In the lush terrains of Papua New Guinea (PNG), a transformation is budding; one that is rooted deeply in the region’s time-honoured soils and traditions. The Canarium indicum, a towering indigenous tree familiar in the South Pacific, bears the galip nut—a nutrient-rich delicacy that has fortified Melanesian diets for over 6,000 years. Today, as the global nut sector grows by 5.4 per cent annually, driven by veganism and the rise of plant-based proteins, the galip nut stands poised to make its mark on the global stage.
Remarkably, only five types of nuts currently dominate 90 per cent of the global trade. With the galip nut’s potential, there’s a burgeoning hope to add it to this exclusive list. Resembling an almond when peeled, the galip nut possesses qualities that make it a favourable cash crop – it can be dried, stored, and exported to far-flung markets with ease.
While the galip nut’s economic promise is undeniable, its social impact is equally noteworthy. In PNG, caring for the galip nut has traditionally been women’s domain, positioning them at the forefront of this budding industry. Women play vital roles across the supply chain, from cultivation and harvesting to processing and sales. As the market for the nut expands, even more women stand to gain, empowered by the industry’s growth.
More than 80 per cent of galip nut suppliers in PNG are smallholder farmers, reliant on family labour and often residing in remote locales with limited access to faraway markets. Yet, the industry’s trajectory has been notably upward. In just three years, partnerships with key stakeholders in both the government and private sectors have seen supply triple, reaching a farm gate value of A$100,000. Likewise, as more investors enter the fold, driven by comprehensive research and proof of concept, countless farmers stand to benefit. These partnerships also motivate communities to retain native canarium trees in their gardens and forests.
Despite this, challenges arise from the industry’s decentralised supply network, which further complicates the gathering of substantial product volumes. In response, efforts are underway to streamline the harvest and collection processes. Concurrently, a shift towards purchasing nuts in their shell is gaining momentum, a move poised to minimise waste and enhance opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.
Recent milestones include the establishment of a formal market in Port Moresby, selling a range of galip nut products, from natural to roasted, into supermarkets and duty-free stores. The enthusiasm surrounding the galip nut is palpable, with many stakeholders eager to participate in fostering an indigenous product that has profound economic implications for PNG’s smallholder farmers.
At the heart of this industry’s evolution is the overarching objective: to validate the commercial viability of large-scale galip nut processing and establish robust pathways to both domestic and international markets.
As the galip nut industry continues to flourish, it remains a testament to PNG’s deep-rooted connection to its land and traditions. The future looks bright and, as the narrative unfolds, the core values of community, empowerment and sustainability guide its progression.
For more information regarding galip nut exports to global markets, reach out to our team here.
