WHY EUROPE IS DEMONIZING THE OIL PALM TREE

Why Europe is Demonizing the Oil Palm Tree: Trade Protectionism Disguised as Climate Advocacy

Why has the oil palm—one of the world’s most productive oil crops and a source of livelihood for millions of farmers—become the target of intense criticism and restrictive policies in Europe?

In Why Europe is Demonizing the Oil Palm Tree, Lawal Olusola Lawal takes a critical look at the global politics, trade interests and environmental debates surrounding palm oil. The book challenges widely held narratives about oil palm and examines whether some of the policies presented as climate and environmental measures may also serve economic and protectionist interests.

Beyond the debate about palm oil, this book makes a strong case for the millions of smallholder farmers across Africa and Asia whose livelihoods depend on oil palm. It explores the implications of restricting palm oil in global markets and asks a fundamental question:

Who really stands to benefit if palm oil is successfully pushed out of the global vegetable oil market?

Drawing from agricultural knowledge, industry realities and global trade perspectives, this book offers a fresh African perspective on one of the most controversial crops in the world.

Inside this book, you will discover:

● Why oil palm has become a major target of European environmental policies.

● The economic and trade interests behind the global palm oil debate.

● How restrictions on palm oil could affect African and Asian smallholder farmers.

●The realities of oil palm production and its environmental footprint.

● The competitive position of palm oil compared with other vegetable oils.

●How climate advocacy can intersect with international trade and protectionism.

●Why Africa needs to take greater ownership of the narrative surrounding its oil palm industry.

●What the future of the global palm oil industry could look like.

This is more than a book about palm oil. It is a call to examine the global food, trade and environmental system more critically—and to protect the livelihoods and economic opportunities built around one of the world's most important crops.

Get your copy today and join the conversation.