since prices are attractive and festival demand is approaching," said Sandeep Bajoria, the chief executive of vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy Sunvin Group. Reuters
---------
Indonesia’s unexpected success story
The economy is prospering despite the sense of crisis elsewhere but the country’s politics could become more unstable
At a time when the global economy is being battered by the Ukraine war and the global energy, food and climate crises, Indonesia has emerged as an unlikely outlier, boasting both a booming economy and period of political stability.
Gross domestic product expanded 5.4 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter, well above forecasts. The country’s inflation rate at 4.7 per cent in August, prior to a recent petrol subsidy cut, is one of the lowest globally. Its currency, the rupiah, is among the best performing in Asia this year and its stock market is hitting record highs.
The resource-rich archipelago, south-east Asia’s largest country with 276mn people, is riding high on soaring commodity prices. Exports rose 30.2 per cent year-on-year to $27.9bn last month, the most on record. The world’s largest producer of nickel, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries, Indonesia is putting in place plans to benefit from the upcoming boom in EVs. Financial Times
---------
Indonesia-Regulations on Foreign NGOs Should be Strengthened
Completeness of compliance with regulations for foreign NGOs must be guided by the requirements related to financial problems of funds, problems with activities, and problems with the structure of the institution.
As we know, NGOs themselves have a position as institutions that help the government achieve the goals of national development. Optimizing the capabilities of the potential that exists in the community is one of the roles of NGOs.
However, such institutions, especially foreign NGOs operating in Indonesia, have to follow the regulatory guidelines from the authorities. Completeness of compliance with regulations for foreign NGOs must be guided by the requirements related to financial problems of funds, problems with activities, and problems with the structure of the institution.
Thus, the establishment of an institution that protects the community will bring positive benefits to the society and the state. If there is a violation, the government has the right to give this institution sanctions.
However, it turns out that there are foreign NGOs that are actually making noise in Indonesia, either by confronting the citizens or the government. The recklessness of the "action" of fraud made the community as well as agencies unite to say that they had hidden intentions. Outlook India
---------
Malaysia-Expanding palm oil stockpile to dampen CPO prices
THE Malaysian palm oil inventory, which is likely to have surpassed two million tonnes for the first time in two years, is expected to add further downward pressure on crude palm oil (CPO) prices that have fallen from their peak in April this year.
As production picks up in the second half and stiffer competition from rival Indonesia curbs export demand, palm oil inventories in Malaysia are expected to climb at least 15.8% in August from a month earlier to 2.05 million tonnes, according to the median of 10 estimates in a Bloomberg survey of analysts, traders and plantation executives.
“Expanding stockpiles could further dampen palm oil prices, which have tumbled more than 40% since May, as the world’s top producer Indonesia implemented various policies to boost its own shipments, including an export levy waiver that has since been extended to end-October,” says analyst Avtar Sandu of Singapore-based Phillip Nova Pte Ltd, which is part of the PhillipCapital Group. The Edge Markets
---------
Biofuels-Is a biofuel mandate the worst option for cutting transport emissions?
Biofuels—and a broader bioeconomy—are key parts of New Zealand's recently released first emissions reduction plan, particularly for transport, forestry and a transition to a more circular use of resources.
Work is moving fast, with a biofuel mandate for land transport to be introduced from April 2023 and a plan to transform the forestry industry currently under consultation.
A bioeconomy is heralded as an opportunity to replace imported fossil fuels with carbon-neutral domestic biofuels and to create higher-value products from plantation forestry (much of which is currently exported as unprocessed logs) while supporting carbon sequestration at the same time.
New Zealand is not the only country thinking along these lines. Biofuels are part of a widespread strategy to address emissions from existing fossil-fueled vehicles, tens of millions of which are still being produced annually. They are also promoted for planes, ships and heavy trucks, often with few alternatives. Phys Org
---------
New York-P&G Board Members Face Shareholder Vote Over Forest Destruction in Supply Chain
NEW YORK – A proposal to shareholders urges Procter & Gamble (P&G) investors to vote against current members of the board of directors, due to the company’s failure to address unsustainable sourcing of wood pulp and palm oil from climate-critical forests in the Canadian boreal and southeast Asia. The proposal was supported by environmental advocacy organizations NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), Friends of the Earth, and Rainforest Action Network (RAN).
In an exempt solicitation filed with the Securities Exchange Commission today, P&G investors are urged to vote against three current members of the Board at its October 11 Annual General Meeting: Board Chair and CEO Jon Moeller; the Chair of the Governance and Public Accountability Committee, Angela Braly; and Patricia Woertz. The exempt solicitation makes the case that these board members have failed to provide the leadership needed to align P&G’s forest sourcing with the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, exposing the company to significant risk.
At P&G’s 2020 shareholder meeting, 67 percent of voting shareholders urged the company to increase the scale, pace, and rigor with which it addresses environmental and social harms linked to its sourcing of pulp and palm oil. Yet insufficient action has been taken by P&G leadership since that vote. NRDC
|
|
September 19, 2022
Indonesia-Minister: Leuser Ecosystem a net carbon sink landscape
JAKARTA (FORESTHINTS.NEWS) - Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Professor Siti Nurbaya has declared that the Leuser Ecosystem - the only place on earth that is a co-habitat for Sumatran orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos - is a net carbon sink at the landscape level.
The Minister stated that the Leuser Ecosystem - a huge biodiversity landscape spanning more than 2.6 million hectares, or nearly two-thirds the land area of the Netherlands - releases far less carbon than its sequestering capacity and is thus a net carbon sink which consists of more than 78% natural forest cover.
It is worth noting that 86.5% of the Leuser Ecosystem's total area lies within Aceh, one of Indonesia's most richly forested provinces, with the rest located in North Sumatra province.
She also emphasized that the Leuser Ecosystem will serve as one of the key pilot projects in the implementation of Indonesia's Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 Operational Plan.
Minister Nurbaya delivered these key points, among others, in a science-based speech at Syiah Kuala University in Banda Aceh (Sep 15) titled “Indonesia's FOLU Net Sink 2030: Strengthening Governance and Conservation of Landscape-Based Forest Resources.”
FOLU NET SINK 2030, Indonesia's legally-binding climate target, was signed by President Joko Widodo last October and formed one of the main focuses of his well-received speech at the COP26 climate summit. Foresthints
---------
‘Political protectionism’: Palm oil producer nations hit back over EU deforestation regulations
Palm oil producer nations have accused the European Union of deploying a ‘protectionist political ploy’ that will hit a raft of commodities in developing countries, amidst its highly controversial Deforestation Regulation being passed in parliament after almost a year of debate. Food Navigator
---------
Malaysia-Sustainability efforts towards CSPO pay off
PETALING JAYA: Planters’ sustainability efforts towards producing certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) are being paid-off slowly following increasing supply and demand for the commodity, says UOB Kay Hian (UOBKH) Research.
The global awareness on the CSPO sustainable supply chain has also benefited some CSPO producers with price premiums ranging between 3% and 10% above the current crude palm oil (CPO) prices.
These findings are based on the recent dialogue session between UOBKH Research and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) CEO Joseph D’Cruz.
It noted that more RSPO-certified palm oil are in the pipeline. According to RSPO, the CSPO production increased by 5.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 14.7 million tonnes in 2021, representing 19% of the global CPO production. The StarMY
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India-Centre’s negligent attitude troubling oil palm growers: Farmer’s body
Khammam: Centre’s negligent attitude has been causing trouble to oil palm growers in the State, complained office bearers of Telangana Palm Oil Farmers Welfare Association.
A delegation of the association and farmers from Aswaraopet, Dammapet and Sathupalli areas called on the TRS Lok Sabha floor leader and Khammam MP Nama Nageswara Rao here on Sunday and submitted a memorandum.
The MP told them that welfare of farmers was the first priority of the TRS government and their issues would be taken to the notice of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao to find a suitable solution. The Chief Minister was promoting palm oil cultivation on a large scale in Telangana.
The State government has been supporting the farmers by giving many incentives to them along with measures to offer profitable prices, Nageswara Rao said, adding he would talk to the concerned union minister about the issues, which were within the purview of the Centre. Telangana Today
---------
Bangladesh-Action plan underway to meet 40% edible oil demand locally: Dr. Razzaque
Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque today (Sunday) said the government is implementing action plan to meet at least 40 percent demand of edible oil locally as local oil production now hovers only 2 lakh tonnes against 20 lakh tonnes of our annual demand.
“The Agriculture Ministry is implementing some sort of definite action plan to meet 40 percent edible oil demand locally in next 3-4 years”, said the minister.
The agriculture minister came up with the expectation while addressing a seminar at a city hotel here this morning.
Bangladeshis consume 20 lakh tonnes of edible oil a year, while the local production hovers around only around 2 lakh tonnes. The imported 18 lakh tonnes of edible oil incorporate 46% soybean and 53% palm oil. RTV News
Indonesia-Minister: Leuser Ecosystem a net carbon sink landscape
JAKARTA (FORESTHINTS.NEWS) - Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Professor Siti Nurbaya has declared that the Leuser Ecosystem - the only place on earth that is a co-habitat for Sumatran orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos - is a net carbon sink at the landscape level.
The Minister stated that the Leuser Ecosystem - a huge biodiversity landscape spanning more than 2.6 million hectares, or nearly two-thirds the land area of the Netherlands - releases far less carbon than its sequestering capacity and is thus a net carbon sink which consists of more than 78% natural forest cover.
It is worth noting that 86.5% of the Leuser Ecosystem's total area lies within Aceh, one of Indonesia's most richly forested provinces, with the rest located in North Sumatra province.
She also emphasized that the Leuser Ecosystem will serve as one of the key pilot projects in the implementation of Indonesia's Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 Operational Plan.
Minister Nurbaya delivered these key points, among others, in a science-based speech at Syiah Kuala University in Banda Aceh (Sep 15) titled “Indonesia's FOLU Net Sink 2030: Strengthening Governance and Conservation of Landscape-Based Forest Resources.”
FOLU NET SINK 2030, Indonesia's legally-binding climate target, was signed by President Joko Widodo last October and formed one of the main focuses of his well-received speech at the COP26 climate summit. Foresthints
---------
‘Political protectionism’: Palm oil producer nations hit back over EU deforestation regulations
Palm oil producer nations have accused the European Union of deploying a ‘protectionist political ploy’ that will hit a raft of commodities in developing countries, amidst its highly controversial Deforestation Regulation being passed in parliament after almost a year of debate. Food Navigator
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Malaysia-Sustainability efforts towards CSPO pay off
PETALING JAYA: Planters’ sustainability efforts towards producing certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) are being paid-off slowly following increasing supply and demand for the commodity, says UOB Kay Hian (UOBKH) Research.
The global awareness on the CSPO sustainable supply chain has also benefited some CSPO producers with price premiums ranging between 3% and 10% above the current crude palm oil (CPO) prices.
These findings are based on the recent dialogue session between UOBKH Research and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) CEO Joseph D’Cruz.
It noted that more RSPO-certified palm oil are in the pipeline. According to RSPO, the CSPO production increased by 5.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 14.7 million tonnes in 2021, representing 19% of the global CPO production. The StarMY
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India-Centre’s negligent attitude troubling oil palm growers: Farmer’s body
Khammam: Centre’s negligent attitude has been causing trouble to oil palm growers in the State, complained office bearers of Telangana Palm Oil Farmers Welfare Association.
A delegation of the association and farmers from Aswaraopet, Dammapet and Sathupalli areas called on the TRS Lok Sabha floor leader and Khammam MP Nama Nageswara Rao here on Sunday and submitted a memorandum.
The MP told them that welfare of farmers was the first priority of the TRS government and their issues would be taken to the notice of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao to find a suitable solution. The Chief Minister was promoting palm oil cultivation on a large scale in Telangana.
The State government has been supporting the farmers by giving many incentives to them along with measures to offer profitable prices, Nageswara Rao said, adding he would talk to the concerned union minister about the issues, which were within the purview of the Centre. Telangana Today
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Bangladesh-Action plan underway to meet 40% edible oil demand locally: Dr. Razzaque
Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque today (Sunday) said the government is implementing action plan to meet at least 40 percent demand of edible oil locally as local oil production now hovers only 2 lakh tonnes against 20 lakh tonnes of our annual demand.
“The Agriculture Ministry is implementing some sort of definite action plan to meet 40 percent edible oil demand locally in next 3-4 years”, said the minister.
The agriculture minister came up with the expectation while addressing a seminar at a city hotel here this morning.
Bangladeshis consume 20 lakh tonnes of edible oil a year, while the local production hovers around only around 2 lakh tonnes. The imported 18 lakh tonnes of edible oil incorporate 46% soybean and 53% palm oil. RTV News
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September 18, 2022
Nigeria-Despite Forex Restrictions, Palm Oil Importation Gulps N28.16bn in 6 Months
Nigeria imported palm oil to the tune of N28.16 billion in the first six months of 2022, as the value of agricultural commodities shipped into the country maintained an upward trend. Palm oil falls under the nation’s foreign exchange restrictions; it is among the 41 import items banned by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Forex Exchange. This implies that importers are to source their foreign exchange from alternative avenues such as the parallel market.
Data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its ‘Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics Report’ for the second quarter of the year (Q2 2022) showed that the figure represents a 5.2 percent increase over the corresponding period of 2021 which recorded a value of N26.77 billion.
