M'SIA'S FELDA GROUP IS WORLD'S FIRST RSPO CERTIFIED SMALLHOLDER

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Felda Group Thursday became the first
smallholder organisation in the world to achieve the Roundtable of Sustainable
Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.

The certification dated July 22, covers two of its mills in Pahang state and
11 estates which supply oil palm fruits to these mills.

"The certification is recognition that Felda is an organisation that
practices sustainable plantation (operations) in a responsible manner," Felda
Chairman Dr Yusuf Noor said at a ceremony here Thursday where the certificate
was handed over.

He said the certificate also showed that Malaysia's oil palm has gained
worldwide recognition and market acceptance.

"It is a major step forward for the industry and we are committed to
complying with other new standards set in the future for the benefit of all," he
said.

Yusuf Noor said the certification would allow Felda to net an additional
income of more than RM1.0 million (US$312,000) every year with the two mills'
current production of 102,884 tonnes of CPO and 24,391 tonnes of palm kernel oil
gaining premium recognition.

"Crude Palm Oil (CPO) produced by RSPO certified mill attract a premium
value in the market," he said.

He said Felda expected to record similar production output of 3.1
million tonnes this year as produced in 2009.

Yusuf said Felda could see tremendous performance if all its estates
and mills achieved the certification.

"We have outlined a plan to attain RSPO certification for all 70 mills
nationwide by 2017," he said, adding that it would involve 700,678 hectares,
owned by settlers and Felda, under cultivation.
-- BERNAMA


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