Actions to mitigate the use of Palm Oil (P.99/2021): amendment

STATES OF JERSEY

ACTIONS TO MITIGATE THE USE OF

PALM OIL (P.99/2021): AMENDMENT

Lodged au Greffe on 16th November 2021 by the Minister for the Environment

Earliest date for debate: 23rd November 2021

STATES GREFFE

2021  P.99 Amd.

ACTIONS TO MITIGATE THE USE OF PALM OIL (P.99/2021):

AMENDMENT

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1  PAGE 2, PART (a) –

For the words "do not contain palm oil" substitute the words "contain credibly certified sustainable palm oil where practical and appropriate".

MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Note:  After this amendment, the proposition would read as follows –

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

1. that there are global environmental issues caused by palm oil farming practices and to request the Council of Ministers to take the necessary steps for the Government of Jersey to lead by example and only use and procure products that  contain  credibly  certified  sustainable  palm  oil  where  practical  andappropriate;
2. to request the Minister for the Environment to bring forward legislation, in a timeframe deemed reasonable by the Minister, to the effect that any food item produced in Jersey is labelled with a clear statement of whether the food item contains palm oil or any palm oil derivatives; and
3. to request the Minister for the Environment, in a timeframe deemed reasonable by the Minister, to consult with local businesses and organisations, consumers, schools, charities and community groups to develop an Island-wide palm oil campaign that raises public awareness of the issue of its use.

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P.99/2021 Amd.

REPORT

The wording credibly certified sustainable palm oil' has been taken from Sustainable production of palm oil, UK Statement October 2012' (DEFRA) that was supported by organisations such as the British Hospitality Association, British Retail Consortium, Federation of Wholesale Distributors and Food and Drink Federation.

The wording where practical and appropriate' has been included as palm oil is found in a variety of products and, if left unamended, the proposition's original wording does not consider products, for example, used by essential services or where no suitable alternatives are currently available.

Furthermore, it is estimated that additional funding will be required to provide for policy development to:

1. more  thoroughly  review  the  recommendations  and  position  of  global sustainability leaders and the research supporting the palm oil statement issued by the UK Government in order to define credibly certified sustainable palm oil' and explain what questions need to be asked of current and future suppliers.
2. undertake appropriate consultation with key stakeholders, as required.
3. commence further research to ensure there are no unintended consequences prior to the implementation of any legislation envisioned under part (b).

Part (c) requests that the Minister for the Environment undertakes an Island-wide palm oil campaign. To provide an Island-wide campaign, the indicative funding of £10,000 identified by the Constable of St Martin is deemed insufficient and could only cover the cost of a one-off campaign which is known to be less effective in driving and sustained behaviour change

Financial and manpower implications

This is not currently funded. It is estimated that an additional £20,000 will be required to provide policy support for this work. Additionally, to meet the requirements of part (c), it is envisioned that approximately £25,000 will be required to develop and deliver a sustained island-wide palm oil campaign that will have longevity beyond a simple one-off' campaign.

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P.99/2021 Amd.