subject: Knowing The Environmental Importance Of Sustainable Palm Oil [print this page] Sustainable palm oil comes from plantations that have been certified. The plantations are frequently audited making sure they are following the agreed upon global standards regarding good environmental and economic good practices. Palm oil was first traded in ancient Africa. It is native to West Africa and through trade routes, it had spread to South America, Europe and South East Asia.
The fruit of the palm contains a lot of oil in its pulp. This oil is used is many products both edible and non-edible. It is a huge market with a very high demand on an international scale. The fruit of this tree is perennial so production is available all throughout the year.
There are many different types of oils that are derived from palm oil making it one of the largest and fastest growing agricultural industries in the world. But this growing demand for palm oil has raised many concerns on how certain producers are raising their crops and treating the land. Many have received criticism for not damaging the habitat.
There has been the creation of an international roundtable consisting of major companies that work in the production of palm oil. They have agreed to provide both environmentally and economically sound practices. This roundtable meets on a regular basis to discuss the best ways to produce palm oil without damaging its habitat. They also design educational and economic programs to assist the indigenous people within these regions.
There are certain sustainability practices that the Roundtable encourages. Planting high yielding plant by using the most productive mother palm trees to produce hybrids seeds. The management of waste and using natural pesticide control to help the environment and to minimize the loss of crops are some of the many measures being implemented.
Sustainable palm oil is certified by regulating authorities that make sure the oil was produced responsibly. Many positive changes have occurred within this industry as a result of the roundtable discussions. Palm oil, in many regions, are now being produced in a responsible matter that contributes to the economics of the region.