The report published on the official Website of the nation’s statistical bureau further showed that palm oil importation in Q2 2022 was N14.64 billion against N13.52 billion in the previous quarter, representing an increase of 8.3 percent. The commodity which was classified as ‘Crude Palm Oil’ was imported mainly from West African and Asia. The WillNG
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Nigeria-Food Insufficiency: Okowa asks Nigerians to invest in agriculture
DELTA State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on Nigerians, particularly Deltans to invest more in agriculture as a way to curb rising food insufficiency in Nigeria and create job opportunities and economic development for the people.
Okowa made the call after inspecting Oil Palm Plantation and Refinery under construction at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the State by Northsworthy Farms and Allied Industries Limited in partnership with the State government said oil palm production was one area that wealthy Deltans and Nigerians could invest in to create job opportunities.
Saying they have successfully planted over 250,000 oil palm trees in over 1,400 hectares of land, he said that he believed in the partnership because it would help the immediate community and the environment.
Okowa said: “Four years ago the management of Norsworthy Farms spoke to me when they were to commence and I thought it a worthy venture to have the state government stay supportive and in partnership with them to develop this oil palm plantation, now with a mill already being installed. Vanguard NGR
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Nigeria-ERA/FoEN tasks RSPO on protection of rights of host communities
The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, has tasked officials of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, RSPO, to live up to their billings in ensuring that the right of the host communities where palm oil companies exist are protected.
RSPO was established in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products through global standards and multi-stakeholder governance.
Rita Uwaka, Programme Manager, Forest & Biodiversity, ERA/FoEN, gave the task during a Civil Society Organizations and community engagements on RSPO certification, with the theme “Strengthening CSOs Capacity to Challenge Voluntary Certification Scheme that Destroys Forests, Degrade Environment and Fuel Community Rights Violations” in Benin.
She alleged that the RSPO had lost it its relevance hence it promotes communities rights violations; forest destruction; land grabbing by oil palm companies and impoverishing the people.
Uwaka alleged that RSPO had lost it its relevance hence it promotes communities rights violations; forest destruction; land grabbing by oil palm companies and impoverishing the people. Sun News
Nigeria-Despite Forex Restrictions, Palm Oil Importation Gulps N28.16bn in 6 Months
Nigeria imported palm oil to the tune of N28.16 billion in the first six months of 2022, as the value of agricultural commodities shipped into the country maintained an upward trend. Palm oil falls under the nation’s foreign exchange restrictions; it is among the 41 import items banned by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Forex Exchange. This implies that importers are to source their foreign exchange from alternative avenues such as the parallel market.
Data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its ‘Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics Report’ for the second quarter of the year (Q2 2022) showed that the figure represents a 5.2 percent increase over the corresponding period of 2021 which recorded a value of N26.77 billion.
The report published on the official Website of the nation’s statistical bureau further showed that palm oil importation in Q2 2022 was N14.64 billion against N13.52 billion in the previous quarter, representing an increase of 8.3 percent. The commodity which was classified as ‘Crude Palm Oil’ was imported mainly from West African and Asia. The WillNG
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Nigeria-Food Insufficiency: Okowa asks Nigerians to invest in agriculture
DELTA State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on Nigerians, particularly Deltans to invest more in agriculture as a way to curb rising food insufficiency in Nigeria and create job opportunities and economic development for the people.
Okowa made the call after inspecting Oil Palm Plantation and Refinery under construction at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the State by Northsworthy Farms and Allied Industries Limited in partnership with the State government said oil palm production was one area that wealthy Deltans and Nigerians could invest in to create job opportunities.
Saying they have successfully planted over 250,000 oil palm trees in over 1,400 hectares of land, he said that he believed in the partnership because it would help the immediate community and the environment.
Okowa said: “Four years ago the management of Norsworthy Farms spoke to me when they were to commence and I thought it a worthy venture to have the state government stay supportive and in partnership with them to develop this oil palm plantation, now with a mill already being installed. Vanguard NGR
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Nigeria-ERA/FoEN tasks RSPO on protection of rights of host communities
The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, has tasked officials of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, RSPO, to live up to their billings in ensuring that the right of the host communities where palm oil companies exist are protected.
RSPO was established in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products through global standards and multi-stakeholder governance.
Rita Uwaka, Programme Manager, Forest & Biodiversity, ERA/FoEN, gave the task during a Civil Society Organizations and community engagements on RSPO certification, with the theme “Strengthening CSOs Capacity to Challenge Voluntary Certification Scheme that Destroys Forests, Degrade Environment and Fuel Community Rights Violations” in Benin.
She alleged that the RSPO had lost it its relevance hence it promotes communities rights violations; forest destruction; land grabbing by oil palm companies and impoverishing the people.
Uwaka alleged that RSPO had lost it its relevance hence it promotes communities rights violations; forest destruction; land grabbing by oil palm companies and impoverishing the people. Sun News
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September 17, 2022
Petition To U.S. CBP Against Malaysian Palm Oil Lacks Transparency Significant Errors Found
In the third part of this series, we look at NGO petitions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on palm oil as a means of blocking palm oil shipments.
Over the past three years there have been two major petitions made to CBP on this issue. One came from the law firm Grant and Eisenhofer (G&E) against Felda Global Ventures (FGV), and the other was made by Liberty Shared (a U.S. NGO) against Sime Darby.
Under U.S. law it is possible for any person or group to launch a petition against any company for violations of Section 307 of the US Tariff Act.
The petitions made by both of these groups relied heavily upon NGO reports for their source material, particularly the G&E petition.
Notably, unlike Liberty Shared, which receives substantial funding from the U.S. government, G&E have never revealed their client.
Significant Errors In Palm Oil Report
The failure to disclose is significant . Were they funded by a competitor to palm oil, or a foreign government like Norway?
Much of the information throughout the report can be taken as a wholesale indictment of the Malaysian palm oil sector.
However, a very close examination of the sources indicates that much of the material is not even relevant to palm oil nor to Malaysia. MENAFN/ ValueWalk
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Palm oil's implications on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Today, palm oil is at the same time the world's most-used vegetable oil—accounting for more than 35% of all vegetable oil production—and the most criticized: the issue of controversy that led to palm oil being at the center of the public and scientific debate in the last years is its environmental impact and particularly the link between its cultivation and the reduction in tropical forest areas over the past decades.
However, the expansion of oil palm plantations has, in some cases, exacerbated gender and social inequalities, the latter chiefly due to conflicts arising over access to land and ownership issues between local communities and the companies managing the vast plantation areas. Furthermore, according to the existing literature, the economic growth generated by the palm oil production chain is not always accompanied by decent working conditions: the work tends to be heavy and strenuous, harmful chemicals are used, workers are not protected, and the wages are poor. PhysOrg
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India-Opportunity for value-addition in Indian oil palm industry
The future of industry lies in higher value-added and higher margin downstream products
The oil palm industry is doing well currently as regards oil palm development across various States. The industry has taken various initiatives to bring more area under oil palm with the introduction of the National Mission on Edible Oils- Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in August 2021 by the Government. Farmers have good potential to grow oil palm over two million hectares and there is a need for an innovative approach starting from seed production to oil extraction. . Even after three decades of operation, the industry has yet not realised that several value-added products can be developed out of oil palm biomass and crop residues. This is mainly due to a lack of information on the size, volume, value and use of these products. As a result, there is poor visibility. These products have potential benefits, which will add value to scale of economy significantly. The Hindu Business Line
Petition To U.S. CBP Against Malaysian Palm Oil Lacks Transparency Significant Errors Found
In the third part of this series, we look at NGO petitions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on palm oil as a means of blocking palm oil shipments.
Over the past three years there have been two major petitions made to CBP on this issue. One came from the law firm Grant and Eisenhofer (G&E) against Felda Global Ventures (FGV), and the other was made by Liberty Shared (a U.S. NGO) against Sime Darby.
Under U.S. law it is possible for any person or group to launch a petition against any company for violations of Section 307 of the US Tariff Act.
The petitions made by both of these groups relied heavily upon NGO reports for their source material, particularly the G&E petition.
Notably, unlike Liberty Shared, which receives substantial funding from the U.S. government, G&E have never revealed their client.
Significant Errors In Palm Oil Report
The failure to disclose is significant . Were they funded by a competitor to palm oil, or a foreign government like Norway?
Much of the information throughout the report can be taken as a wholesale indictment of the Malaysian palm oil sector.
However, a very close examination of the sources indicates that much of the material is not even relevant to palm oil nor to Malaysia. MENAFN/ ValueWalk
---------
Palm oil's implications on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Today, palm oil is at the same time the world's most-used vegetable oil—accounting for more than 35% of all vegetable oil production—and the most criticized: the issue of controversy that led to palm oil being at the center of the public and scientific debate in the last years is its environmental impact and particularly the link between its cultivation and the reduction in tropical forest areas over the past decades.
However, the expansion of oil palm plantations has, in some cases, exacerbated gender and social inequalities, the latter chiefly due to conflicts arising over access to land and ownership issues between local communities and the companies managing the vast plantation areas. Furthermore, according to the existing literature, the economic growth generated by the palm oil production chain is not always accompanied by decent working conditions: the work tends to be heavy and strenuous, harmful chemicals are used, workers are not protected, and the wages are poor. PhysOrg
---------
India-Opportunity for value-addition in Indian oil palm industry
The future of industry lies in higher value-added and higher margin downstream products
The oil palm industry is doing well currently as regards oil palm development across various States. The industry has taken various initiatives to bring more area under oil palm with the introduction of the National Mission on Edible Oils- Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in August 2021 by the Government. Farmers have good potential to grow oil palm over two million hectares and there is a need for an innovative approach starting from seed production to oil extraction. . Even after three decades of operation, the industry has yet not realised that several value-added products can be developed out of oil palm biomass and crop residues. This is mainly due to a lack of information on the size, volume, value and use of these products. As a result, there is poor visibility. These products have potential benefits, which will add value to scale of economy significantly. The Hindu Business Line
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September 16, 2022
Indian yoga guru's Patanjali plans to list four firms
NEW DELHI, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Indian consumer group Patanjali, co-founded by a well-known yoga guru, said on Friday it plans to list four group companies and increase group turnover to $12.5 billion in the next five to seven years.
The producer of affordable, domestic-made goods is taking on bigger rivals such as Unilever (ULVR.L) and Procter & Gamble (PG.N) with plans to list its main consumer goods company, and medicine, wellness and lifestyle units.
Set up in 2006, the firm's brand ambassador is Baba Ramdev, a household name whose television shows on yoga are watched by millions, with his bearded face smiling down from billboards and hoardings ubiquitous in India's villages.
Patanjali said it would list Patanjali Ayurved, most of which is owned by Ramdev's business partner Acharya Balkrishna, who has a net worth of $2.1 billion, according to Forbes. Reuters
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Engage smallholder oil palm farmers in sustainability criteria, says Solidaridad
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 15): Smallholder oil palm farmer’s inclusion in sustainability criteria is critical as their contribution to palm oil production is expected to grow, said international civil society organization Solidaridad.
Smallholders, despite producing only 2% of certified sustainable palm oil on the market, still contribute 30% of the world’s supply, according to the first global Palm Oil Barometer by Solidaridad.
“More than three million smallholders and their families produce roughly 30% of the world’s palm oil. In Indonesia alone there are around 16 million workers in the palm oil sector, of whom the majority is employed by smallholders.
“The contribution of smallholders in the overall supply of palm oil is only expected to increase, as industrial scale companies are forced to limit expansion due to zero-deforestation commitments.
“Governments and businesses must make smallholder inclusion part of their sustainability criteria,” said Shatadru Chattopadhayay, managing director of Solidaridad Asia.
He added that smallholder interests are often overlooked in the value chain, adding calls for discrimination against the crop in the name of preserving biodiversity would only further hurt the farmers. The Edge Markets
Indian yoga guru's Patanjali plans to list four firms
NEW DELHI, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Indian consumer group Patanjali, co-founded by a well-known yoga guru, said on Friday it plans to list four group companies and increase group turnover to $12.5 billion in the next five to seven years.
The producer of affordable, domestic-made goods is taking on bigger rivals such as Unilever (ULVR.L) and Procter & Gamble (PG.N) with plans to list its main consumer goods company, and medicine, wellness and lifestyle units.
Set up in 2006, the firm's brand ambassador is Baba Ramdev, a household name whose television shows on yoga are watched by millions, with his bearded face smiling down from billboards and hoardings ubiquitous in India's villages.
Patanjali said it would list Patanjali Ayurved, most of which is owned by Ramdev's business partner Acharya Balkrishna, who has a net worth of $2.1 billion, according to Forbes. Reuters
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Engage smallholder oil palm farmers in sustainability criteria, says Solidaridad
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 15): Smallholder oil palm farmer’s inclusion in sustainability criteria is critical as their contribution to palm oil production is expected to grow, said international civil society organization Solidaridad.
Smallholders, despite producing only 2% of certified sustainable palm oil on the market, still contribute 30% of the world’s supply, according to the first global Palm Oil Barometer by Solidaridad.
“More than three million smallholders and their families produce roughly 30% of the world’s palm oil. In Indonesia alone there are around 16 million workers in the palm oil sector, of whom the majority is employed by smallholders.
