PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has announced that the National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the National Palm Oil Policy 2025-2030 during its meeting on Monday, 10 March 2025.
The Prime Minister commended the Minister for Oil Palm, Hon. Francis Maneke, and the Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) General Secretary Kepson Pupita and staff for their leadership in driving the policy forward. He also acknowledged the contributions of smallholder farmers, industry stakeholders, and development partners who played a role in shaping the policy.
The comprehensive policy framework provides a clear regulatory direction for Papua New
Guinea’s (PNG) thriving oil palm industry, which contributes K2 billion annually to the national economy and employs thousands of Papua New Guineans.
Prime Minister Marape said the policy is a critical milestone in the government’s broader agenda to achieve a K200 billion economy by 2030, with K30 billion expected from the agriculture sector.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, the oil palm industry will have a structured national policy that ensures landowners, smallholders, and investors operate under a fair, transparent, and well regulated framework. This is about putting Papua New Guineans at the centre of economic growth and ensuring that the wealth from our land stays with our people,” PM Marape stated.
Key Features of the Policy:
- Empowering Landowners and Smallholders – Creates opportunities for greater equity participation and direct financial benefits from oil palm cultivation.
- Stronger Regulation and Compliance – Establishes a dedicated regulatory authority to
oversee industry operations, licensing, and environmental standards. - Fair Pricing and Market Stability – Introduces transparent pricing mechanisms to protect
smallholder farmers from market fluctuations. - Investment in Infrastructure and Research – Implements levy collection reforms to fund
smallholder support programmes, pest management, and rural infrastructure. - Sustainable and Inclusive Growth – Encourages responsible land use, conservation, and climate smart practices for long-term industry sustainability.
PM Marape emphasised that this policy aligns with his “Take Back PNG” vision, ensuring that Papua New Guineans are the primary beneficiaries of the nation’s natural resources.
“This policy is a major step towards economic independence. It places resource owners in a stronger position within the industry, enabling them to participate as shareholders rather than just leaseholders. We are setting the foundation for PNG to become a leader in sustainable pal m oil production while protecting our land and environment,” he said.
“As we celebrate 50 years of independence, this policy marks the beginning of a new era for Papua New Guinea’s palm oil industry—one built on inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” PM Marape said.
“The Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to the successful implementation of the policy and will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that PNG’s oil palm industry reaches its full economic potential.”
