Facing a growing global population and increasing demand for edible oils, can we sustainably feed the world? According to SD Guthrie group managing director Helmy Othman Basha, the answer might surprise you: palm oil. In a world grappling with land efficiency and responsible resource management, Helmy posits that palm oil, when produced sustainably, is a key solution. But how can this be, considering the controversy surrounding this widely used ingredient? Let's dive in.
Palm oil is a staple in our everyday lives, found in approximately half of all supermarket products. Its versatility makes it incredibly valuable. As Helmy explained in his keynote speech at the World Climate Summit 2025 in Belem, Brazil, "Because it is versatile, it is accessible, and it can be produced sustainably by smallholders or large companies." This means palm oil has the potential to replace other edible oils, offering a land-efficient solution to rising demand.
However, the narrative surrounding palm oil is often fraught with criticism. It's often unfairly blamed for deforestation and species loss. Helmy, also the chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, highlights that this overshadows the crop’s efficiency and responsible production practices.
Here's where the numbers get compelling. Data from Our World in Data shows that oil palm is four to ten times more productive per hectare than any other edible oil crop. Out of the 336 million hectares of land used for edible oil crops, oil palm occupies less than 10%, or over 28 million hectares. Yet, this relatively small area produces over a third, between 33% and 40%, of all edible oils globally, equating to about 75 to 80 million metric tonnes.
For comparison, soybean, which occupies over 100 million hectares, produces less than 60 million tonnes of oil. Moreover, when considering land use across agriculture, livestock occupies roughly 80% of total agricultural land, or 4.8 billion hectares, while oil palm makes up only 0.6%. Helmy clarifies, "Has the forest been cleared to plant oil palm? Yes, of course. Is most forest clearing because of oil palm? Not at all."
With the global demand for edible oils and protein feedstock projected to rise by over 40% in the next two decades, innovation is crucial. SD Guthrie is at the forefront, leveraging science to develop advances like GenomeSelect®, a high-yielding planting material. This innovation, commercialized in 2023, produces up to 20% more oil and fruits faster than previous varieties, allowing growers to increase yields on existing land without further expansion. "Today’s palm is so efficient, you could replant land used to grow other oil crops, produce more oil, and return some land to forest," Helmy notes.
Looking ahead, SD Guthrie is committed to setting aside 100,000 hectares for conservation and restoration by 2030 and developing a regenerative agriculture framework with partners. As Helmy concludes, "Even as we reduce our landbank, we expect to increase our yield. That is our commitment to sustainability, responsible land use, and future generations."
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you agree with the assessment that sustainable palm oil production can be a key solution to global food demands? What are your thoughts on the balance between land use, innovation, and environmental impact? Share your opinions in the comments below!