“The contribution of smallholders in the overall supply of palm oil is only expected to increase, as industrial scale companies are forced to limit expansion due to zero-deforestation commitments.
“Governments and businesses must make smallholder inclusion part of their sustainability criteria,” said Shatadru Chattopadhayay, managing director of Solidaridad Asia.
He added that smallholder interests are often overlooked in the value chain, adding calls for discrimination against the crop in the name of preserving biodiversity would only further hurt the farmers. The Edge Markets
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September 15, 2022
First Palm Oil Barometer challenges negative public perception on palm oil sustainability
Smallholder farmers are sustainable palm oil production’s secret ingredient
While smallholder palm oil farmers risk living in poverty, the 282 billion-dollar palm oil industry creates huge profits for companies. The pivotal role of smallholders in the palm oil sector, currently contributing to around 30% of global production, is often overlooked in the sustainability agenda, as policies tend to focus on large industrial plantations. And with their contribution to palm oil production expected to grow, smallholders play an increasingly central role in rural economic development and preserving biodiversity. With palm oil as a crucial ingredient in the diet of the poorest people on earth, and its widespread presence in products like margarine, shampoo and biodiesel, it’s here to stay. Supply chain-wide smallholder inclusion is crucial for sustainable palm oil production.
The first global Palm Oil Barometer by Solidaridad and smallholder producer organizations in Asia, Africa and Latin-America, gives a new perspective on the largely negative public debate around palm oil in western countries. This controversial crop presents more issues and more opportunities than many people realise.
Deforestation and poverty are interlinked
Palm oil production figures prominently in the media as a cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss and climate change. However, by isolating its impact on the environment from the poverty crisis, to which it is directly linked, it’s easy to overlook the vital role smallholders play in palm oil production. Although the image of large companies growing vast expanses of oil palms as a monoculture holds true, more than three million smallholders and their families produce roughly 30 percent of the world’s palm oil. And a multitude of workers find jobs in oil palm production. In Indonesia alone there are around 16 million workers in the palm oil sector, of which the majority is employed by smallholders. The contribution of smallholders in the overall supply of palm oil is only expected to increase, as industrial scale companies are forced to limit expansion due to zero-deforestation commitments.
Shatadru Chattopadhayay, managing director Solidaridad Asia reflects: “Smallholders produce not even 2% of certified sustainable palm oil on the market, while contributing 30% of the world’s supply. Governments and businesses must make smallholder inclusion part of their sustainability criteria.”
In the multi-billion dollar palm oil industry, smallholder farmers do not get their fair share
Smallholders generated USD 17 billion of the palm oil industry’s USD 282 billion turnover in 2020, yet many did not earn enough to cover their families’ essential living costs. Despite this, many smallholders prefer growing oil palm to other crops, like rubber or coffee, because they earn a higher and more consistent income throughout the year. For many smallholder farmers growing oil palm gives them better prospects and alleviates poverty.
Multiple factors can influence a farms’ profitability, including its size, labor and fertilizer costs, market access, and prices. Volatile market prices squeeze smallholder margins that are already narrow. “It’s getting more and more difficult for farmers with all these changes in the prices. Some feel as if 50 percent of their livelihood has been lost as the prices of the fresh fruit bunches have been slashed and, at the same time, the price of fertilizers and pesticides have risen by more than 100 percent” said Valens Andi, head of a farmers’ cooperative in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, to Al-Jazeera. Faced with these precarious conditions many smallholders are unable to invest in farm-level innovations or adhere to sustainability standards. By 2030 Indonesian smallholder plantations will account for around 60 percent of the country’s oil palm area. Supporting these smallholders to produce sustainably will be a key challenge in the coming years.
Fair value distribution is at the heart of sustainable palm oil production
While smallholders struggle to make ends meet, at the other end of the chain food manufacturers, consumer goods companies and retail take 66 percent of the gross profits on palm oil in food, household, and body care products. The focus on cost-cutting to optimize profits contrasts starkly with individual companies’ sustainability commitments, as well as the global climate and UN’s Sustainable Development Goal agendas. The concern is that global palm oil buyers show little willingness to compensate small producers for operating sustainably, for example, by paying a fair price and investing in long-term trading relationships. A fairer value and risk distribution across the palm oil value chain enables farmers to both produce sustainably and make an income that sustains their family’s livelihood.
Stop boycotting and start investing in good palm oil production
Smallholder interests are not only overlooked in the value chain, their role and interests are also ignored in the public debate. Campaigns by NGOs and commercial brands call for a palm oil boycott to combat biodiversity loss. Many academics and conservation organizations agree that banning palm oil would simply shift the problem elsewhere, threatening other habitats and species. Oil palm is far more productive than any other vegetable oil crop. For example, on average, it’s five times more productive than soy. Replacing palm oil with alternatives would intensify the battle for scarce farmland. Instead of boycotting palm oil, the industry should invest in sustainable palm oil production by smallholders.
Bring smallholder voices to the fore
Farmers’ organizations should play a key role in the debate on the future of palm oil farming. Focusing on fair value distribution and minimizing environmental degradation is key. The private sector and governments need to move from technical assistance to programmes that address the structural disadvantages at smallholder farm level. Solutions will not be the same everywhere and have to be found in a combination of voluntary and mandatory approaches.
Heske Verburg, managing director Solidaridad Europe recommends that “companies and governments in consuming and producing regions must include smallholders’ interests when developing and implementing policies. The EU should ensure that smallholders will be supported to meet the requirements of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products and in partnership with producing countries tackle the root causes of deforestation, including poverty.”
End of press release
Not for publication
Download the full Palm Oil Barometer here.
The online launch of the Palm Oil Barometer will take place on 15 September 12-13h CEST, where Shatadru Chattopadhayay - Solidaridad Asia - will shortly present the conclusions and recommendations, Maja Slingerland - Wageningen University and Research - will reflect on the report and two farmers from Ghana and Indonesia will speak about what palm oil means to them and the challenges they have. You can sign up for the launch meeting here.
For further information, interviews with farmers or Solidaridad spokespeople please contact:
Bram Verkerke, press officer Solidaridad Europe, +31 6 296 01233 [email protected]
Copyright-free visuals of smallholder palm oil farmers in Asia, Africa and Latin-America can be downloaded here.
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Palm oil deforestation falls in Indonesia, but price surge and growth in exporters with lower standards still putting forests at risk
New Trase data reveals a fall in deforestation linked to Indonesian palm oil exports between 2018 and 2020. Where exporters have zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs), their supply chains are consistently linked to less deforestation.
However, the sector’s success may be fragile amid price rises and an increasing market share being captured by suppliers with comparatively poor performance on forests and transparency.
A new assessment of palm oil exports from Indonesia (2018-2020) shows a nation-wide decline in the deforestation linked to the sector’s exports.
The data, released today by Trase, the data-driven transparency initiative, found exporters with zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs) consistently sourcing with 70% of the per-tonne deforestation risk of their competitors.
“This is the first clear evidence of a link between ZDCs and lower deforestation risk in palm oil supply chains,” said Dr Robert Heilmayr of the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), who led the Trase research. SEI
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(OPINION) EU lawmakers fail to prioritise food over fuels in midst of global hunger crisis
The European Parliament rejected the opportunity to change the EU’s fuels law (Renewable Energy Directive) which could have ended the use of food crops in biofuels. Oxfam and Transport & Environment have labeled the vote a missed opportunity to ease pressure on the global food crisis.
No majority could be found for either the Left's proposal to end support for all crop biofuels nor the Greens and Socialists & Democrats (S&D) proposals for reduction or specific restrictions on crop biofuels during times of food crises.
This means that the current rules on biofuels remain in place. Europe will continue to burn the equivalent of 15 million loaves of bread and 19 million bottles of sunflower and rapeseed oil every day to fuel its cars and trucks.
Food prices, already high, skyrocketed in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Record droughts across Europe and other parts of the world will only add to the crisis. This is pushing millions more people to the brink of starvation and many more into severe food poverty. Oxfam
First Palm Oil Barometer challenges negative public perception on palm oil sustainability
Smallholder farmers are sustainable palm oil production’s secret ingredient
While smallholder palm oil farmers risk living in poverty, the 282 billion-dollar palm oil industry creates huge profits for companies. The pivotal role of smallholders in the palm oil sector, currently contributing to around 30% of global production, is often overlooked in the sustainability agenda, as policies tend to focus on large industrial plantations. And with their contribution to palm oil production expected to grow, smallholders play an increasingly central role in rural economic development and preserving biodiversity. With palm oil as a crucial ingredient in the diet of the poorest people on earth, and its widespread presence in products like margarine, shampoo and biodiesel, it’s here to stay. Supply chain-wide smallholder inclusion is crucial for sustainable palm oil production.
The first global Palm Oil Barometer by Solidaridad and smallholder producer organizations in Asia, Africa and Latin-America, gives a new perspective on the largely negative public debate around palm oil in western countries. This controversial crop presents more issues and more opportunities than many people realise.
Deforestation and poverty are interlinked
Palm oil production figures prominently in the media as a cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss and climate change. However, by isolating its impact on the environment from the poverty crisis, to which it is directly linked, it’s easy to overlook the vital role smallholders play in palm oil production. Although the image of large companies growing vast expanses of oil palms as a monoculture holds true, more than three million smallholders and their families produce roughly 30 percent of the world’s palm oil. And a multitude of workers find jobs in oil palm production. In Indonesia alone there are around 16 million workers in the palm oil sector, of which the majority is employed by smallholders. The contribution of smallholders in the overall supply of palm oil is only expected to increase, as industrial scale companies are forced to limit expansion due to zero-deforestation commitments.
Shatadru Chattopadhayay, managing director Solidaridad Asia reflects: “Smallholders produce not even 2% of certified sustainable palm oil on the market, while contributing 30% of the world’s supply. Governments and businesses must make smallholder inclusion part of their sustainability criteria.”
In the multi-billion dollar palm oil industry, smallholder farmers do not get their fair share
Smallholders generated USD 17 billion of the palm oil industry’s USD 282 billion turnover in 2020, yet many did not earn enough to cover their families’ essential living costs. Despite this, many smallholders prefer growing oil palm to other crops, like rubber or coffee, because they earn a higher and more consistent income throughout the year. For many smallholder farmers growing oil palm gives them better prospects and alleviates poverty.
Multiple factors can influence a farms’ profitability, including its size, labor and fertilizer costs, market access, and prices. Volatile market prices squeeze smallholder margins that are already narrow. “It’s getting more and more difficult for farmers with all these changes in the prices. Some feel as if 50 percent of their livelihood has been lost as the prices of the fresh fruit bunches have been slashed and, at the same time, the price of fertilizers and pesticides have risen by more than 100 percent” said Valens Andi, head of a farmers’ cooperative in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, to Al-Jazeera. Faced with these precarious conditions many smallholders are unable to invest in farm-level innovations or adhere to sustainability standards. By 2030 Indonesian smallholder plantations will account for around 60 percent of the country’s oil palm area. Supporting these smallholders to produce sustainably will be a key challenge in the coming years.
Fair value distribution is at the heart of sustainable palm oil production
While smallholders struggle to make ends meet, at the other end of the chain food manufacturers, consumer goods companies and retail take 66 percent of the gross profits on palm oil in food, household, and body care products. The focus on cost-cutting to optimize profits contrasts starkly with individual companies’ sustainability commitments, as well as the global climate and UN’s Sustainable Development Goal agendas. The concern is that global palm oil buyers show little willingness to compensate small producers for operating sustainably, for example, by paying a fair price and investing in long-term trading relationships. A fairer value and risk distribution across the palm oil value chain enables farmers to both produce sustainably and make an income that sustains their family’s livelihood.
Stop boycotting and start investing in good palm oil production
Smallholder interests are not only overlooked in the value chain, their role and interests are also ignored in the public debate. Campaigns by NGOs and commercial brands call for a palm oil boycott to combat biodiversity loss. Many academics and conservation organizations agree that banning palm oil would simply shift the problem elsewhere, threatening other habitats and species. Oil palm is far more productive than any other vegetable oil crop. For example, on average, it’s five times more productive than soy. Replacing palm oil with alternatives would intensify the battle for scarce farmland. Instead of boycotting palm oil, the industry should invest in sustainable palm oil production by smallholders.
Bring smallholder voices to the fore
Farmers’ organizations should play a key role in the debate on the future of palm oil farming. Focusing on fair value distribution and minimizing environmental degradation is key. The private sector and governments need to move from technical assistance to programmes that address the structural disadvantages at smallholder farm level. Solutions will not be the same everywhere and have to be found in a combination of voluntary and mandatory approaches.
Heske Verburg, managing director Solidaridad Europe recommends that “companies and governments in consuming and producing regions must include smallholders’ interests when developing and implementing policies. The EU should ensure that smallholders will be supported to meet the requirements of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products and in partnership with producing countries tackle the root causes of deforestation, including poverty.”
End of press release
Not for publication
Download the full Palm Oil Barometer here.
The online launch of the Palm Oil Barometer will take place on 15 September 12-13h CEST, where Shatadru Chattopadhayay - Solidaridad Asia - will shortly present the conclusions and recommendations, Maja Slingerland - Wageningen University and Research - will reflect on the report and two farmers from Ghana and Indonesia will speak about what palm oil means to them and the challenges they have. You can sign up for the launch meeting here.
