With the Philippines planning on becoming a major palm oil player, experts have warned that the country should proceed with caution to avoid the social and environmental issues faced by the industry in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Eco-Business reports on discussions during the recent Responsible Business Forum on Food and Agriculture surrounding a proposal by the Philippines to convert some 8 million hectares of idle land across the country into oil palm plantations.

Leaders of the palm oil industry have made 5 key recommendations to ensure palm oil expansion does not result in deforestation, increase emissions from illegal burning of trees and marginalize indigenous communities:

1. Conduct social and environmental impact studies to ensure palm oil is only grown in areas that are meant for cultivation and does not encroach on forested areas.
2. Implement sustainable palm oil practices such as what is being proposed for Brazil with trials of agroforestry systems for oil palm production. (See: Evidence mounts for oil palm under agroforestry in Brazil).
3. Government and private sector should work on a pro-farmer model for oil palm that provides assistance, training and support to smallholders and encourages mixed crop development.
4. Ensure access to quality seeds for all growers; smallholders and companies alike.
5. Create financial innovation such as through micro-finance for farmers, risk-sharing arrangements and long-term financing models.

Read the full story: 5 things about palm oil expansion in thePhilippines