13-15 Oct, 2015 - Accra, GHANA
Labadi Beach Hotel
Labadi Beach Hotel
Global palm oil production is slated to reach approximately 60 million tonnes by 2020, according to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Africa, despite its infrastructure and logistics challenges has the potential to grab a substantial share of this market. However, the region produces less than 10 percent of the total global palm oil production, even though it has as much as 30 percent of all oil palm agricultural land. Out of Africa's 10% contribution to the total palm oil production, Ghana's share is less than 1 percent with an approximate 305,758 hectares producing about 300,000 mt of oil palm, resulting in a supply deficit of 35,000 mt.
To improve Ghana's share in the global palm oil production, the government has chosen palm oil as one of the 11 non-traditional export commodities and services selected in the National Export Strategy. Further the government has also launched the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) in Accra. OPDAG is established in support of SoIidaridad West Africa to promote the growth and development of the palm oil sector. Plus, the Minister of Trade and Industry Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah has called for the establishment of a Palm Oil Development Board (PODB) to oversee policies, regulations, and possible legislations in the palm oil industry.
The board is expected to analyse the needs of the sector and estimate fund requirements while also study the strategies used by other palm oil producing countries such as Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia and Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, OPDAG is likely to look into the issues of land acquisition and promote the adoption of best practices and approved sustainable agricultural practices among farmers.
A detailed account of Ghana's governmental initiatives to uplift its palm oil industry will be shared at 3rd Africa Palm Oil (Rubber & Cocoa) on 14-15 October, 2015 in Accra, Ghana.
Contact Ms. Hafizah at hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg or call +65 6346 9218 for more details.