For further information, interviews with farmers or Solidaridad spokespeople please contact:
Bram Verkerke, press officer Solidaridad Europe, +31 6 296 01233 [email protected]
Copyright-free visuals of smallholder palm oil farmers in Asia, Africa and Latin-America can be downloaded here.
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Palm oil deforestation falls in Indonesia, but price surge and growth in exporters with lower standards still putting forests at risk
New Trase data reveals a fall in deforestation linked to Indonesian palm oil exports between 2018 and 2020. Where exporters have zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs), their supply chains are consistently linked to less deforestation.
However, the sector’s success may be fragile amid price rises and an increasing market share being captured by suppliers with comparatively poor performance on forests and transparency.
A new assessment of palm oil exports from Indonesia (2018-2020) shows a nation-wide decline in the deforestation linked to the sector’s exports.
The data, released today by Trase, the data-driven transparency initiative, found exporters with zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs) consistently sourcing with 70% of the per-tonne deforestation risk of their competitors.
“This is the first clear evidence of a link between ZDCs and lower deforestation risk in palm oil supply chains,” said Dr Robert Heilmayr of the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), who led the Trase research. SEI
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(OPINION) EU lawmakers fail to prioritise food over fuels in midst of global hunger crisis
The European Parliament rejected the opportunity to change the EU’s fuels law (Renewable Energy Directive) which could have ended the use of food crops in biofuels. Oxfam and Transport & Environment have labeled the vote a missed opportunity to ease pressure on the global food crisis.
No majority could be found for either the Left's proposal to end support for all crop biofuels nor the Greens and Socialists & Democrats (S&D) proposals for reduction or specific restrictions on crop biofuels during times of food crises.
This means that the current rules on biofuels remain in place. Europe will continue to burn the equivalent of 15 million loaves of bread and 19 million bottles of sunflower and rapeseed oil every day to fuel its cars and trucks.
Food prices, already high, skyrocketed in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Record droughts across Europe and other parts of the world will only add to the crisis. This is pushing millions more people to the brink of starvation and many more into severe food poverty. Oxfam
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September 14, 2022
Businesses, trade unions criticise upcoming EU supply chain tool
The Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) – a new regulation that the EU Commission is expected to propose on Monday (19 September) – is under fire from stakeholders before the Commission has even formally proposed the text.
While business associations fear too much meddling into businesses’ entrepreneurial freedom, trade unions are worried about the right to strike that might unexpectedly be affected by the new instrument.
Using the SMEI, the Commission wants to make the EU single market more resilient against crises that might endanger its integrity or the supply of strategically important goods.
To secure this, the Commission will propose measures by which companies could sometimes be forced to hand over information about their supply chains to public authorities. In emergency situations, the Commission could even make companies prioritise specific orders over others, thus interfering with what companies regard as their entrepreneurial freedoms. EURACTIV
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Used cooking oil: Is it the new liquid gold?
Used cooking oil (UCO) or vegetable oil unfit for human consumption has found a new life as feedstock for biofuels like Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME).
UCO is also used to produce renewable distillates like sustainable aviation fuel and hydrotreated vegetable oil. With governments across the world pledging emission-reduction targets and increased capacity coming online, the demand for UCO is steadily growing.
S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Elizabeth Thang, Donavan Lim, and Loren Puette discuss how these markets are developing in Asia and the policies that will drive future demand.
Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering Platts UCO FOB Straits (UCFCC00), UCOME FOB China (UCFCA00), UCOME Singapore (UCFCB00) and many more. SPGlobal
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Revealed: How Ireland found itself breaching EU limits on biofuels
The Irish transport sector uses more than double the limit of waste-based biofuels such as used cooking oil, putting Ireland in breach of a cap contained in the Renewable Energy Directive, EURACTIV has learned.
Eurostat figures from 2020 show that 4.5% of the renewable fuels in the Irish transport sector consist of biofuels made from used cooking oil and other animal byproducts.
However, these waste biofuels are capped at 1.7% of renewable transport fuels under the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
An expert with knowledge of the energy landscape in Ireland confirmed to EURACTIV that little has changed in the country’s transport energy mix since 2020, meaning the country almost certainly remains above the cap.
In what appears to be a misinterpretation, the Irish government has enshrined in national law that the limit on waste biofuels applies from 2030, even though there is no reference to 2030 in the original EU text.
The Irish law states: EURACTIV
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Malaysia-Crude Palm Oil inventory soars on better production
PETALING JAYA: Earnings of plantation companies have likely peaked in the second quarter of 2022 (2Q22) as the average crude palm oil (CPO) price of RM4,116 per tonne in July-August is more than one-third lower compared with 2Q22.
CGS-CIMB Research said CPO prices could weaken due to higher Indonesian palm oil exports following the recent extension of the palm oil export levy waiver to Oct 31, as well as due to the current high palm inventories.
“We believe CPO prices could trade in the RM3,500-RM4,500 range in September 2022.
“However, the downside will be capped by the current CPO wide pricing discount of US$531 (RM2,393) per tonne against soybean oil as at Sept 8, 2022,” said the research firm in a note to clients. The StarMY
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Malaysian palm oil finds new markets in Europe
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian palm oil has found three new markets in the past few months, and all of them in a region where opposition to the commodity had been strongest.
Plantation industries and commodities minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said Estonia, the Czech Republic and Hungary have begun to purchase palm oil.
Apart from aggressive marketing efforts, she said, debunking western myths and propaganda also contributed to the success.
For years, there had been a concerted effort in the west to discredit palm oil in favour of soya, sunflower, rapeseed and other oils. Free Malaysia Today
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Colombia palm oil exports may reach $800 mln this year-industry group
BOGOTA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The value of Colombia's palm oil exports may rise significantly to $800 million this year, thanks to high international prices and stable production, the palm growers association said on Tuesday.
The figure would be well above the $500 million value of foreign palm oil sales last year, said Nicolas Perez, the president of the Fedepalma association.
"By July we'd surpassed the exports for all of 2021, with $650 million, and at the close of the year they could be some $800 million," Perez told Reuters. "The palm business last year and the first half of this year has been really good, after two very tough years." Nasdaq
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Papua New Guinea-Smallholder growers must also benefit, says Maneke
OIL Palm Minister Francis Maneke says smallholder growers must also benefit more from the industry that generates K1 billion to K2 billion in revenue annually.
Maneke, in a meeting with members of the Palm Oil Producers Association (Popa), the milling companies, said they must work together to grow the industry.
He said the industry had been stagnant for 40 years and now was the time for growth.
The industry’s export revenue in 2019 was K918 million, in 2020 K1.323 billion and K2.69 billion in 2021.
Oil palm remains the leading agricultural commodity.
“I am excited to partner with our very important stakeholders, the milling companies in PNG, members of the Palm Oil Producers Association and all other agencies,” he said.
“We must look at the interests of our growers and maximise it either in terms of the money they receive or the infrastructures they have on their project areas or provinces.
“The intention of the Government is to rehabilitate or maintain what is already here in terms of smallholders.
“People have been talking about oil and gas and mining projects, but I think the green gold can do better.” The NationalPG
Businesses, trade unions criticise upcoming EU supply chain tool
The Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) – a new regulation that the EU Commission is expected to propose on Monday (19 September) – is under fire from stakeholders before the Commission has even formally proposed the text.
While business associations fear too much meddling into businesses’ entrepreneurial freedom, trade unions are worried about the right to strike that might unexpectedly be affected by the new instrument.
Using the SMEI, the Commission wants to make the EU single market more resilient against crises that might endanger its integrity or the supply of strategically important goods.
To secure this, the Commission will propose measures by which companies could sometimes be forced to hand over information about their supply chains to public authorities. In emergency situations, the Commission could even make companies prioritise specific orders over others, thus interfering with what companies regard as their entrepreneurial freedoms. EURACTIV
---------
Used cooking oil: Is it the new liquid gold?
Used cooking oil (UCO) or vegetable oil unfit for human consumption has found a new life as feedstock for biofuels like Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME).
UCO is also used to produce renewable distillates like sustainable aviation fuel and hydrotreated vegetable oil. With governments across the world pledging emission-reduction targets and increased capacity coming online, the demand for UCO is steadily growing.
S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Elizabeth Thang, Donavan Lim, and Loren Puette discuss how these markets are developing in Asia and the policies that will drive future demand.
Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering Platts UCO FOB Straits (UCFCC00), UCOME FOB China (UCFCA00), UCOME Singapore (UCFCB00) and many more. SPGlobal
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Revealed: How Ireland found itself breaching EU limits on biofuels
The Irish transport sector uses more than double the limit of waste-based biofuels such as used cooking oil, putting Ireland in breach of a cap contained in the Renewable Energy Directive, EURACTIV has learned.
Eurostat figures from 2020 show that 4.5% of the renewable fuels in the Irish transport sector consist of biofuels made from used cooking oil and other animal byproducts.
However, these waste biofuels are capped at 1.7% of renewable transport fuels under the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
An expert with knowledge of the energy landscape in Ireland confirmed to EURACTIV that little has changed in the country’s transport energy mix since 2020, meaning the country almost certainly remains above the cap.
In what appears to be a misinterpretation, the Irish government has enshrined in national law that the limit on waste biofuels applies from 2030, even though there is no reference to 2030 in the original EU text.
The Irish law states: EURACTIV
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Malaysia-Crude Palm Oil inventory soars on better production
PETALING JAYA: Earnings of plantation companies have likely peaked in the second quarter of 2022 (2Q22) as the average crude palm oil (CPO) price of RM4,116 per tonne in July-August is more than one-third lower compared with 2Q22.
CGS-CIMB Research said CPO prices could weaken due to higher Indonesian palm oil exports following the recent extension of the palm oil export levy waiver to Oct 31, as well as due to the current high palm inventories.
“We believe CPO prices could trade in the RM3,500-RM4,500 range in September 2022.
“However, the downside will be capped by the current CPO wide pricing discount of US$531 (RM2,393) per tonne against soybean oil as at Sept 8, 2022,” said the research firm in a note to clients. The StarMY
---------
Malaysian palm oil finds new markets in Europe
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian palm oil has found three new markets in the past few months, and all of them in a region where opposition to the commodity had been strongest.
Plantation industries and commodities minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said Estonia, the Czech Republic and Hungary have begun to purchase palm oil.
Apart from aggressive marketing efforts, she said, debunking western myths and propaganda also contributed to the success.
For years, there had been a concerted effort in the west to discredit palm oil in favour of soya, sunflower, rapeseed and other oils. Free Malaysia Today
---------
Colombia palm oil exports may reach $800 mln this year-industry group
BOGOTA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The value of Colombia's palm oil exports may rise significantly to $800 million this year, thanks to high international prices and stable production, the palm growers association said on Tuesday.
The figure would be well above the $500 million value of foreign palm oil sales last year, said Nicolas Perez, the president of the Fedepalma association.
"By July we'd surpassed the exports for all of 2021, with $650 million, and at the close of the year they could be some $800 million," Perez told Reuters. "The palm business last year and the first half of this year has been really good, after two very tough years." Nasdaq
---------
Papua New Guinea-Smallholder growers must also benefit, says Maneke
OIL Palm Minister Francis Maneke says smallholder growers must also benefit more from the industry that generates K1 billion to K2 billion in revenue annually.
Maneke, in a meeting with members of the Palm Oil Producers Association (Popa), the milling companies, said they must work together to grow the industry.
He said the industry had been stagnant for 40 years and now was the time for growth.
The industry’s export revenue in 2019 was K918 million, in 2020 K1.323 billion and K2.69 billion in 2021.
Oil palm remains the leading agricultural commodity.
“I am excited to partner with our very important stakeholders, the milling companies in PNG, members of the Palm Oil Producers Association and all other agencies,” he said.
“We must look at the interests of our growers and maximise it either in terms of the money they receive or the infrastructures they have on their project areas or provinces.
“The intention of the Government is to rehabilitate or maintain what is already here in terms of smallholders.
“People have been talking about oil and gas and mining projects, but I think the green gold can do better.” The NationalPG
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|
September 13, 2022
EU-Climate change: new rules for companies to help limit global deforestation
To fight global climate change and biodiversity loss, Parliament demands companies ensure that products sold in the EU do not come from deforested or degraded land.
Plenary today adopted its position on the Commission proposal for a regulation on deforestation-free products with 453 votes to 57 and 123 abstentions.
The new law would make it obligatory for companies to verify (so-called “due diligence”) that goods sold in the EU have not been produced on deforested or degraded land anywhere in the world. This would guarantee consumers that the products they buy do not contribute to the destruction of forests, including of irreplaceable tropical forests, and hence reduce the EU’s contribution to climate change and biodiversity loss.
MEPs also want companies to verify that goods are produced in accordance with human rights provisions in international law and respect the rights of indigenous people. Europarl
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EU Oilseeds Associations Respond. Joint COCERAL, FEDIOL, and FEFAC Reaction to the European Parliament
vote on the Deforestation Regulation
Following the European Parliament’s plenary vote on the Deforestation Regulation,
COCERAL, FEDIOL, and FEFAC regret that the outcome falls short of the
ambition to tackle global deforestation and risks fuelling supply chain
shortages and price inflation in the EU.
