By GEORGINA MICHAEL
East New Britain Governor Michael Marum has urged stronger collaboration between government, the oil palm industry, and communities to ensure the sector delivers fair and sustainable benefits to local farmers.
Speaking at the final validation program for the Oil Palm Industry Management Bill 2025 and the Oil Palm Industry Authority Bill 2025 in Kokopo last Wednesday, Marum stressed that the growth of oil palm must not leave growers in the province behind.
“As leaders and stakeholders, our responsibility is not only to promote industrial growth but also to make sure that growth is fair, sustainable and beneficial to the people on the ground,” Marum said.
“Development must improve the lives of our local farmers and not leave them behind.”
He noted that concerns raised during consultations by growers and milling companies focused on infrastructure development, market ownership, benefit sharing, land accessibility, and transparency. Marum urged leaders to address these issues through stronger communication, improved service delivery, and legislation that protects customary landowners and smallholder growers.
“We must strengthen communication and consultation processes and improve service delivery to the farmers. We must invest in our homes and legislate properly to protect the interest of the customary landowners and the smallholder growers for development that is responsible, inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
Minister for Oil Palm Francis Galia Maneke also addressed the program, thanking the province and its government for allowing the industry to operate in East New Britain even before full legislation was in place.
“I believe this program provides an important place for open dialogue and practical solutions. By working together, we can build a stronger and more accountable industry that creates lasting opportunities for future generations,” Marum said.
Representing the East New Britain Provincial Government, he thanked development partners, stakeholders, and the Oil Palm Industry Corporation for their collaboration in improving outcomes for farmers and communities as the multi-billion-kina industry moves toward regulation.
Minister for Oil Palm Francis Galia Maneke also addressed the program, thanking the province and its government for supporting the industry even before full legislation was in place.
“It’s worth timing that we have to have legislation that covers something that has been neglected by government in this division,” Maneke said.
“This is a sovereign nation. We deserve legislation that will lead our industry forward. We must not allow any distractions in the way we’re doing business in our country. And if investors are here, they must abide by the regulations of this country.”