From Siti Noor Afera Abu
ROTTERDAM, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The 3rd Sustainable Vegetable Oils Conference (SVOC), held on Tuesday, Sept 10, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, gathered a diverse range of global stakeholders.
Co-organised by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) and the Netherlands Oils and Fats Industry (MVO), along with key industry partners such as the Indonesian Palm Oil Plantations Fund Management Agency, the event addressed the complex challenges facing the vegetable oils sector, including climate change, regulatory pressures, and rising global demand.
CPOPC stated that the conference highlighted the urgent need for innovation and sustainable practices to meet rising global demand while complying with strict environmental standards such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs senior advisor for connectivity, service sector and natural resources Musdhalifah Machmud pointed out that EUDR presents a complex landscape for Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
“Adopting a proactive and strategic approach that emphasises stakeholder engagement, capacity building, certification, and sustainable land use practices, Indonesia can successfully navigate the intricacies of the EUDR,” she said.
As for Malaysia, Ministry of Plantation and Commodities secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof said the country fully understands that while increasing production is essential for food security and economic growth, it must be achieved in a manner that safeguards the environment, preserves biodiversity, and respects the rights and livelihoods of local communities.
In view of this challenge, Malaysia is taking action to lead the way in sustainable vegetable oil production through our palm oil industry, he said.
Nevertheless, he expressed concern that Malaysia’s palm oil sector may still be impacted by the EUDR, potentially affecting its reputation despite Kuala Lumpur’s stringent environmental standards.
He said this could lead to a decline in exports to the European Union (EU), a major market for palm oil.
Yusran Shah noted that Malaysia has always advocated for fair trade practices and is committed to ensuring that palm oil production does not harm the environment.
Despite these efforts, he acknowledged the challenges posed by new environmental regulations while noting that both Malaysia and the EU have engaged in public advocacy to shape opinions and policies.
“While European environmental groups push for stricter regulations, Malaysia has focused on promoting its sustainability efforts to counter negative perceptions,” he said.
Transition to sustainable vegetable oil production
Honduras agriculture and livestock vice-minister Lid Roy Lazo Rodriguez reiterated that the transition to sustainable vegetable oil production is a challenge that should be addressed with seriousness, conviction, and long-term vision.
“The vegetable oils industry not only contributes to the socio-economic development of producing countries, but also serves as an example of how agricultural progress can go hand in hand with environmental conservation,” he said.
Furthermore, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs ambassador for business and development and Sustainable Economic Development Department director Marchel Gerrmann stressed the importance of international collaboration to embrace new legislation, intensify the dialogue between consumer and producer countries and use trade agreements to ensure an equal level playing field to drive sustainability forward.
By doing so, he said the vegetable oils industry can be transformed into a force for good -- one that supports economic growth, protects our planet, and uplifts communities.
SVOC provided insights into the sustainability of various oil crops
CPOPC secretary-general Rizal Affandi Lukman stated that the 3rd SVOC provided insights into cutting-edge research and technological advancements useful to enhance the sustainability of various oil crops, from palm oil to sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean.
He said these innovations are crucial to reduce environmental footprints and enhance productivity.
“More importantly, palm oil plays a complementary role to other vegetable oils, meeting the increasing global demand,” he said.
MVO managing director Frans Classen asserted that the way forward calls for a stronger, inclusive, and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.
“This must include the millions of smallholders who play a crucial and an indispensable role in the supply chain of the EU market and their inclusion is of utmost importance,” he added.
According to its statement, CPOPC said discussions at the conference also offered valuable insights into the current market dynamics, exploring the challenges of balancing increased demand with sustainable practices and climate change mitigation.
Experts emphasised the need for a balanced approach that supports both food and energy security while advancing environmental stewardship.
In addition, the conference showcased innovative agricultural practices and technologies aimed at enhancing sustainability and climate resilience across various types of vegetable oils, with presentations highlighting advancements in oil production that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“With the EUDR set to impact global trade in vegetable oils, the conference examined the industry’s readiness to comply with new regulation, focusing on the implications for smallholder inclusivity and trade equity.
“Discussions provided a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead,” it said.
Furthermore, the council said the role of vegetable oils in the renewable energy landscape, particularly in biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel, was another key topic of discussion.
Participants explored strategies for advancing the use of vegetable oils in energy while balancing food security needs.
The 3rd SVOC concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration and innovation to drive the vegetable oils sector toward a sustainable future.
Close to 250 participants from 16 countries, including major producing and consuming countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the EU, Latin America, the United States and Australia, along with representatives from international organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the World Trade Organisation, had actively participated in the 3rd SVOC.
-- BERNAMA
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