Furthermore, the approach taken by the European Parliament disincentivises action
against deforestation globally and particularly in high-risk areas due to:
• The requirement of traceability to plot, which is currently not feasible for many
smallholders and risks causing their exclusion from supply chains.
• The country benchmarking system, which will lead companies to source away
from high-risk areas as part of their risk avoidance strategy.
The lack of alternatives to traceability to plot for soy and palm products in
combination with some of the trade disruptive measures adopted by the European
Parliament will most likely affect the availability of these commodities in the EU and
thereby contribute to inflationary pressures on these commodities and the food and
non-food products that contain them. Fediol
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Malaysia-Sime Darby Plantation reiterates commitment to decarbonisation efforts
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) said it will continue on its decarbonisation journey to meet climate action aspirations, including through acceleration of renewable efforts in reducing emissions, besides exploring areas to reduce energy and fuel consumption.
To support its carbon reduction plans, SDP began installing five photovoltaic systems last year, and the group has one large-scale solar project installed and operational, said its chief sustainability officer Rashyid Redza Anwarudin when presenting his paper titled “Sime Darby Plantation’s Decarbonisation Journey” in conjunction with the 7th International Palm Oil Sustainability Conference on Tuesday (Sept 13).
As of this year, SDP already has five solar energy systems and 12 large-scale solar projects under development, said Rashyid. The group is looking at having 62 solar energy systems installed and operational by 2025, he added.
In terms of methane capture, SDP is capturing methane from effluent treatment ponds, which is key in tackling the most material emission source in the group’s operations, said Rashyid. In Malaysia, the planter had eight biogas plants installed and operational as of last year, with seven biogas plants under development this year, he said. The Edge Markets
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Malaysia-MPOC: Focus on sustainability issues does not seem to abate for palm oil industry
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): The focus on sustainability issues does not seem to abate, as more challenges await the palm oil industry, according to Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) chief executive officer Wan Aishah Wan Hamid.
According to Wan Aishah, the palm oil industry has faced multiple sustainability challenges since the last few decades, from accusations of deforestation and the attrition of endangered wildlife to global warming, the sustainability of palm-based biofuels and the recent forced labour issues raised in the US.
Among the challenges for the palm oil industry is the emergence of new international climate change and deforestation-linked legislation that are potentially trade barriers.
These pieces of legislation are a result of countries seeking to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by decarbonising, limiting global warming and achieving carbon neutrality or net zero by 2050, she said. The Edge Markets
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Malaysia-Sabah to maximise technology, innovation to boost palm oil sector
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will maximise the use of technology and innovation to improve productivity, competitiveness and development of the palm oil sector, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the progress in the palm oil sector and improvement of infrastructures as well as government incentives provide excellent business opportunities for industry players to venture into the downstream sector.
In a speech read by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam at the Sabah Transfer of Technology (TOT) Exhibition and Seminar here today, he noted that Sabah has nine palm oil refineries with a processing capacity of 7.48 million tonnes per year, while two biodiesel factories are operating to produce 300,000 tonnes of biofuel per year.
Additionally, the state government has developed the Lahad Datu and Sandakan Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC). New Straits Times
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India-Edible oil makers urge for lifting of futures trade ban on crude palm oil and soy oil on commodity exchanges
SEA has stated that the ban on futures trade has deprived importers of hedging their price risks in rupee-denominated soya oil and crude palm oil futures on Indian exchanges.
Edible oil makers urge for lifting of futures trade ban on crude palm oil and soy oil on commodity exchanges
SEA has stated that the ban on futures trade has deprived importers of hedging their price risks in rupee-denominated soya oil and crude palm oil futures on Indian exchanges.
“In recent months, edible oil importers have faced huge financial losses due to abnormal volatility in international and domestic prices on one side and weakening rupee on the other,” according to a SEA statement. India imports 56% of its edible oil requirements. Russia and Ukraine conflict, and Indonesia, the biggest exporter of palm oil, imposing a ban on exports in May (which was lifted after three weeks) have impacted global edible oil prices. Financial Express
EU-Climate change: new rules for companies to help limit global deforestation
To fight global climate change and biodiversity loss, Parliament demands companies ensure that products sold in the EU do not come from deforested or degraded land.
Plenary today adopted its position on the Commission proposal for a regulation on deforestation-free products with 453 votes to 57 and 123 abstentions.
The new law would make it obligatory for companies to verify (so-called “due diligence”) that goods sold in the EU have not been produced on deforested or degraded land anywhere in the world. This would guarantee consumers that the products they buy do not contribute to the destruction of forests, including of irreplaceable tropical forests, and hence reduce the EU’s contribution to climate change and biodiversity loss.
MEPs also want companies to verify that goods are produced in accordance with human rights provisions in international law and respect the rights of indigenous people. Europarl
--------
EU Oilseeds Associations Respond. Joint COCERAL, FEDIOL, and FEFAC Reaction to the European Parliament
vote on the Deforestation Regulation
Following the European Parliament’s plenary vote on the Deforestation Regulation,
COCERAL, FEDIOL, and FEFAC regret that the outcome falls short of the
ambition to tackle global deforestation and risks fuelling supply chain
shortages and price inflation in the EU.
Furthermore, the approach taken by the European Parliament disincentivises action
against deforestation globally and particularly in high-risk areas due to:
• The requirement of traceability to plot, which is currently not feasible for many
smallholders and risks causing their exclusion from supply chains.
• The country benchmarking system, which will lead companies to source away
from high-risk areas as part of their risk avoidance strategy.
The lack of alternatives to traceability to plot for soy and palm products in
combination with some of the trade disruptive measures adopted by the European
Parliament will most likely affect the availability of these commodities in the EU and
thereby contribute to inflationary pressures on these commodities and the food and
non-food products that contain them. Fediol
---------
Malaysia-Sime Darby Plantation reiterates commitment to decarbonisation efforts
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) said it will continue on its decarbonisation journey to meet climate action aspirations, including through acceleration of renewable efforts in reducing emissions, besides exploring areas to reduce energy and fuel consumption.
To support its carbon reduction plans, SDP began installing five photovoltaic systems last year, and the group has one large-scale solar project installed and operational, said its chief sustainability officer Rashyid Redza Anwarudin when presenting his paper titled “Sime Darby Plantation’s Decarbonisation Journey” in conjunction with the 7th International Palm Oil Sustainability Conference on Tuesday (Sept 13).
As of this year, SDP already has five solar energy systems and 12 large-scale solar projects under development, said Rashyid. The group is looking at having 62 solar energy systems installed and operational by 2025, he added.
In terms of methane capture, SDP is capturing methane from effluent treatment ponds, which is key in tackling the most material emission source in the group’s operations, said Rashyid. In Malaysia, the planter had eight biogas plants installed and operational as of last year, with seven biogas plants under development this year, he said. The Edge Markets
---------
Malaysia-MPOC: Focus on sustainability issues does not seem to abate for palm oil industry
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): The focus on sustainability issues does not seem to abate, as more challenges await the palm oil industry, according to Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) chief executive officer Wan Aishah Wan Hamid.
According to Wan Aishah, the palm oil industry has faced multiple sustainability challenges since the last few decades, from accusations of deforestation and the attrition of endangered wildlife to global warming, the sustainability of palm-based biofuels and the recent forced labour issues raised in the US.
Among the challenges for the palm oil industry is the emergence of new international climate change and deforestation-linked legislation that are potentially trade barriers.
These pieces of legislation are a result of countries seeking to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by decarbonising, limiting global warming and achieving carbon neutrality or net zero by 2050, she said. The Edge Markets
---------
Malaysia-Sabah to maximise technology, innovation to boost palm oil sector
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will maximise the use of technology and innovation to improve productivity, competitiveness and development of the palm oil sector, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the progress in the palm oil sector and improvement of infrastructures as well as government incentives provide excellent business opportunities for industry players to venture into the downstream sector.
In a speech read by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam at the Sabah Transfer of Technology (TOT) Exhibition and Seminar here today, he noted that Sabah has nine palm oil refineries with a processing capacity of 7.48 million tonnes per year, while two biodiesel factories are operating to produce 300,000 tonnes of biofuel per year.
Additionally, the state government has developed the Lahad Datu and Sandakan Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC). New Straits Times
---------
India-Edible oil makers urge for lifting of futures trade ban on crude palm oil and soy oil on commodity exchanges
SEA has stated that the ban on futures trade has deprived importers of hedging their price risks in rupee-denominated soya oil and crude palm oil futures on Indian exchanges.
Edible oil makers urge for lifting of futures trade ban on crude palm oil and soy oil on commodity exchanges
SEA has stated that the ban on futures trade has deprived importers of hedging their price risks in rupee-denominated soya oil and crude palm oil futures on Indian exchanges.
“In recent months, edible oil importers have faced huge financial losses due to abnormal volatility in international and domestic prices on one side and weakening rupee on the other,” according to a SEA statement. India imports 56% of its edible oil requirements. Russia and Ukraine conflict, and Indonesia, the biggest exporter of palm oil, imposing a ban on exports in May (which was lifted after three weeks) have impacted global edible oil prices. Financial Express
September 12, 2022
Belgian minister confirms soy and palm products ban
Brussels has confirmed that soy and palm oil products will be banned from biofuels as part of an initiative to eliminate deforestation.
Biofuels International has reported earlier this year that this move was being planned and this was confirmed by the Federal Minister for Environment and Climate Zakia Khattabi.
Khattabi said that following the examples of Denmark, France, and the Netherlands, biofuels made from palm oil will be barred from the transport sector in the country, while soy will be banned as a raw material for transport biofuels from next year.
"These fuels, apart from having little or no advantage over conventional fossil fuels from a climate point of view, lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and even human rights violations,” Khattabi said in a statement.
The use of palm oil has increased tenfold on the Belgian market between 2019 and 2020 to 231 million litres. Biofuels International
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EU-GPSNR urges EU to engage with industry ahead of deforestation regulation
NR sustainability platform recommends a ‘risk-based approach with jurisdictional traceability’
Singapore – The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) has urged European regulators to engage with the rubber & tire industries as the European Union progresses with its draft anti-deforestation law.
The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position in the plenary session of 12 Sept on a the draft proposal, which will see the imports of certain commodities into the region restricted.
The scope of the proposal covers six commodities of coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soya, beef and wood, at this stage, but may later be extended to other ecosystems such as natural rubber.
In a statement 8 Sept, GPSNR urged EU regulators to continue to engage with the rubber and tire sector to ensure that the decisions made will ‘ultimately deliver social and environmental benefits and improve smallholder livelihoods.’ European Rubber Journal
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Belgian minister confirms soy and palm products ban
Brussels has confirmed that soy and palm oil products will be banned from biofuels as part of an initiative to eliminate deforestation.
Biofuels International has reported earlier this year that this move was being planned and this was confirmed by the Federal Minister for Environment and Climate Zakia Khattabi.
Khattabi said that following the examples of Denmark, France, and the Netherlands, biofuels made from palm oil will be barred from the transport sector in the country, while soy will be banned as a raw material for transport biofuels from next year.
"These fuels, apart from having little or no advantage over conventional fossil fuels from a climate point of view, lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and even human rights violations,” Khattabi said in a statement.
The use of palm oil has increased tenfold on the Belgian market between 2019 and 2020 to 231 million litres. Biofuels International
---------
EU-GPSNR urges EU to engage with industry ahead of deforestation regulation
NR sustainability platform recommends a ‘risk-based approach with jurisdictional traceability’
Singapore – The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) has urged European regulators to engage with the rubber & tire industries as the European Union progresses with its draft anti-deforestation law.
The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position in the plenary session of 12 Sept on a the draft proposal, which will see the imports of certain commodities into the region restricted.
The scope of the proposal covers six commodities of coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soya, beef and wood, at this stage, but may later be extended to other ecosystems such as natural rubber.
In a statement 8 Sept, GPSNR urged EU regulators to continue to engage with the rubber and tire sector to ensure that the decisions made will ‘ultimately deliver social and environmental benefits and improve smallholder livelihoods.’ European Rubber Journal
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September 08, 2022
Indonesia raises its biodiesel allocation
Indonesia has increased its biodiesel allocation to 11.03 million kilolitres amid expectations of rising demand in the fourth quarter, Reuters reported.
The allocation of biodiesel, which is made from palm oil in Indonesia, will be increased from 10.15 million kilolitres, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said in a statement.
Indonesia has a mandatory B30 programme, where 30% of the fuel is palm-oil based and post-pandemic economic recovery is boosting demand for the fuel.
The world's top palm oil producer has also decided to extend its export levy waiver until October 31.
"The extension of $0 levy is intended to maintain the current momentum, where the price of crude palm oil is starting to stabilise, the price of cooking oil starts to fall, and the price of fresh fruit bunches begins to rise," he said. Biofuels News
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Malaysian Minister Zuraida promises to counter West’s palm oil ‘smear campaign’
THE International Palm Oil Sustainability Conference 2022 (IPOSC 2022) to be held on September 13 will be an important platform for Malaysia to counter smear campaigns by Western vested groups against the golden commodity, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said.
She said IPOSC 2022 is intended as a targeted platform to update stakeholders on pertinent and emerging sustainability developments in the industry.
“There is a crucial need to continue engaging and update the Malaysian palm oil industry as well as global stakeholders on sustainability concerns.
