PALMOILMAGAZINE, PORT MORESBY – The Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) of Papua New Guinea has expressed strong support for the government’s plan to introduce two key legislative proposals—the Palm Oil Management Bill and the Palm Oil Authority Bill—to Parliament.
OPIC Board Chairman Augustine Kapi emphasized that these regulations are urgently needed to address long-standing challenges faced by smallholder farmers, who, according to him, have yet to fully benefit from the country’s palm oil industry over the past five decades.
“We, as farmers, have not enjoyed the full benefits of the palm oil industry for the last 50 years. These two bills are crucial as they have the potential to transform farmers’ lives,” Kapi said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from tvwan.com.pg on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).
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Kapi reiterated that the OPIC board fully supports Palm Oil Minister Francis Maneke’s initiative to bring the proposed legislation before Parliament. The backing also comes in response to opposition from a small group that has voiced concerns through media channels.
Despite the criticism, OPIC remains firm in its commitment to advocating for farmers’ interests across Papua New Guinea. Kapi stressed that the proposed laws are essential to improving governance in the sector and ensuring a fairer distribution of benefits for growers in the future.
He also noted that reform efforts within the palm oil industry will continue, even amid resistance from certain parties. “Those opposing the bills represent only a small fraction and do not reflect the views of all farmers in the country,” he added.
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Support for the bills has also been echoed by several OPIC board members representing various oil palm projects nationwide, who are urging the minister to promptly table the legislation in Parliament.
Kapi further called on critics of the Palm Oil Management Bill and Palm Oil Authority Bill to engage in constructive dialogue with OPIC and the government. He encouraged stakeholders to channel their concerns through meaningful input rather than spreading unverified information in the media.
According to him, collaboration and open dialogue are key to addressing the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea’s palm oil sector. Through a more inclusive and cooperative approach, all stakeholders are expected to play a role in strengthening the industry’s sustainability and enhancing its economic benefits for farmers. (P2)
