(Jan 19) On our planet Earth, home to eight billion people, the total surface spans 51 billion hectares. However, its surface area is distributed disproportionately: water dominates the surface, covering 71% of the planet, accounting for more than 36 billion hectares. The remaining land area makes up only 29%, or less than 15 billion hectares. This balance underscores Earth’s identity as a “blue planet”, where water dominates while land remains limited and precious.

Within this limited landmass, agriculture occupies a surprisingly small portion – less than 5 billion hectares (effectively one-third). This agricultural land is broadly divided into two sections, the majority pastureland (used for grazing livestock) totalling 3.36 billion hectares or about 68% (or two-thirds) hosting the following top livestock populations: chickens- 26.6 billions, cattle- 1.6 billion, sheep- 1.3 billion, goats- 1.1 billion and pigs- 0.98 billion (FAO-STAT, 2022). These numbers reflect the heavy reliance on pasture-land especially for the ruminant livestock.

The other section i.e. cropland (used for growing crops) on the remaining 32% (about one-third), covers approximately 1.55 billion hectares. This cropland supports the cultivation of many widely variable types of crops such as cereals, tubers, sugar, pulses, nuts, vegetables, fruits, fibre, spices and edible oil crops, comprising vital components of global agriculture.

Curiously, the world seems to favour a “rule of thirds” – consider this: about one-third of Earth is covered by land, while the rest is swallowed by the seas; roughly a third of that land is dedicated to agriculture, and within it, cropland takes yet another third, leaving pastures to roam over the remaining two-thirds.

Among the various edible oil crops under agriculture, the oil palm stands out as the most efficient producer by far. The global oil palm area covers just about 26 million hectares, which represents less than 0.5% of the world’s agricultural land – or 5% to 6% of the total edible oil crop planted area globally. Despite its small footprint, oil palm produces more than 36% of global vegetable edible oils. This highlights its unmatched productivity and efficiency compared to other oil crops – and yet this 0.5% is under the heaviest scrutiny, probably making oil palm becoming the ‘Most Misunderstood Crop’.

Focusing on Malaysia, the country has 5.61 million hectares of oil palm representing 17% of its total land-bank (MPOB, 2025). This is 0.1 % of the global agricultural land area but contributes 20% of global exports of edible oils and fats. There are an estimated 700 million oil palm carbon sequestering trees with the ratio of 20 oil palm trees per every Malaysian, as against 4.6 methane-emitting sheep per New Zealander.

Oil palms are highly productive plants that thrive in regions with abundant sunshine, warm temperatures and ample water, which are essential for achieving their high yields. These conditions are typically found in the 5 to 7-degree north and south of the equator. While oil palms can still grow outside this ideal range, their productivity significantly decreases without the optimal combination of these environmental factors.

Given this disproportionate contribution and the outsized role that oil palm plays, it is crucial that oil palm producers remain united, telling their side of stories boldly and continue advocating for a level playing field.

They must also ensure responsible production practices that align with global social environmental and economic expectations. Sustainability, efficiency and fair play are keys to sustain the future of oil palm as a critical contributor within the global food system, demonstrating how a small but well-managed footprint can deliver outsized benefits.

Lesson from Covid-19 Pandemic

If there was ever a time when the power of solidarity across palm oil producers truly shone, it was during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Malaysian palm oil sector showed the world what fraternity and resolve could achieve. In the face of unprecedented challenges, all the industry associations came together like never before, setting aside individual interests for the greater good – and kept the sector running and people safe. Talk about putting the “united” in “solidarity.”

During Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO), the oil palm industry didn’t just talk the talk; it walked the walk. Stakeholders from plantation associations to companies joined forces to issue united statements, not only committing to rigorous safety protocols but also calling for business continuity. This wasn’t just about checking boxes for compliance – it was about safeguarding lives while ensuring the uninterrupted flow of one of the world’s most essential commodities.

In April 2020, the informal Malaysian Oil Palm Solidarity was established – a historic first for Malaysia’s palm oil industry. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Datuk Nageeb Wahab of MPOA, Jeffrey Ong of MEOA and IJM Plantations, brought together associations across the entire Malaysian palm oil supply chain, uniting stakeholders from upstream to downstream in a show of unprecedented collaboration. The collective included palm oil supply chain associations such as MPOA, MEOA, SOPPOA, EMPA, NASH, ISP, POMA, PORAM, MOMG, MBA, MEOMA, MAPA and SECA.

What started as an informal alliance swiftly evolved into a powerful advocacy platform, with its members lobbying around the clock and working hand-in-hand with authorities to safeguard the sector’s interests and people’s safety. While each association may have its own priorities and sectorial interest, the common ground proved abundant – ranging from labour issues to taxation, productivity, market access and the impact of Covid-19 then. In the end, it was truly “one for all, and all for one.”

A standout moment kick-started when oil palm planters proactively created comprehensive Covid-19 SOPs.

These SOPs were not the usual run-of-the-mill paperwork – they were carefully crafted to balance worker safety with operational efficiency, taking into account the unique challenges of the palm oil supply chain.