“This includes net carbon zero and decarbonisation efforts, green financing and environmental, social and governance (ESG) opportunities as well as international deforestation-linked legislation, which will impact commodities like palm oil,” she said in a statement today. The Malaysian Insight
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Malaysian Palm Oil Output to Drop for Third Year on Labor Crunch
Country’s main growers group cuts forecast to 18 million tons
Foreign workers returning at ‘snail pace,’ says group head
Malaysian palm oil production is set to decline for a third year as a worker shortage in plantations continues to hamper harvesting, according to the nation’s largest group of growers.
Total crude palm oil output for 2022 from the world’s second-largest grower will be 18 million tons, said Joseph Tek, the new chief executive of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, which represents 40% of planted palm by area in the country.
Malaysia’s palm oil industry is reliant on overseas workers and authorities are struggling to bring in people fast enough since pandemic restrictions eased. Without enough boots on the ground, many planters are having to cut harvesting and leave ripened fruit rotting on trees. Bloomberg
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UK-Dorset presses forward in ambition to become the world’s first sustainable palm oil county
Thirty six businesses and organisations in Dorset have now committed to only using sustainable palm oil.
They include the RNLI College, Bournemouth University, Compass Group, YMCA Bournemouth, The Green House Hotel, and schools and restaurants.
All have pledged to remove conventional palm oil from their supply chains through the Dorset Sustainable Palm Oil Community (DSPOC).
Dorset is aiming to become the world’s first sustainable palm oil county.
Palm oil is the most efficient vegetable oil in the world and supports the livelihoods of millions. Dorset Biz News
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Indonesia raises its biodiesel allocation
Indonesia has increased its biodiesel allocation to 11.03 million kilolitres amid expectations of rising demand in the fourth quarter, Reuters reported.
The allocation of biodiesel, which is made from palm oil in Indonesia, will be increased from 10.15 million kilolitres, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said in a statement.
Indonesia has a mandatory B30 programme, where 30% of the fuel is palm-oil based and post-pandemic economic recovery is boosting demand for the fuel.
The world's top palm oil producer has also decided to extend its export levy waiver until October 31.
"The extension of $0 levy is intended to maintain the current momentum, where the price of crude palm oil is starting to stabilise, the price of cooking oil starts to fall, and the price of fresh fruit bunches begins to rise," he said. Biofuels News
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Malaysian Minister Zuraida promises to counter West’s palm oil ‘smear campaign’
THE International Palm Oil Sustainability Conference 2022 (IPOSC 2022) to be held on September 13 will be an important platform for Malaysia to counter smear campaigns by Western vested groups against the golden commodity, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said.
She said IPOSC 2022 is intended as a targeted platform to update stakeholders on pertinent and emerging sustainability developments in the industry.
“There is a crucial need to continue engaging and update the Malaysian palm oil industry as well as global stakeholders on sustainability concerns.
“This includes net carbon zero and decarbonisation efforts, green financing and environmental, social and governance (ESG) opportunities as well as international deforestation-linked legislation, which will impact commodities like palm oil,” she said in a statement today. The Malaysian Insight
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Malaysian Palm Oil Output to Drop for Third Year on Labor Crunch
Country’s main growers group cuts forecast to 18 million tons
Foreign workers returning at ‘snail pace,’ says group head
Malaysian palm oil production is set to decline for a third year as a worker shortage in plantations continues to hamper harvesting, according to the nation’s largest group of growers.
Total crude palm oil output for 2022 from the world’s second-largest grower will be 18 million tons, said Joseph Tek, the new chief executive of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, which represents 40% of planted palm by area in the country.
Malaysia’s palm oil industry is reliant on overseas workers and authorities are struggling to bring in people fast enough since pandemic restrictions eased. Without enough boots on the ground, many planters are having to cut harvesting and leave ripened fruit rotting on trees. Bloomberg
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UK-Dorset presses forward in ambition to become the world’s first sustainable palm oil county
Thirty six businesses and organisations in Dorset have now committed to only using sustainable palm oil.
They include the RNLI College, Bournemouth University, Compass Group, YMCA Bournemouth, The Green House Hotel, and schools and restaurants.
All have pledged to remove conventional palm oil from their supply chains through the Dorset Sustainable Palm Oil Community (DSPOC).
Dorset is aiming to become the world’s first sustainable palm oil county.
Palm oil is the most efficient vegetable oil in the world and supports the livelihoods of millions. Dorset Biz News
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September 07, 2022
Japan-Waste cooking oil prices soar on demand from airline industry
Thieves prowling the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza and Shinjuku entertainment districts overnight are not so much interested in luxury goods these days as they are targeting the waste leftover from making tempura and "tonkatsu" pork cutlets.
Increasingly, these bandits are swiping up used deep-frying oil as demand for it skyrockets. And it is typically left just sitting out in plain sight.
Restaurants leave 18-liter cans of used cooking oil outside their storefronts when they close for the night so recycling dealers can drop by later to collect them. More and more often, however, the cans are missing when these dealers make their rounds.
And criminals are not the only ones after the now coveted commodity, once seen as a throw-away byproduct from cooking.
“We used to charge fees to dispose of used cooking oil as industrial waste,” said one Tokyo-based recycling agent. “The oil has since surged in price, so now we must pay to collect it. And so many people have entered the market.” Asahi
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Japan/ Indonesia-Epson Printer Factory Transitions to 100% Renewable Electricity Using Biomass
- Indonesia Epson Industry converts from coal to palm kernels and other renewable sources
Seiko Epson Corp. (TSE: 6724, "Epson") today announced that the electricity consumed at one of its leading printer manufacturing subsidiaries PT. Indonesia Epson Industry (IEI) will from now be generated from renewable biomass energy sources.
The transition to renewable electricity comes in the wake of an agreement signed in July with a local electricity supplier that has recently started transitioning from coal to biomass energy.
IEI, which is the first customer of the electricity company to convert to biomass, consumes approximately 37 GWh of electricity annually and will require approximately 22,828 tonnes of biomass fuel annually. The energy used to power the plant will be derived from natural energy sources including palm kernel shells (PKS), which are formed from the palm trees that are plentiful in the area. PKS are generated after palm oil is extracted, and were previously considered as waste. However, they have recently been seen as a good source for biomass fuel because they burn at high temperatures due to their low water and high calorific content. Epson
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Europe-Cats and dogs could face food shortage under draft EU law on green jet fuels
An EU greenlight for the use of certain animal parts to make sustainable jet fuel will decimate the pet food industry, leading to a scarcity in nourishing feed for household animals, the European pet food trade association has said.
Under revised rules put forward by the European Parliament and the Council, the EU’s green jet fuel law will be expanded to include fuels made from so-called “category 3” animal by-products.
Category 3 covers parts of a slaughtered animal that are edible, though not usually eaten in Europe for cultural reasons, such as chicken feet.
These by-products are used in large part to make food for household pets, as they contain nutrients that are difficult to find elsewhere.
They are also essential for Europe’s oleochemical industry, which uses the animal parts to manufacture products including detergents, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
If the definition of what constitutes a sustainable aviation fuel is expanded to include biofuels manufactured from category 3 animal fats, this will lead to a shortage for other industries, it is alleged.
“We do not believe that valuable pet food ingredients, specifically category 3 animal fats which are already in short supply, should be used in planes,” said Rosa Carbonell, president of the pet food trade association FEDIAF. Euractiv
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Coop Switzerland Removes Conventional Palm Oil From Dough And Fresh Baked Goods
Coop Switzerland will dispense with conventional palm oil in all dough and fresh baked goods across its own brand range.
The initiative contributes to its goal of replacing conventional palm oil in all store-brand food items, the company added.
The retailer has implemented a project to source sustainable organic palm oil as part of its efforts to create a transparent supply chain.
It uses certified palm oil in the Bio Suisse own-brand food products, or replaces palm oil with other oils and fats, where feasible. ESM Magazine
Japan-Waste cooking oil prices soar on demand from airline industry
Thieves prowling the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza and Shinjuku entertainment districts overnight are not so much interested in luxury goods these days as they are targeting the waste leftover from making tempura and "tonkatsu" pork cutlets.
Increasingly, these bandits are swiping up used deep-frying oil as demand for it skyrockets. And it is typically left just sitting out in plain sight.
Restaurants leave 18-liter cans of used cooking oil outside their storefronts when they close for the night so recycling dealers can drop by later to collect them. More and more often, however, the cans are missing when these dealers make their rounds.
And criminals are not the only ones after the now coveted commodity, once seen as a throw-away byproduct from cooking.
“We used to charge fees to dispose of used cooking oil as industrial waste,” said one Tokyo-based recycling agent. “The oil has since surged in price, so now we must pay to collect it. And so many people have entered the market.” Asahi
---------
Japan/ Indonesia-Epson Printer Factory Transitions to 100% Renewable Electricity Using Biomass
- Indonesia Epson Industry converts from coal to palm kernels and other renewable sources
Seiko Epson Corp. (TSE: 6724, "Epson") today announced that the electricity consumed at one of its leading printer manufacturing subsidiaries PT. Indonesia Epson Industry (IEI) will from now be generated from renewable biomass energy sources.
The transition to renewable electricity comes in the wake of an agreement signed in July with a local electricity supplier that has recently started transitioning from coal to biomass energy.
IEI, which is the first customer of the electricity company to convert to biomass, consumes approximately 37 GWh of electricity annually and will require approximately 22,828 tonnes of biomass fuel annually. The energy used to power the plant will be derived from natural energy sources including palm kernel shells (PKS), which are formed from the palm trees that are plentiful in the area. PKS are generated after palm oil is extracted, and were previously considered as waste. However, they have recently been seen as a good source for biomass fuel because they burn at high temperatures due to their low water and high calorific content. Epson
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Europe-Cats and dogs could face food shortage under draft EU law on green jet fuels
An EU greenlight for the use of certain animal parts to make sustainable jet fuel will decimate the pet food industry, leading to a scarcity in nourishing feed for household animals, the European pet food trade association has said.
Under revised rules put forward by the European Parliament and the Council, the EU’s green jet fuel law will be expanded to include fuels made from so-called “category 3” animal by-products.
Category 3 covers parts of a slaughtered animal that are edible, though not usually eaten in Europe for cultural reasons, such as chicken feet.
These by-products are used in large part to make food for household pets, as they contain nutrients that are difficult to find elsewhere.
They are also essential for Europe’s oleochemical industry, which uses the animal parts to manufacture products including detergents, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
If the definition of what constitutes a sustainable aviation fuel is expanded to include biofuels manufactured from category 3 animal fats, this will lead to a shortage for other industries, it is alleged.
“We do not believe that valuable pet food ingredients, specifically category 3 animal fats which are already in short supply, should be used in planes,” said Rosa Carbonell, president of the pet food trade association FEDIAF. Euractiv
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Coop Switzerland Removes Conventional Palm Oil From Dough And Fresh Baked Goods
Coop Switzerland will dispense with conventional palm oil in all dough and fresh baked goods across its own brand range.
The initiative contributes to its goal of replacing conventional palm oil in all store-brand food items, the company added.
The retailer has implemented a project to source sustainable organic palm oil as part of its efforts to create a transparent supply chain.
It uses certified palm oil in the Bio Suisse own-brand food products, or replaces palm oil with other oils and fats, where feasible. ESM Magazine
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EU Poll: Deforestation tops environmental agenda for EU consumers
Deforestation is the biggest environmental concern across most EU countries, with almost 8 in 10 Europeans (77%) saying they are worried about the destruction and degradation of the world’s forests. Feed Navigator
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EU Corporate Due Diligence-Corporate sustainability due diligence parliamentary fight begins
A Borderlex report. Subscription required
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EU and Thailand cap turbulent decade with a partnership agreement
The deal serves the EU's ambitions to increase its influence in Southeast Asia, as Thailand seeks out diverse trade links. The deal was delayed by almost a decade in the wake of a military coup.
The EU has finally sealed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Thailand, its sixth with a Southeast Asian country, as both sides seek to repair relations that frayed following a military coup in Bangkok eight years ago.
It may provide the needed momentum to relaunch talks over a full free trade agreement.
The PCA, which is still awaiting a formal signing, improves bilateral ties on a range of issues, from human rights to counterterrorism. Brussels sees it as yet another step in its path to boosting relations with countries in Southeast Asia, an increasingly important region economically and geopolitically for the bloc. Deutsche Welle
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Indonesia-East Kalimantan explores cooperation with EU for clean energy
We have natural resources that can be utilized for power plants in addition to coal, oil, and natural gas
Samarinda, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan provincial government explores cooperation with intergovernmental and supranational organizations, with membership comprising European Union countries, in the development of clean and fair energy transition.
The provincial government has met with European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, East Kalimantan Government official Riza Indra Riadi noted through his statement on Tuesday.
The meeting discussed several potential natural resources existing in East Kalimantan that can be developed into energy sources, he noted.
"We have natural resources that can be utilized for power plants in addition to coal, oil, and natural gas," he remarked. Antara News
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Deforestation is the biggest environmental concern across most EU countries, with almost 8 in 10 Europeans (77%) saying they are worried about the destruction and degradation of the world’s forests. Feed Navigator
--------
EU Corporate Due Diligence-Corporate sustainability due diligence parliamentary fight begins
A Borderlex report. Subscription required
---------
EU and Thailand cap turbulent decade with a partnership agreement
The deal serves the EU's ambitions to increase its influence in Southeast Asia, as Thailand seeks out diverse trade links. The deal was delayed by almost a decade in the wake of a military coup.
