By GEORGINA MICHAEL
Oil Palm Minister Francis Galia Manake says the new Oil Palm Management Bill 2025 and Oil Palm Authority Bill 2025 will finally provide Papua New Guinea with a legislated framework to sustain and expand the country’s most reliable cash crop—after more than half a century of operating without one.
Speaking at the final validation in Kimbe, West New Britain, this week, Manake thanked growers, milling companies, and stakeholders for their contributions during the drafting process.
He said collaboration was critical to achieving one of the government’s key goals under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV.
“Of all the cash crops in PNG, oil palm is the most sustainable. Yet it has never been legislated,” Manake said. “We as growers, together with local milling companies such as New Britain Palm Oil Limited and Hargy Oil Palm Limited, have kept the industry alive.”
He acknowledged the two companies for sustaining operations in West New Britain, particularly the Bialla and Hoskins projects, which he described as pioneer developments for the country. “I thank Hargy and New Britain Palm Oil for helping growers and sustaining the industry while enhancing the economy, even without legislation,” he said.
Manake warned that beyond the five OPIC-regulated smallholder projects, most developments have operated as “outlawed projects” with no legal framework to guide them. The new bills, he explained, will correct this by establishing clear regulation, protections for growers and landowners, and a coordinated program with development partners.
“The very commodity that will drive the economy of the region in the next generation is oil palm. There must be downstream processing in this country to maximize profit for growers and the government, so we can see a prosperous future for PNG,” Manake said.
As PNG’s first Minister for Oil Palm—and a grower himself—Manake stressed that legislation was long overdue to protect the industry’s foundation while strengthening partnerships. “This legislation is coming at the right time. It will guide new development partners, ensure protection for growers and landowners, and allow people to enjoy the full benefits of the industry,” he said.
He added that standardizing the industry nationwide was essential for a sovereign PNG to control what matters most for its people. Proper regulation, he argued, would ensure the oil palm sector strengthens rather than undermines the economy.
“The industry must be sustained, and it will be sustained, through legislation. This is how we drive the economy forward in ways that benefit growers, businesses, and the country.”