OPIC concludes nationwide consultations on proposed Oil Palm Bill

By DALCY LULUA

THE Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) has concluded its nationwide consultation workshops on the proposed Oil Palm Management and Authority Bill, with strong support from growers, block holders, and industry stakeholders.

Led by the OPIC Technical Working Team in partnership with the Oil Palm Ministry and OPIC management, consultations were held in key oil palm-growing regions including Kimbe (Hoskins), Wewak, Alotau, Popondetta, Kokopo, and Kavieng.

The final leg concluded in New Ireland, but following requests from oil palm growers and smallholder block holders in Bialla in Kimbe, the team conducted an additional and final regional consultation there.

Growers in Bialla praised the team for working tirelessly in drafting the bill and going around in oil palm provinces to have consultations and also acknowledged Hargy Oil Palms Limited for its longstanding support and urged the government to consider its role in drafting the bill.

The workshops provided a platform for engagement with farmers, industry players, provincial authorities, and milling companies, with participants endorsing the proposed legislation and calling for improved governance, coordination, transparency, and accountability.

The proposed law aims to modernize the industry’s regulatory framework, strengthen OPIC’s role, improve services to smallholders, and promote sustainable growth and fair participation.

Stakeholders welcomed the reforms, highlighting key issues such as pricing transparency, access to extension services, infrastructure, and equitable benefit-sharing.

OPIC confirmed that feedback from consultations will be incorporated into the final draft before it is tabled in Parliament during the June sitting.

Leaders from oil palm-growing provinces have been urged to support the bill, which is seen as vital for rural livelihoods, industry sustainability, and national revenue.

The oil palm industry remains a major contributor to Papua New Guinea’s economy, supporting thousands of smallholder families.

With consultations complete, the draft bill will now undergo final review before a validation workshop.