The EU has finally sealed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Thailand, its sixth with a Southeast Asian country, as both sides seek to repair relations that frayed following a military coup in Bangkok eight years ago.
It may provide the needed momentum to relaunch talks over a full free trade agreement.
The PCA, which is still awaiting a formal signing, improves bilateral ties on a range of issues, from human rights to counterterrorism. Brussels sees it as yet another step in its path to boosting relations with countries in Southeast Asia, an increasingly important region economically and geopolitically for the bloc. Deutsche Welle
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Indonesia-East Kalimantan explores cooperation with EU for clean energy
We have natural resources that can be utilized for power plants in addition to coal, oil, and natural gas
Samarinda, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan provincial government explores cooperation with intergovernmental and supranational organizations, with membership comprising European Union countries, in the development of clean and fair energy transition.
The provincial government has met with European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, East Kalimantan Government official Riza Indra Riadi noted through his statement on Tuesday.
The meeting discussed several potential natural resources existing in East Kalimantan that can be developed into energy sources, he noted.
"We have natural resources that can be utilized for power plants in addition to coal, oil, and natural gas," he remarked. Antara News
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September 05, 2022
EU-Five reasons Europe needs to do better on biofuels
Sustainable biofuels have an important role to play in EU energy independence and food security.
The EU has taken important steps towards strengthening EU energy independence and food security while sticking to ambitious commitments in the fight against climate change. But it risks failing by overlooking an immediate, cost-effective and socially inclusive solution to all these challenges: sustainable biofuels.
The EU’s biofuels sector — including producers of renewable ethanol and biodiesel from crops, wastes, and residues — is well-placed to play a major role in these efforts. It operates at the crossroads of food and feed production, fossil-fuel substitution and European energy independence, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) savings and the domestic bioeconomy.
Despite this, the EU continues to restrict the use of this proven solution — and some are seeking further restrictions. Crop-based biofuels are capped at a maximum of 7 percent of EU Member States’ transport energy mix. This would have dire consequences for Europe’s goals for energy, food security and emissions-reduction.
As the European Parliament’s plenary prepares to vote on revising the Renewable Energy Directive, the question of whether the EU will make the best use of sustainable biofuels remains a crucial issue. There are many reasons why the EU should do better on biofuels. Here are five of them: Politico
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Indonesian oil company Pertamina ramps up carbon capture efforts
Country seeks to become Asian hub for storage as it pushes net-zero goal
BALI, Indonesia -- Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina is accelerating moves to develop its capability for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology via multiple new tie-ups with companies ranging from ExxonMobil to Air Liquide of France and Japanese trading house Mitsui.
CCUS technologies are currently seen as a crucial part of decarbonization efforts in the oil and gas sector worldwide. The number of CCUS projects in the pipeline has risen significantly in the past few years, led by North America and Europe.
Pertamina last week signed a joint agreement with the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp. (JOGMEC), a state-owned resource explorer, to study the implementation of a carbon dioxide (CO2) injection technology to extract crude from aging oil fields -- a process known as enhanced oil recovery. The study will be conducted in Pertamina's Jatibarang field in West Java province.
It was the latest CCUS research that Pertamina has embarked on in the past year with multiple partners as Indonesia seeks to make use of its numerous empty and mature oil and gas reservoirs to become a carbon storage hub in Asia. Southeast Asia's largest economy has declared a net-zero carbon pledge by 2060, and Pertamina is seeking to lead the efforts with its own decarbonization moves, including deployment of CCUS technologies. Nikkei Asia
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Malaysia-State owned Sawit Kinabalu pays RM30m dividend to State Government
SAWIT Kinabalu Group paid RM30 million in total dividend to the Sabah Government for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2021, and also as an interim dividend for the second quarter of this year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor witnessed the dividend presentation from Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director Datuk Bacho Jansie to State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong at Menara Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, on Sept 1.
Hajiji, who is also Sawit Kinabalu Group Chairman, commended the group for surpassing the profit before tax target by 222 per cent during the first six months of this year.
“The group chalked up a pre-tax profit of RM220.16 million compared to the target of RM99.11 million due to the surge in crude palm oil (CPO) prices which is RM6,215 per tonne,” he said.
Sawit Kinabalu registered a pre-tax profit of RM350 million last year.
Since 1996, the group had paid dividends totalling RM1.3 billion to the State Government.
However, Hajiji cautioned the management that CPO prices are expected to drop to between RM4,000 per tonne and RM4,300 per tonne in the second half of the year. Daily Express
EU-Five reasons Europe needs to do better on biofuels
Sustainable biofuels have an important role to play in EU energy independence and food security.
The EU has taken important steps towards strengthening EU energy independence and food security while sticking to ambitious commitments in the fight against climate change. But it risks failing by overlooking an immediate, cost-effective and socially inclusive solution to all these challenges: sustainable biofuels.
The EU’s biofuels sector — including producers of renewable ethanol and biodiesel from crops, wastes, and residues — is well-placed to play a major role in these efforts. It operates at the crossroads of food and feed production, fossil-fuel substitution and European energy independence, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) savings and the domestic bioeconomy.
Despite this, the EU continues to restrict the use of this proven solution — and some are seeking further restrictions. Crop-based biofuels are capped at a maximum of 7 percent of EU Member States’ transport energy mix. This would have dire consequences for Europe’s goals for energy, food security and emissions-reduction.
As the European Parliament’s plenary prepares to vote on revising the Renewable Energy Directive, the question of whether the EU will make the best use of sustainable biofuels remains a crucial issue. There are many reasons why the EU should do better on biofuels. Here are five of them: Politico
---------
Indonesian oil company Pertamina ramps up carbon capture efforts
Country seeks to become Asian hub for storage as it pushes net-zero goal
BALI, Indonesia -- Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina is accelerating moves to develop its capability for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology via multiple new tie-ups with companies ranging from ExxonMobil to Air Liquide of France and Japanese trading house Mitsui.
CCUS technologies are currently seen as a crucial part of decarbonization efforts in the oil and gas sector worldwide. The number of CCUS projects in the pipeline has risen significantly in the past few years, led by North America and Europe.
Pertamina last week signed a joint agreement with the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp. (JOGMEC), a state-owned resource explorer, to study the implementation of a carbon dioxide (CO2) injection technology to extract crude from aging oil fields -- a process known as enhanced oil recovery. The study will be conducted in Pertamina's Jatibarang field in West Java province.
It was the latest CCUS research that Pertamina has embarked on in the past year with multiple partners as Indonesia seeks to make use of its numerous empty and mature oil and gas reservoirs to become a carbon storage hub in Asia. Southeast Asia's largest economy has declared a net-zero carbon pledge by 2060, and Pertamina is seeking to lead the efforts with its own decarbonization moves, including deployment of CCUS technologies. Nikkei Asia
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Malaysia-State owned Sawit Kinabalu pays RM30m dividend to State Government
SAWIT Kinabalu Group paid RM30 million in total dividend to the Sabah Government for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2021, and also as an interim dividend for the second quarter of this year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor witnessed the dividend presentation from Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director Datuk Bacho Jansie to State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong at Menara Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, on Sept 1.
Hajiji, who is also Sawit Kinabalu Group Chairman, commended the group for surpassing the profit before tax target by 222 per cent during the first six months of this year.
“The group chalked up a pre-tax profit of RM220.16 million compared to the target of RM99.11 million due to the surge in crude palm oil (CPO) prices which is RM6,215 per tonne,” he said.
Sawit Kinabalu registered a pre-tax profit of RM350 million last year.
Since 1996, the group had paid dividends totalling RM1.3 billion to the State Government.
However, Hajiji cautioned the management that CPO prices are expected to drop to between RM4,000 per tonne and RM4,300 per tonne in the second half of the year. Daily Express
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September 04, 2022
Japan-Surging price of palm oil sidelines Japanese power plant projects
With no end in sight to sky-high prices for palm oil, Japanese businesses have idled their power plants that burn it to generate electricity.
And they do not appear ready to resume operations anytime soon.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a poor oil palm harvest caused by extreme weather events, have sent prices shooting upward over the past two years.
One analyst said all that was enough to put the fledgling industry on the rocks.
“The business has become difficult to continue," said Ryosuke Sakaizawa, chief consultant at Mizuho Research & Technologies Ltd.
"(Electricity generating businesses are) susceptible not only to changes in price but also to environmental burdens caused by production and distribution, as well as current world events.”
The inflated costs come alongside the public relations problems the businesses face. Asahi
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Indonesian, Japanese economic ministers discuss trade cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto received Japanese Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi and they discussed trade and investment cooperation, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and G20 Summit.
Through the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJ-EPA), the two countries have made many achievements in their cooperation and renewed cooperation agreements, including increasing Indonesia's canned tuna exports to Japan with more competitive tariffs, increasing the import duty-free quota for the export of 4,000 tons of banana per year, and altering import duty-free conditions and adding the quota of pineapple exports.
"Hopefully, Japan will consider import duty tariffs for several commodities, including tuna fish, banana and pineapple," Airlangga said in a written statement released here on Sunday.
He further lauded Japanese private companies' intention to increase investment commitments by US$5.2 billion as a result of a meeting between President Joko Widodo and Japanese CEOs for the development of new capital city, Nusantara, automotive industry, electrical battery industry , steel industry, power plants and transportation infrastructures.
The palm oil sector was also discussed at the meeting. Indonesia hopes Japan will accept the certification of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) supply chain to boost Indonesia's palm oil exports to Japan.
Japan is waiting for the implementation regulation of new ISPO that will deal with palm oil downstream industry in Indonesia. Antara News
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Malaysia-Smallholders should join sustainable oil palm growers cooperatives, says minister
MEMBAKUT, Sept 3 — Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has urged smallholders to be part of the Sustainable Oil Palm Growers Cooperatives (KPSM) to enable the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to monitor and resolve their problems better.
She said KPSM is responsible for coordinating and monitoring management of sales to ensure a more organised process and act as a middleman for smallholders and the MPOB or the ministry.
KPSM was established as a strategic government measure under my ministry to ensure the involvement of smallholders in the new economic model that focuses on the operation of cooperatives as well as small and medium industries.
"KPSM conducts business that directly impacts the increase in members’ income, including group fresh fruit bunch (FFB) sales and bulk input purchases, in addition to being involved in other businesses to strengthen the financial status of the cooperative, which can then be distributed as dividends to members,” she told reporters after officiating the KPSM Kimanis Berhad weighing centre here today. Malay Mail
Japan-Surging price of palm oil sidelines Japanese power plant projects
With no end in sight to sky-high prices for palm oil, Japanese businesses have idled their power plants that burn it to generate electricity.
And they do not appear ready to resume operations anytime soon.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a poor oil palm harvest caused by extreme weather events, have sent prices shooting upward over the past two years.
One analyst said all that was enough to put the fledgling industry on the rocks.
“The business has become difficult to continue," said Ryosuke Sakaizawa, chief consultant at Mizuho Research & Technologies Ltd.
"(Electricity generating businesses are) susceptible not only to changes in price but also to environmental burdens caused by production and distribution, as well as current world events.”
The inflated costs come alongside the public relations problems the businesses face. Asahi
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Indonesian, Japanese economic ministers discuss trade cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto received Japanese Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi and they discussed trade and investment cooperation, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and G20 Summit.
Through the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJ-EPA), the two countries have made many achievements in their cooperation and renewed cooperation agreements, including increasing Indonesia's canned tuna exports to Japan with more competitive tariffs, increasing the import duty-free quota for the export of 4,000 tons of banana per year, and altering import duty-free conditions and adding the quota of pineapple exports.
"Hopefully, Japan will consider import duty tariffs for several commodities, including tuna fish, banana and pineapple," Airlangga said in a written statement released here on Sunday.
He further lauded Japanese private companies' intention to increase investment commitments by US$5.2 billion as a result of a meeting between President Joko Widodo and Japanese CEOs for the development of new capital city, Nusantara, automotive industry, electrical battery industry , steel industry, power plants and transportation infrastructures.
The palm oil sector was also discussed at the meeting. Indonesia hopes Japan will accept the certification of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) supply chain to boost Indonesia's palm oil exports to Japan.
Japan is waiting for the implementation regulation of new ISPO that will deal with palm oil downstream industry in Indonesia. Antara News
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Malaysia-Smallholders should join sustainable oil palm growers cooperatives, says minister
MEMBAKUT, Sept 3 — Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has urged smallholders to be part of the Sustainable Oil Palm Growers Cooperatives (KPSM) to enable the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to monitor and resolve their problems better.
She said KPSM is responsible for coordinating and monitoring management of sales to ensure a more organised process and act as a middleman for smallholders and the MPOB or the ministry.
KPSM was established as a strategic government measure under my ministry to ensure the involvement of smallholders in the new economic model that focuses on the operation of cooperatives as well as small and medium industries.
