ICCC decides on FFB for oil palm

 THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) had made a final decision on the growers and buyers contractual agreement for the sale of fresh fruit bunch for oil palm. 

ICCC made the decision on the second application by Hoskins Oil Palm Growers Association (HOPGA) for authorisation. 

The application was basically to seek authorisation to enter into a joint negotiation with the two millers New Britain Palm Oil Ltd and Hargy Oil Palm Ltd regarding the price for fresh fruit bunches of oil palm along with other terms and conditions. 

ICCC Commissioner and chief executive Dr Billy Manoka said the arrangement was a milestone for the palm oil industry in Papua New Guinea, which safe guards the growers from being exploited by big players in the industry.

He said: “Nothing much has changed from the draft determination and comments made by stakeholders on the application since then have been to support the authorisation of the proposed conduct.” 

Other parties were also invited by ICCC to request a pre-decision conference if they wished.