COMMISSIONS: The Curse of Palm Oil in Guatemala: 13-20180213palm0051

IZABAL, GUATEMALA. February 13, 2018 – In the last 20 years, palm oil plantations in this region have replaced former cattle ranches, continuing the indigenous struggle for land rights in the Polochic Valley. Indigenous Maya Q'eqchi communities such as Chapin Abajo along Lake Izabal in eastern Guatemala, have no state presence. There is no police. Only a palm oil company provides jobs and health services.Palm oil plantations in Guatemala have the highest productivity per hectare of any country in the world, according to the Oil Palm Growers’ Guild in Guatemala (GREPALMA). The world average in palm oil productivity is four tons per hectare, whereas Guatemala is producing seven tons.

IZABAL, GUATEMALA. February 13, 2018 – In the last 20 years, palm oil plantations in this region have replaced former cattle ranches, continuing the indigenous struggle for land rights in the Polochic Valley. Indigenous Maya Q'eqchi communities such as Chapin Abajo along Lake Izabal in eastern Guatemala, have no state presence. There is no police. Only a palm oil company provides jobs and health services. 

Palm oil plantations in Guatemala have the highest productivity per hectare of any country in the world, according to the Oil Palm Growers’ Guild in Guatemala (GREPALMA). The world average in palm oil productivity is four tons per hectare, whereas Guatemala is producing seven tons.