Latest news with #EuropeanUnionDeforestationRegulation
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
HELP FOR SMALLHOLDERS
Towards cleaner fuel: Johari launching SD Guthrie's B30 biodiesel pilot project in Carey Island. Also present are Nik Norzrul (left) and SD Guthrie's group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha (fourth from right). Ministry to step in as high costs stall land conversion for 50,000 BANTING: Some 50,000 smallholders have yet to convert their land status from rubber to oil palm plantations because of the high costs involved, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The Plantation and Commodities Minister said his ministry was currently discussing with state governments to help the smallholders convert the status of their lands. 'I want state governments to re-evaluate some of the land planted with oil palm, which is still classified as rubber plantation land,' Johari told reporters after launching SD Guthrie Bhd's B30 biodiesel pilot project in Carey Island yesterday. Johari said it was crucial to aptly convert the land status according to what was being cultivated in order to obtain the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification in line with the European Union Deforestation Regulation standards. 'The smallholders have to pay the state governments a premium sometimes ranging from RM30,000 to RM40,000 and this does not include penalties for the delay in converting the land status,' Johari explained. One for the album: Johari (fourth from right) taking a group photo with Nik Norzrul (fourth from left) and SD Guthrie's group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha (third from left) after the launch of SD Guthrie's B30 biodiesel pilot project (below) in Carey Island. — KK SHAM/The Star In order to help the smallholders to overcome the stumbling block, Johari said negotiations would be held with the state governments involved seeking financial solutions as well as possible penalty waivers. 'Perhaps I can negotiate a waiver of the penalty charges given that the palm oil industry is very important,' said Johari, adding that a list was being compiled to identify smallholders who have yet to convert their land status. On another matter, Johari, who is also acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said amendments were being made to the National Climate Change Bill. 'It is still in draft form and I have not brought it to the Cabinet yet,' he said, adding that it is expected to be tabled in Parliament this year. According to Johari, the Bill will include every aspect of climate change. Johari said the proposed Bill will include incentives for companies that complied with climate change efforts. 'Companies will receive incentives such as carbon credits if they can prove that they are able to reduce carbon emissions,' the minister added. He said there will also be legally binding provisions in the Bill to boost encouragement among public listed companies to actively partake in efforts to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. On the pilot project, Johari said it was an important move towards achieving the nation's commitment towards the global sustainability agenda. 'I welcome SD Guthrie's initiative that is part of the country's commitment to initiate sustainable energy use and the carbon reduction agenda of achieving net-zero emission by 2050,' reiterated Johari. He said biodiesel usage would reduce dependence on fossil fuels and empower smallholders. Meanwhile, SD Guthrie Bhd chairman Tan Sri Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani said the B30 biodiesel project was not merely the conglomerate's effort to make a switch to cleaner fuel. 'It is part of a larger Guthrie carbon reduction plan in line with the commitment to achieve net-zero goals by 2050,'' said Nik Norzrul in his speech. He added Guthrie was the very first palm oil company globally to receive the 'net-zero' target validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) which was a significant achievement in tandem with the company's efforts. 'Hence, the launch of the B30 pilot project is reflective of our strong commitment towards contributing solutions for the climate change problems affecting the world,'' he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cropin partners with Wipro to accelerate AI-led transformation in global agri-food businesses
Agtech firm Cropin on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership with Wipro, a leading AI-powered technology services and consulting company, to drive digital transformation across the agribusiness collaboration brings together Cropin's deep domain expertise in agribusiness and AI innovation with Wipro's scale, proven capabilities, and domain expertise in the consumer industries, including retail, CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), and food services, it said, in a statement."Together, they aim to deliver scalable, intelligent solutions that not only transform agribusiness but also extend to adjacent industries where supply chain resilience and sustainability are critical," the company added. According to Cropin, agribusinesses today face mounting challenges, from climate volatility and supply chain disruptions to tightening regulations and shifting consumer expectations. The partnership aims to address three persistent barriers to transformation: limited transparency that restricts traceability and accountability; fragmented visibility across the value chain due to siloed systems and data; and an unpredictable operating environment shaped by volatile weather, market fluctuations, and geopolitical risks. "By combining Cropin's AI-powered agri-intelligence platform with Wipro's deep domain expertise in consumer industries and its global consulting and technology capabilities, the two companies will enable agri-food businesses to unlock farm-level insights, enhance operational agility, and scale sustainability efforts," it stated. Climate change, geopolitical instability, and trade tensions are reshaping the agribusiness landscape. At the same time, regulatory pressures like the EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) and rising demand for traceability are forcing companies to rethink how they operate, said Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Cropin. "This partnership with Wipro is a strategic step toward building data-driven, climate-resilient, and compliant supply chains at scale," he said. AI is redefining how agribusinesses operate-from sourcing and production to distribution, compliance, and sustainability, said Shiva Jayaraman, Senior Vice President and Sector Head - Consumer Business, Americas 1, Wipro Limited . "Together with Cropin, we're helping clients transform their value chains into intelligent ecosystems that deliver measurable outcomes," he added.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cropin partners with Wipro to accelerate AI-led transformation in global agri-food businesses