And, in a move that truly embodied global unity among oil palm players, these SOPs weren’t kept to ourselves. Through the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), the SOPs were shared with other palm oil-producing countries, like Indonesia and Costa Rica. It was like passing along a secret recipe for success, but with fewer ingredients and a lot more public health.

It was a rare, beautiful moment when locally the Malaysian oil palm stakeholders and subsequently the oil palm producing countries found a common ground and stood together, proving that when we face challenges as a collective force, we can come up with shared solutions. If we could harness such extraordinary solidarity during a crisis like Covid-19, why let it be a one-off? The strength we found in unity during those turbulent times should be the spark, not the end.

Forging Solidarity Beyond Crisis

The pandemic provided a powerful lesson: collaboration works, and it drives results. By uniting our efforts, we not only survived the storm, but we thrived. And now, we have the chance to carry that same spirit forward – tackling the present and future challenges facing the oil palm industry with the same resolve and unity.

The truth is, the potential for collaboration is vast, both locally and globally. Whether it’s improving sustainable practices, addressing labour challenges, innovating market access or reshaping perceptions about palm oil with science-backed facts, the opportunities are limitless when we stand together.

It’s time to reimagine what true collaboration looks like. We can find common grounds on key and critical aspects like best management practices, R&D, sustainability, trade barriers and dispelling global misconceptions. As the world’s population grows and demand for food, feed, and fuel skyrockets, there is more than enough room for all palm oil producers – and other edible oils – to feed mankind and thrive.

Now is the moment to build a global alliance of palm oil-producing countries, leading the charge on sustainable agriculture, innovation and promoting level playing field. Together, we can reshape the narrative, prove the resilience of the industry that can position the sector as a forward-thinking pillar of global progress. This is the chance to turn crisis-driven unity into a lasting movement for positive and transformative change. The future is ours to shape.

Palm Oil: The Unsung Hero

The oil palm industry faces sustained challenges: growing and producing responsibly, supporting communities and staying profitable. The solution? Yes. Collaboration. By sharing best practices, supporting each other, and standing united, we can showcase palm oil as a formidable force for good. It’s time to ditch the lone wolf mentality and start thinking like a Premier League dream soccer team!

Palm oil is a superstar in efficiency, potentially producing up to 8 to 10 times more oil per hectare than soya (and even if it’s just 5 times more, the number is still mind-blowing), and it’s also unmatched in versatility – found in food, cosmetics and countless products and potential health benefits. More importantly, it is the lifeline for millions of livelihoods globally.

Yet, here we are, often painted as the villain of the agricultural world. But let’s set the record straight: palm oil isn’t the problem; it’s how we grow and manage it that matters. The industry has its black sheep – sure, like all the other business and non-business sectors – but the white sheep, the growers committed to environmental protection, sustainability, innovation and lifting communities, far outnumber them and the numbers can still grow.

To change perceptions, we must amplify the success stories of sustainable growers, showcase achievements aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and highlight ongoing improvements within the industry. By promoting best practices, advocating for equitable policies and driving continuous progress, growers can demonstrate that responsibly produced palm oil not only feeds billions but also supports livelihoods, uplifts economies and contributes to safeguarding the planet.

We move from rebuttals to start leading – not just in producing abundant, high-quality oil, but in cultivating hope, unity and progress. We can remind the world that the oil palm, when planted and managed responsibly and with care, has the power to feed billions, uplift livelihoods and fuel economies more efficiently than any other oil crop. We’re not just growing oil; we’re growing a future. The future is ours to shape – and we’re better off shaping it together.

Future in Learning Together

During my associations with MPOA and MEOA, I discovered a universal truth: no matter whether I was chatting with planters from Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala or Africa, every grower shares the same dream – to grow oil palm better, increase productivity, work smarter and thrive together. It’s the global common denominator that can bind us all: the drive to do it better, do it right and do it together.

During the days at IJM Plantations, I saw firsthand the unrelenting passion for oil palm knowledge. Planters from distant lands made long, exhausting trips just to learn from Malaysians, soaking up best practices like sponges on a mission. And in India, where IJM had a joint venture with Godrej cultivating oil palm, the respect for Malaysian planters was nothing short of remarkable. Local farmers didn’t just admire us – they were practically bursting with enthusiasm, hungry for insights that could elevate their yields and transform their livelihoods. It was like we were the oil palm gurus, and they couldn’t get enough!

But here’s the twist: while Malaysian and Indonesian planters have long been the gold standard in oil palm management, the winds of change are unmistakable. Looking ahead, we might soon see countries like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Brazil or Colombia rising to the challenge. They’re not just catching up – they’re innovating, experimenting and positioning themselves as bold leaders in the field.

One day, if we don’t stay on our toes, it may very well be their best practices we’re traveling across oceans to study, benchmark and learn from. They might be the ones pushing the envelope with cutting-edge experimentation and innovations, inspiring the rest of us to raise our game. But frankly, that’s how it should be. In this global fraternity of oil palm growers, we’re all students, and the best lessons are meant to be shared – not hoarded – unless, of course, they’re IP protected!