"KPSM conducts business that directly impacts the increase in members’ income, including group fresh fruit bunch (FFB) sales and bulk input purchases, in addition to being involved in other businesses to strengthen the financial status of the cooperative, which can then be distributed as dividends to members,” she told reporters after officiating the KPSM Kimanis Berhad weighing centre here today. Malay Mail
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September 02, 2022
Europe-New research confirms important role renewable ethanol has in cutting car emissions
Plug-in flex-fuel hybrid vehicles running on E85 fuel with up to 85% renewable ethanol are just as climate-friendly as electric vehicles, according to a new study.
Research carried out by consultants at IFPEN – a French public research, innovation and training organization in the fields of energy, transport and the environment – measured and compared the greenhouse-gas emissions of vehicles powered solely by petrol, plug-in flex-fuel hybrids running on E85 and all-electric cars, on the basis of a full life cycle analysis.
This method factors in all GHG emissions in connection with the vehicle and its battery (from manufacture to recycling) as well as the energy used (production, refinery, transport, distribution and combustion). The findings were applied to French and European electric power mixes. Biofuels News
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Malaysia-Mid-sized oil palm planters in Sabah coming together for sustainability, a right move — MPOC
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1): The news that medium-sized oil palm producers in Sabah will soon adopt sustainable practices under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification standards is a huge step in the right direction, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) said.
It said both certification standards help address deforestation and promote sustainability, and require oil palm plantations to preserve riparian reserves, avoid development on steep slopes and prevent encroachment on protected areas.
“The announcement of mid-sized oil palm growers coming together to help address deforestation and promote sustainability in Sabah is a step which we wholeheartedly support.
“As an industry, we are fully committed to addressing the issue of deforestation and like World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Malaysia, we strongly believe that good agricultural practices are necessary to ensure sustainability of the oil palm sector,” it said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 1).
MPOC said bringing smaller producers into the certification process is a huge step in the right direction because smaller producers are an integral part of the palm oil industry, but they risk being excluded from the certification process due to the costs involved. The Edge Markets
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India-Assam to Yield Benefits of Palm Oil by 2025, 2 Lakh Hectares Identified for Cultivation 18 Districts out of 35 in Assam identified for the cultivation, centre nods approval for six processing units
GUWAHATI: The Centre is mulling growing palm oil trees in 2 lakh hectares of land in Assam by 2025-26. The whole project will cover 18 districts in Assam which will churn out a good amount of revenue for the state.
Sources from the agriculture department said that a total of 6 oil palm processing units will be set up in the state and the process to identify land for three such units has already started.
"Oil palm farmers are being selected from across 18 districts divided into six zones" said a senior official of the department. The Panchayati Raj Institutions and the agricultural offices are entrusted with the task of selecting the farmers. Palm Oil cultivation started on a pilot basis in some villages of Goalpara and Kamrup in 2080 hectares where it was found that the districts lack groundwater facilities required for palm trees. Sentinel Assam
Europe-New research confirms important role renewable ethanol has in cutting car emissions
Plug-in flex-fuel hybrid vehicles running on E85 fuel with up to 85% renewable ethanol are just as climate-friendly as electric vehicles, according to a new study.
Research carried out by consultants at IFPEN – a French public research, innovation and training organization in the fields of energy, transport and the environment – measured and compared the greenhouse-gas emissions of vehicles powered solely by petrol, plug-in flex-fuel hybrids running on E85 and all-electric cars, on the basis of a full life cycle analysis.
This method factors in all GHG emissions in connection with the vehicle and its battery (from manufacture to recycling) as well as the energy used (production, refinery, transport, distribution and combustion). The findings were applied to French and European electric power mixes. Biofuels News
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Malaysia-Mid-sized oil palm planters in Sabah coming together for sustainability, a right move — MPOC
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1): The news that medium-sized oil palm producers in Sabah will soon adopt sustainable practices under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification standards is a huge step in the right direction, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) said.
It said both certification standards help address deforestation and promote sustainability, and require oil palm plantations to preserve riparian reserves, avoid development on steep slopes and prevent encroachment on protected areas.
“The announcement of mid-sized oil palm growers coming together to help address deforestation and promote sustainability in Sabah is a step which we wholeheartedly support.
“As an industry, we are fully committed to addressing the issue of deforestation and like World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Malaysia, we strongly believe that good agricultural practices are necessary to ensure sustainability of the oil palm sector,” it said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 1).
MPOC said bringing smaller producers into the certification process is a huge step in the right direction because smaller producers are an integral part of the palm oil industry, but they risk being excluded from the certification process due to the costs involved. The Edge Markets
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India-Assam to Yield Benefits of Palm Oil by 2025, 2 Lakh Hectares Identified for Cultivation 18 Districts out of 35 in Assam identified for the cultivation, centre nods approval for six processing units
GUWAHATI: The Centre is mulling growing palm oil trees in 2 lakh hectares of land in Assam by 2025-26. The whole project will cover 18 districts in Assam which will churn out a good amount of revenue for the state.
Sources from the agriculture department said that a total of 6 oil palm processing units will be set up in the state and the process to identify land for three such units has already started.
"Oil palm farmers are being selected from across 18 districts divided into six zones" said a senior official of the department. The Panchayati Raj Institutions and the agricultural offices are entrusted with the task of selecting the farmers. Palm Oil cultivation started on a pilot basis in some villages of Goalpara and Kamrup in 2080 hectares where it was found that the districts lack groundwater facilities required for palm trees. Sentinel Assam
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September 01, 2022
Europe-Industry Gears Up For The Fourth European Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue
Retailers and food manufacturers have a big opportunity to influence a reduction in the environmental impact of food supply chains.
According to a study by the Food Standards Agency, food systems that respect the environment, or climate, are among the top ten food priorities for consumers.
Palm oil is present in over 50% of supermarket products and is a good place to start when looking at improving sustainability in food supply chains.
For four consecutive years, strategic partners have organised the most important conference on sustainable palm oil in Europe: the Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD). ESM Magazine
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Malaysia-7th International Palm Oil Sustainability Conference 2022 (IPOSC 2022)
Date: Tuesday, 13 September 2022
Time: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Venue: Ballroom 1 & 2, InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Registration Fee: RM500 per participant
Don’t miss this opportunity to catch the following events in two weeks time:
Registration can be done through the links below:
India-FOUNDATION STONE FOR OIL PALM FACTORY LAID AT NIGLOK
PASIGHAT, Aug 31: In what can be termed as landmark moment in the Agro Industry sector and development of oil palm sector for Arunachal Pradesh, the foundation stone for the first of its kind state-of-art integrated Oil Palm factory was jointly unveiled by Acharya Bal Krishna and the State Agriculture Minister Tage Taki at Niglok Industrial Growth Centre in East Siang district today. MLAs Ninong Ering, Kaling Moyong, Lombo Tayeng and Gabriel D. Wangsu, Dui Gao (Wife Loksabha MP Tapir Gao) and other dignitaries were also present.
Tage Taki informed that the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2021 had given approval to promote palm oil cultivation in the country with a mission to boost the economy of the nation at large. Later, the state government led by the Chief Minister Pema Khandu after series of surveys, discussion with experts and scientists on suitability and future prospect and the prevailing climatic condition and availability of land etc., considered to establish the mill and nurseries in the state besides encouraging the cultivators of assured income and employment generation.
Notably, India is the world’s second largest consumer and number one importer of vegetable oil and it meets about 70% of its need through imports from Indonesia and Malaysia draining huge Indian money approximately one lakh crores annually and setting up the industry in the country will definitely save our money, Taki said. Eastern Sentinel
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Mitsui Chemicals invests in waste feedstocks collector Apeiron Bioenergy
September 1 (Renewables Now) - Singapore-based Apeiron Bioenergy has received an equity investment of undisclosed amount from Japanese company Mitsui Chemicals Inc (TYO:4183) to support its expansion across Asia.
Apeiron is looking to increase its collection capacity and processing facilities for waste-based feedstocks across Asian markets through both organic and inorganic growth as it aims to respond to the growing demand for biofuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), underpinned by government regulations in the US and the EU.
The company collects and processes renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCO) and palm oil mill effluent (POME). When announcing the deal on Wednesday, it said it has established a presence in more than 10 countries and collected more than 500 million litres of UCO between 2017 and 2021.
Apeiron is well placed to supply downstream by-products for Mitsui Chemicals. Renewables Now
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Palm oil derivatives: are sustainability promises lost in the supply chain?
Complexities in tracing and transparency mean sustainability leaders may be falling short of their own commitments on palm derivatives and oleochemicals
Global palm oil production hit new highs of 77 million tonnes in 2021. About one-fifth of this was certified against the leading industry standard, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). But it’s not clear who should be responsible for increasing the proportion, with buyers blaming a lack of available certified materials and producers citing a lack of demand.
In this the second of a two-part series exploring palm oil derivatives, following on from the first which illustrated how derivatives are made, we explore how some of the major players in the industry are doing in terms of sustainability, and how they could improve.
The palm derivatives sector produces many key ingredients for everything from foods to fuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and plastics. It presents a unique opportunity to create positive change which could ripple out to the wider palm oil industry. China Dialogue
Europe-Industry Gears Up For The Fourth European Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue
Retailers and food manufacturers have a big opportunity to influence a reduction in the environmental impact of food supply chains.
According to a study by the Food Standards Agency, food systems that respect the environment, or climate, are among the top ten food priorities for consumers.
Palm oil is present in over 50% of supermarket products and is a good place to start when looking at improving sustainability in food supply chains.
For four consecutive years, strategic partners have organised the most important conference on sustainable palm oil in Europe: the Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD). ESM Magazine
---------
Malaysia-7th International Palm Oil Sustainability Conference 2022 (IPOSC 2022)
Date: Tuesday, 13 September 2022
Time: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Venue: Ballroom 1 & 2, InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Registration Fee: RM500 per participant
Don’t miss this opportunity to catch the following events in two weeks time:
- Plenary Paper by YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Zakri Abdul Hamid, Joint Chairman, Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) & Former Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia
- Eight presentations by policy makers and experts on Net Zero, decarbonisation opportunities and global sustainability barriers and accelerators in the Palm Oil Industry
- Forum in collaboration with WWF Malaysia, RSPO, MPOCC and CIMB Bank on ‘Moving Towards Net Zero and Decarbonisation – The Future of Certification and Sustainability’
- Exhibition area featuring sustainability efforts by Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF), Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) and FGV Holdings Berhad
Registration can be done through the links below:
- For online banking / telegraphic transfer payments, please register your participation here: https://bit.ly/3Qv1DDI
- For credit card payments, please register your participation here: https://bit.ly/palmoilevent-ccardpayment
India-FOUNDATION STONE FOR OIL PALM FACTORY LAID AT NIGLOK
PASIGHAT, Aug 31: In what can be termed as landmark moment in the Agro Industry sector and development of oil palm sector for Arunachal Pradesh, the foundation stone for the first of its kind state-of-art integrated Oil Palm factory was jointly unveiled by Acharya Bal Krishna and the State Agriculture Minister Tage Taki at Niglok Industrial Growth Centre in East Siang district today. MLAs Ninong Ering, Kaling Moyong, Lombo Tayeng and Gabriel D. Wangsu, Dui Gao (Wife Loksabha MP Tapir Gao) and other dignitaries were also present.
Tage Taki informed that the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2021 had given approval to promote palm oil cultivation in the country with a mission to boost the economy of the nation at large. Later, the state government led by the Chief Minister Pema Khandu after series of surveys, discussion with experts and scientists on suitability and future prospect and the prevailing climatic condition and availability of land etc., considered to establish the mill and nurseries in the state besides encouraging the cultivators of assured income and employment generation.
Notably, India is the world’s second largest consumer and number one importer of vegetable oil and it meets about 70% of its need through imports from Indonesia and Malaysia draining huge Indian money approximately one lakh crores annually and setting up the industry in the country will definitely save our money, Taki said. Eastern Sentinel
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Mitsui Chemicals invests in waste feedstocks collector Apeiron Bioenergy
September 1 (Renewables Now) - Singapore-based Apeiron Bioenergy has received an equity investment of undisclosed amount from Japanese company Mitsui Chemicals Inc (TYO:4183) to support its expansion across Asia.
Apeiron is looking to increase its collection capacity and processing facilities for waste-based feedstocks across Asian markets through both organic and inorganic growth as it aims to respond to the growing demand for biofuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), underpinned by government regulations in the US and the EU.
The company collects and processes renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCO) and palm oil mill effluent (POME). When announcing the deal on Wednesday, it said it has established a presence in more than 10 countries and collected more than 500 million litres of UCO between 2017 and 2021.
Apeiron is well placed to supply downstream by-products for Mitsui Chemicals. Renewables Now
---------
Palm oil derivatives: are sustainability promises lost in the supply chain?
Complexities in tracing and transparency mean sustainability leaders may be falling short of their own commitments on palm derivatives and oleochemicals
Global palm oil production hit new highs of 77 million tonnes in 2021. About one-fifth of this was certified against the leading industry standard, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). But it’s not clear who should be responsible for increasing the proportion, with buyers blaming a lack of available certified materials and producers citing a lack of demand.
In this the second of a two-part series exploring palm oil derivatives, following on from the first which illustrated how derivatives are made, we explore how some of the major players in the industry are doing in terms of sustainability, and how they could improve.
The palm derivatives sector produces many key ingredients for everything from foods to fuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and plastics. It presents a unique opportunity to create positive change which could ripple out to the wider palm oil industry. China Dialogue
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CSPO Watch. September 2022. News on palm oil