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Agtech firm Cropin on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership with Wipro , a leading AI-powered technology services and consulting company, to drive digital transformation across the agribusiness collaboration brings together Cropin's deep domain expertise in agribusiness and AI innovation with Wipro 's scale, proven capabilities, and domain expertise in the consumer industries, including retail, CPG ( Consumer Packaged Goods ), and food services, it said, in a statement."Together, they aim to deliver scalable, intelligent solutions that not only transform agribusiness but also extend to adjacent industries where supply chain resilience and sustainability are critical," the company to Cropin, agribusinesses today face mounting challenges, from climate volatility and supply chain disruptions to tightening regulations and shifting consumer expectations. The partnership aims to address three persistent barriers to transformation: limited transparency that restricts traceability and accountability; fragmented visibility across the value chain due to siloed systems and data; and an unpredictable operating environment shaped by volatile weather, market fluctuations, and geopolitical risks."By combining Cropin's AI-powered agri-intelligence platform with Wipro's deep domain expertise in consumer industries and its global consulting and technology capabilities, the two companies will enable agri-food businesses to unlock farm-level insights, enhance operational agility, and scale sustainability efforts," it change, geopolitical instability, and trade tensions are reshaping the agribusiness landscape. At the same time, regulatory pressures like the EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) and rising demand for traceability are forcing companies to rethink how they operate, said Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Cropin."This partnership with Wipro is a strategic step toward building data-driven, climate-resilient, and compliant supply chains at scale," he is redefining how agribusinesses operate-from sourcing and production to distribution, compliance, and sustainability, said Shiva Jayaraman, Senior Vice President and Sector Head - Consumer Business, Americas 1, Wipro Limited "Together with Cropin, we're helping clients transform their value chains into intelligent ecosystems that deliver measurable outcomes," he added.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysian timber exporters told to seek new markets to reduce reliance on US
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's timber industry must explore new export markets to reduce dependence on the United States, said Malaysian Timber Industry Forum Association (TIF) president Wahid Jaafar. He said Malaysia could sustain export volumes and secure better prices by shifting its focus to markets such as the Middle East and India. 'With aggressive promotion, these are areas of real upside. I believe we have strong market opportunities there, and we can likely get premium prices,' he told SunBiz on the sidelines of the TIF Timber Levy Fund Book launch today. Wahid said there is market demand from the Middle East where Malaysia had not been aggressively promoting before. 'The Middle East imports from Europe and the US. So, probably, there is potential for good-quality species like Meranti and others,' he added. Wahid said India is also an important market where Malaysia can further promote its timber products. 'Their GNP (gross national product) is quite impressive,' he said in highlighting the country's economic strength. However, he acknowledged that logs and timber currently face a high import duty in India. 'If they can lower it to more reasonable levels, India can definitely become a major market for us.' Wahid shared that this year, the geopolitical situation is very tough for the industry, especially due to US President Donald Trump's tariffs. 'Most buyers in the US have advised not to ship or to delay shipments because of uncertainties. If the tax is 24%.' He added that the margin is already very small for exporters, 'Some go for mass-produced items, and with that, they have the numbers they can sell. If they start having to pay a tariff of 24%, it's very tough for the industry. A lot of buyers are cancelling orders or asking us to delay shipments of furniture. It's happening now,' Wahid said. 'Furthermore, we have to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation which is set to come into force in December. Once this is approved other countries like Australia may follow suit. These is one of the few rulings. There are a lot of restrictions coming, as far as exports are concerned.' Besides that, he said, substitutes such as wood plastics and other composites are increasingly serving as alternatives to timber. Beyond market diversification, Wahid stressed the importance of sustainability and responsible forest management. 'Before, probably, we just logged and logged without much thought. But now, we feel that we have to play a part in conserving our resources. 'You don't have to log 10 million, maybe you log 5 million. But if you can add value, you can still do good business.' Wahid said some of its members are tapping into palm oil trunks as part of their environmental, social and governance efforts. 'More than 32 million cubic metres of logs felled in the palm oil estates. Very little is being processed.'
Business Standard
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India's Non-GMO Soy Sector Prepares for EUDR Compliance with Support from SOPA and TRST01
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], July 5: India, one of the leading producers of Non-GMO soybeans, is taking significant steps to align with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which mandates full traceability and zero-deforestation sourcing for agricultural commodities like soy. The regulation, enforced from June 2023 with compliance deadlines approaching by end of 2024, is set to impact global trade flows. In FY 2023-24, India produced approximately 113 lakh metric tons (11.3 million MT) of soybeans. As global demand for traceable, deforestation-free Non-GMO soy rises, especially from European markets, Indian stakeholders are strategically positioning the country as a key supplier. India's competitive advantage lies in its largely Non-GMO soy cultivation, unlike major producers such as Brazil and the USA where GMO crops dominate. This makes Indian soy a natural fit for EU buyers seeking sustainable and clean-label sourcing. To facilitate this shift, the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) Is partnering with TRST01, a sustainability technology leader, to enable exporters and farmers to comply with EUDR requirements efficiently and affordably. Key Features of TRST01's EUDR Solution: -Geo-mapping of soy cultivation areas -Digital traceability from farm to port -Immutable blockchain records for audit trail -Automated generation of GeoJSON files and Due Diligence Statements (DDS) -Farmer onboarding, training, and field support Strategic Vision: SOPA and TRST01 are committed to building India as a Non-GMO soy export powerhouse. Through this collaboration, the target is to facilitate traceability and certification for over 10 lakh metric tons of soy in the coming export cycles. Field-level mapping initiatives, exporter training workshops, and data standardization drives have already begun across major soy-producing regions--Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Telangana. Why Indian Non-GMO Soy Matters: -GMO-free by default: India's soy production is Non-GMO, aligning naturally with EU regulations. -Sustainable cultivation practices -Higher trust quotient in global markets -Opportunity for premium pricing and market preference in the EU About SOPA: The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) is the apex body representing soybean processors, exporters, and stakeholders, dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of India's soy industry.
