Palm oil producing countries see EU’s Farm-to-Fork strategy as opportunity to work together

In Indonesia, the Secretariat of Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) acknowledges the statement by the European Commissioner for Trade on behalf of the European Commission in response to parliamentary question E-001194/2020, which may indicate a new willingness by Europe to collaborate with palm oil producing countries to foster an even more sustainable supply chain. The Commission recognizes the efforts that producing countries and all stakeholders have made and continue to make towards a production strategy that best balances the relationship between man and nature, protects biodiversity and forests, and guarantees not only the most basic human rights, but also an opportunity for economic and social prosperity.

The Commission’s response to the question submitted to the European Parliament by a representative from Poland belies the CPOPC’s concerns regarding the protectionist position of many European member states.

The CPOPC says the Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy recently launched by the European Commission offers a major opportunity for both Europe and palm oil producing countries to work together and further improve sustainability standards.