There are planters out there who are bold, innovative and passionate risk-takers. I’ve sat through conferences – both physical and online – where presentations by other plantation experts were nothing short of world-class. The energy, the knowledge, the commitment – it’s all driven by one common goal: continuous improvement. And that, in the end, is what must keep us all moving forward.

Mantra for Planters

For planters, the golden rule should always be: NEVER STOP LEARNING, BECAUSE LIFE WILL NEVER STOP TEACHING. Oil palm ecosystems and management needs are numerous and dynamic. The opportunities to learn from other oil palm growers, near and far, are endless and we need to seize them.

Take Guatemala oil palm planters, for instance. I am told by Dr Julian Conway McGill that they have been consistently achieving incredible yields – over 30 mt/ha/year. When asked about their secret? their answer was refreshingly simple: “We just bought the textbooks and followed them precisely, never deviating from best agronomic practices.” Humility like that is a lesson in itself.

No planter, no matter how seasoned, is so great that they can’t learn from others. When we dive into different companies’ planting manuals or SOPs, we’ll realise there are no real secrets to hide. The magic lies in walking the fields, managing better, observing and learning, sharing and uplifting others.

Looking ahead, as the global population grows, the demand for palm oil will increase, bringing significant challenges. To meet this need sustainably, collaborations must be more effective. Sure, our traders can duke it out for market share – that’s their job, and they’re good at it – but let’s not get stuck in the competition game. Let’s be challenged to look on collaboration to tackle common challenges across the sector and raise the bar.

The true future of the oil palm industry is all about solidarity. Look to Guatemala’s textbook precision, feel the fire of Brazil and Colombia’s passion, take a page from Indonesia’s unstoppable drive or heed the hindsight from Malaysian planters. And here’s the key – share that common knowledge, because when one of us rises, we all do. It’s like a palm oil potluck – everyone brings something to the table, and we all get to feast.

A Common Ground

No matter where we grow oil palms – from Malaysia and Indonesia to South America and Africa – we all share one home: our planet. In conversations with growers from around the world, there is a realisation that the struggles and goals are strikingly similar. None of the players would argue against:

. Strive for a level playing field in global trade with no hidden tariff barriers.

. Support for smallholders.

. Fair recognition for the real progress made in sustainability and continuous improvements.

It’s time to turn shared goals into action. The focus is on continuous learning, innovations, bold management, effective advocacy for a level playing field and nurturing sustainability – because our planet is the ultimate stakeholder.

Striving to Unite Globally

The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) was born from a powerful realisation: navigating the complexities of the oil palm sector demands unity. Founded on 21 November 2015, CPOPC emerged from the visionary partnership of Indonesia and Malaysia, later joined by Honduras and, most recently, Papua New Guinea. Observer countries, including Nigeria and Congo, are also part of the growing network, and more palm oil producers are expected to join in the future. Together, these nations account for a staggering 88.8% of global palm oil production.

This monumental unity is a pivotal step towards deeper engagement and collaboration, addressing the global challenges faced by the oil palm industry while championing sustainable progress. It’s a rallying cry for growers and nations to tackle shared priorities with collective strength.

One can think of CPOPC as the ultimate brainstorming session, where the stakes are global, the ideas are transformative and the outcomes benefit not just producing countries but the entire planet. With the right collaboration, CPOPC can turn bold ambitions into actionable, equitable strategies that pave the way for sustainable success.

The solidarity among these countries is more critical than ever. Palm oil isn’t just an irreplaceable part of the global food supply – it’s a lifeline for millions of rural smallholders, a job creator and a generator of export revenue. When producers unite, we have the power to promote sustainability, tackle trade barriers and demonstrate how our industry contributes to economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental care. We’re not here just to grow oil palm; we can be here to cultivate a better future for everyone.

When oil palm is cultivated with best management practices and its products are produced responsibly, it isn’t just part of the food system – it’s a powerhouse of efficiency. The multitude in the industry should inspire collaboration, not rivalry. By aligning around shared goals, we turn potential conflicts into collective triumphs.

Imagine a world without palm oil: a fractured food supply, destabilised economies and a cascade of other global challenges. But by joining forces, obstacles can be tackled head-on, sustainable growth can be challenged and palm oil can be showcased as a true force for good. This can be potential moment to turn shared vision into shared success.

This isn’t just about yields or profits; it’s about feeding the world and building a legacy of excellence for future generations. Together, oil palm can become a symbol of hope and progress for a world counting on the stakeholders of today.

The future of supreme oil palm cultivation and production starts now. The challenges we face are too big for any single grower, company or country to tackle alone. If we continue fighting solo, it’s like paddling a canoe with a spoon. But if we unite our efforts, that’s an armada of progress.

As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”

Read more at https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/01/19/stronger-together-solidarity-among-oil-palm-producers/