“Is there a right oil to feed the planet?”

Date: 8 July 2015
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In line with its commitment to raise awareness of the benefits of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) in European markets, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) participated in Expo Milano 2015, which was centred on the theme of “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”.

In partnership with the European Palm Oil Alliance (EPOA), the RSPO kicked off its outreach efforts with a media briefing on July 8. The panel of experts presented to a full room of journalists keen to learn more about palm oil and the sustainability challenge.

The next day, Rita Fatiguso and José Galvez, co-authors of the book “L’Olio Giusto” (“The Right Oil”) and Giuseppe Sala, General Commissioner for the Expo, presented an insightful economic, commercial and historical investigation into "the great game of vegetable oils". The authors explained why and how the right oil can be produced according to principles of sustainability and social equity, setting the context for the role of the RSPO.

Danielle Morley, the European representative of RSPO, explained that sustainability in the palm oil industry is possible by adhering to the three basic principles that need to be respected: the social benefits for the people who produce, environmental benefits where oil palms are grown, and economic benefits for businesses and especially the community, which overall represents the 3Ps – People, Planet and Prosperity. The event was organised in collaboration with the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera.

Together these events have helped generate more positive media coverage about palm oil in Italy, by informing people about CSPO and the work of RSPO and its members.