Lae, 28 November 2025 — Growers and industry leaders from Morobe and Madang, together with Ramu Agri Industries Ltd, have welcomed the Government’s efforts to modernise the oil palm sector, saying the new Oil Palm Industry Authority Bill 2025 and Oil Palm Industry Management Bill 2025 offer the best opportunity in decades to bring order, fairness, and long-term growth to one of the country’s most important agricultural industries.
The remarks were made at the end of a two-day regional consultation at Bubia, Lae, where growers and companies discussed the draft bills and provided extensive feedback to the national team leading the reforms.
Growers Praise “First of Its Kind” Legislative Overhaul
Baida Isi, Chairman of the Morobe Province Oil Palm Growers Association, said the consultation marked a turning point for growers who have long operated without a modern legal framework to protect their interests.
He said the industry had waited many years for a Bill that could “solve problems” faced by growers and bring clarity to issues around customary land, management, and benefit-sharing.
“This is the first of its kind for our industry,” Isi said. “The law will help protect our customary land, help us manage properly, and bring in good content so our people understand clearly.”
He said growers had struggled due to the absence of a system that brought all stakeholders together.
“We want the Government to approve these bills so changes can come. These laws will help not only us growers but also the companies and all developers to work as one.”
Madang Growers Say Bills Will Bring Order and Fairness
Echoing these sentiments, Simon Menapo, Vice-Chairman of the Madang Oil Palm Growers Association, said the consultation gave hope to growers across the region who wanted a fairer and more structured industry.
He said growers face “big challenges,” but the proposed laws would create the discipline and accountability needed for progress.
Menapo highlighted the scale of Madang’s outgrower blocks, noting that one development area alone consisted of 72 farmers cultivating 144 hectares.
“This law will help solve our problems. It brings benefits and the changes we need,” Menapo said. “These bills will help satisfy not only us growers but also the companies and developers.”
He said growers appreciate the intent of the draft legislation and see it as a path toward unity and improved management.
Ramu Agri Industries: Reform Needed to Ease Burden on Landowners
Eric Wise, General Manager of Ramu Agri Industries Ltd, described the consultation as timely and well-organised, praising the Oil Palm Industry Corporation for leading a transparent process.
Wise said the industry operates under extremely strict international standards, including RSPO, EU requirements, and new planting procedures, which make it difficult for companies to take on new growers unless compliance is fully met.
“We sell our oil at a premium price, so we can’t just plant anywhere,” he said. “We are bound by very tough rules and certification standards. That is why many landowners find it hard — even when they want to develop their land.”
He said the frustration of growers is real, and companies are often unable to assist even when they want to.
“We feel sorry when people come to us for help, but our hands are tied. We can’t buy fruit unless standards are met, otherwise we lose the premium market,” Wise said.
Wise said the consultation provides a platform to find solutions that make it easier for customary landowners to work with companies while still meeting international obligations.
“This is a very good forum. The market is there — it’s the land that is idle. Get your land organised and grow it. We support this consultation 100%.”
Growers, Companies United on Need for New Authority
All three speakers agreed that establishing a dedicated Oil Palm Industry Authority is critical for:
• Coordinating growers, companies, and government
• Ensuring stronger management and discipline in the sector
• Resolving existing loopholes in industry practices
• Supporting customary landowners who want to participate
• Lifting production and meeting international market requirements
The consultation at Bubia is part of the nationwide process to finalise the two Bills before they are presented to Parliament.
ENDS