26/03/2013 (FoodBev.com) - Cargill has officially launched the Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy, an institute of continuous learning with the objective of developing and nurturing professionals and future Cargill leaders in oil palm management.

The academy, located in Manismata, West Kalimantan, is also Cargill’s first-ever specialised learning institution of its kind in the world, aimed at training professionals in the palm oil industry.

Built at a cost of almost $600,000, the Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy will provide high quality, industry-standard leadership training and technical programmes on the sustainable production of palm oil.

The institute will also facilitate a Talent Development Programme for fresh graduates, as well as employees from Cargill’s plantations in Indonesia - PT Hindoli in South Sumatra and PT Harapan Sawit Lestari in West Kalimantan.

The facility currently houses three classrooms, a meeting room, multi-functional hall, library, gallery, prayer room as well as estate and mill training offices. The academy also provides boarding facilities for students from other cities who take up programmes at the institute.

Angeline Ooi, chief executive officer, Cargill Tropical Palm, said: “Indonesia is currently the world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil, producing more than 27 million metric tonnes a year.

"The Learning Academy is part of Cargill’s long-term strategy to develop a strong talent pipeline of plantation professionals and future Cargill leaders to support this burgeoning growth in the Indonesian palm oil sector.