On 24 September 2024, the 29th meeting of the Multi-Stakeholder Platform on Protecting and Restoring the World’s Forests took place in Brussels. The meeting, organised in a hybrid format, discussed the implementation of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR). This regulation, intended to combat deforestation worldwide, imposes obligations on companies that place certain commodities on the EU market or export them from the EU.
The agenda of the meeting included updates on the implementation of the EUDR, a pilot project for soy in the United States, and presentations from various certification organisations on their adaptations to the EUDR requirements. Vietnam’s experience with traceability of raw materials was also discussed, as well as case studies from retailers on EUDR compliance.
Below you can read a summary of the presentations given during the meetings.
1. Agenda of the Deforestation Platform Meeting (24 September 2024)
The agenda starts with a welcome and the adoption of the agenda. It then discusses the implementation tasks of the EUDR, with presentations from the European Commission and a Q&A session. Other updates will then be shared, such as the US pilot project for soy, followed by presentations from various certification organisations (FSC, PEFC, Rainforest Alliance, RTRS and RSPO) explaining their adaptations to the EUDR. After the break, presentations will be given on Vietnam’s experience with traceability and implementation case studies from a retailer perspective. In the afternoon, there will be a session exclusively for Member States, discussing, among other things, their preparations as competent authorities.
3a - Presentation by ADM.pdf
ADM, a leading agri-food company, presented their preparations for the EUDR. ADM is active in soy cultivation worldwide, with large production volumes in countries such as Brazil and the United States. The company has developed programs to deliver traceable, segregated and controlled soy, in line with the EUDR. ADM works closely with farmers and builds on existing programs to meet the new regulations. Pilot projects have been implemented, with plans to scale up to larger volumes in European processing plants.
3b1 - Presentation by FSC.pdf
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) presented their new FSC Regulatory Module, specifically designed to support companies in EUDR compliance. This module builds on FSC’s existing responsible forestry practices and focuses on risk assessment, due diligence and transparency in supply chains. FSC offers companies automatic support in preparing due diligence reports and has launched an Early Adopter programme for industries such as wood, rubber and paper.
3b2 - Presentation by PEFC.pdf
PEFC, a certification programme for sustainable forest management, presented their strategy to help companies achieve EUDR compliance. PEFC offers traceability through their Chain of Custody certificates and has deployed technology partners such as LiveEO to facilitate information transfer in the supply chain. PEFC’s approach is flexible, allowing companies to tailor their products and business needs to the EUDR requirements.
3b3 - Presentation by Rainforest Alliance.pdf
The Rainforest Alliance has adapted its certification programme to support companies in the coffee and cocoa sectors to achieve EUDR compliance. This includes, among other things, geodata collection, extensive traceability and deforestation risk assessment. The Rainforest Alliance offers additional criteria specifically aligned with the EUDR since January 2024, so that companies can share relevant data with their supply chain.
3b4 - Presentation by RTRS.pdf
The Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) presented their Chain of Custody framework, which now includes optional models for EUDR compliance. RTRS provides a due diligence process that includes both RTRS-certified and non-certified volumes. This system ensures that all volumes meet the EUDR requirements, with a focus on traceability and risk assessment.
3b5 - Presentation by RSPO.pdf
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) presented their initiatives to support their members in EUDR compliance. RSPO has renewed its IT infrastructure to collect and make available geolocation and traceability data. RSPO’s Prisma platform provides an integrated solution for managing trade and compliance in the palm oil industry.
3c - Presentation by Viet Nam.pdf
Vietnam presented their preparations for EUDR compliance, seeing the EUDR as both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable transformation. The country has set up task forces and is working on technical solutions such as a traceability system. Vietnam has also set up dialogues with the EU and implemented pilot projects in sectors such as coffee and rubber.
3d - Presentation by 3Keel.pdf
3Keel presented case studies on the implementation of the EUDR in the retail sector. The presentation highlighted how retailers are preparing their supply chains for EUDR compliance through risk assessment and transparency. 3Keel stressed the need for consistent communication and IT systems that align with EUDR requirements, as well as scenario-based guidance for different product flows.