Palm Oil: Steering Through Ambiguity – Bali – Pietro Paganini
I had the privilege of moderating a panel at the GAPKI conference in Bali, Indonesia, setting the stage with an inspiring introduction that delved into the complexities and uncertainties faced by the palm oil industry. This annual gathering unites thousands, including small and large-scale farmers, producers, and processors, all committed to addressing disruptions in raw material supply chains.
Palm Oil: Steering Through Ambiguity
For the past 8 years, I have been fortunate to contribute to and witness firsthand the evolution of these pivotal discussions and the collective pursuit of sustainable solutions. In 2023, the European Union adopted the European Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), a groundbreaking legislation targeting commodities such as palm oil. Now, as the EUDR enters its critical implementation phase, companies are navigating the complexities of compliance.
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The regulation brings challenges, especially for smallholders at risk of being left out. mbiguous stance of European member states and the need for clarity from the European Commission create a state of uncertainty. The panel I moderated addressed these concerns:
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- EUDR Implications for Palm Oil: H.E Andri Hadi, Ambassador of Indonesia to the EU, explored the EUDR’s repercussions on the palm oil industry.
- Regulatory Gap: Agus Purnomo, Senior Advisor at Golden Agri Resources, discussed the divergence between EUDR and Indonesian regulations.
- Impact on Smallholders: Rizal Lukman, Secretary General of CPOPC, delved into the challenges faced by smallholders.
- Industry Compliance: The CEO of Dibiz, UR UNITTAN, outlined how the palm oil industry can align with the regulations.
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The panel highlighted that palm oil entering Europe is now safe and adheres to zero deforestation policies. Despite improvements in the reputation of palm oil, particularly in my home country, Italy, negative campaigns continue. By moderating this discussion at the GAPKI conference, I was once again part of a vital dialogue aiming to navigate these uncertainties and seek stability in the industry.