OIL PALM in PNG - 2009 (25th August, 2009)

Oil Palm in PNG ..............................................................................................................

Originating from West Africa, Oil palm grows well in the tropical conditions of PNG, being well suited to the high rainfall and humid conditions. Seeds are produced at the DAMI research centre in Kimbe and used throughout the country and also exported to many parts of the World.

The second product is Palm Kernels; these are either exported to Asia for processing or processed in house to produce Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) for export. After the production of these two products the Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) are transported back to the field as fertilizer.

Palm oil is used in a variety of edible oils, in particular margarines and fats. Other food uses include dry cake mix, baking biscuits, cakes and sauces. Palm oil is also one of the best oils for frying and extensively used as cooking oil in Asia. Non food uses include soaps, detergents, candles, cosmetics and biodiesel.

Palm oil is now the major agricultural crop within the country and at the present time the major vegetable oil in the World. Within PNG the crop is grown both on Company estates and by Small holders Farmers surrounding the Company.

The Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was set a few years ago and is a World wide organization set up to improve the sustainability of palm oil production. At the present time, two companies within PNG have achieved certification to the RSPO process.

Retail price K13.55

First Day Cover with Stampset