Over the past week, various updates and opinions on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) have emerged. EuroCommerce calls for a uniform digital traceability system for compliance. Bavaria advocates for less bureaucracy, while countries like Brazil criticize the EUDR due to economic concerns. The German Raiffeisenverband requests more time for implementation. European food companies struggle with compliance due to complex supply chains. The new regulation imposes strict requirements on wood, cocoa, and coffee producers, presenting both challenges and opportunities for sustainable production. Companies must now provide detailed product data to comply with the EUDR.
Read a selection of the news from last week:
EUDR in general
Letter to Commission Chairman von der Leyen: speed up the EUDR!
EuroCommerce has sent a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in which they argue for a robust European information and tracing system. The letter, dated May 17, 2024, emphasizes the need for a uniform digital system to ensure compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This system should include all links in the supply chain and thus contribute to the fight against illegal logging and deforestation. EuroCommerce underlines that such a system not only promotes sustainability, but also ensures fair competition within the internal market. The letter calls for swift action and cooperation between Member States and stakeholders to realize this crucial initiative.
Read the article “EUDR information system not yet on track to meet requirements of properly functioning supply chains” (EuroCommerce, 17-05-2024, English).
Bayern’s success in EU: less bureaucracy for forest management
The Bavarian minister Michaela Kaniber has successfully argued for fewer bureaucratic burdens in the new EU deforestation regulation. She emphasizes that Germany’s current strict forest protection laws are already sufficient to combat deforestation. Kaniber criticizes the EU’s uniform approach and calls for targeted measures in regions with high deforestation risks. The Bundesrat supports this call and calls on the German government to take action at European level. This decision should reduce the administrative burden for German forestry and agricultural companies and extend implementation deadlines.
Read the article “Kaniber „The whole world is different from one another, but it is not a matter of political praxis law”" (Moderner Landwirt, 18-05-2024, German).
EU regulations against deforestation: opportunity or bottleneck?
The EU introduced the EUDR in June 2023, aimed at combating deforestation from products such as soy, palm oil and wood. While environmental movements applaud this, countries such as Brazil, Malaysia and Indonesia criticize it, seeing it as economic protectionism and “green colonialism”. The rule has led to economic concerns and WTO disputes, with producing countries projecting significant financial losses. Finding the balance between the environment and the economy remains a challenge, and collaboration is essential for success.
Read the article “Opinion – The EU’s Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products and its Malcontents” (E-International Relations, 19-05-2024, English).
Raiffeisenverband demands more time for EU rules on deforestation-free supply chains
The German Raiffeisenverband is calling for more time for the implementation of the new EU regulation on deforestation-free supply chains. The regulation, which will come into effect on December 30, 2024, requires that products such as soy, palm oil and beef have been produced without deforestation. According to the association, the period is too short to meet the complex administrative requirements. There are concerns that the bureaucracy will be prohibitive for smaller companies and that many companies will not be ready to provide the required documentation. The regulation, intended to combat deforestation worldwide, now threatens to pose significant operational challenges within the European agricultural sector.
Read the article “Entwaldungsfreie Lieferketten: Raiffeisenverband fordert mehr Zeit” (Proplanta, May 2024, German).
European food companies continue to ignore deforestation
Many European food companies are struggling to tackle deforestation in their supply chains, despite the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation, which aims to ban products linked to deforestation from the EU market, requires companies to accurately verify the origin and production timeline of their goods. Companies in the coffee and cocoa sectors face major challenges due to the complexity of their supply chains and the presence of many intermediaries. This leads to major environmental problems and risks for small farmers and indigenous communities.
Read the article “European Food Companies Ignore Deforestation Issues” (FriendsEAT, 19-05-2024, English).
Congolese army thwarts coup
The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has thwarted an attempted coup. According to official sources, several soldiers were involved in the conspiracy to overthrow the government. The situation is under control and the suspects have been arrested. This event is relevant for countries exporting timber to the European Union under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Stability in government reduces the risk of corruption and illegal logging. By maintaining the rule of law, the country can better comply with international regulations and ensure sustainable practices, which are essential for fair trade and environmental protection.
Read the article “Congolees leger zegt staatsgreep te hebben verijdeld” (NU.nl, 21-05-2024, Dutch).
Wood
EU Deforestation Regulation brings major changes to timber sales
The new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which will come into effect from the end of 2024, obliges forest owners to strict documentation and geolocation when selling timber. Despite existing regulations and certifications such as FSC, owners must register and report GPS coordinates and scientific names of tree species to an EU database. This complexity can hit small forest owners especially hard. The AGDW (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Waldbesitzerverbände) warns about the impact on the timber market and calls for the regulation to be amended to ensure feasibility.
Read the article “Entwaldung (k)ein Thema"(13-05-2024, German).
UBV demands termination of EUDR
The Unabhängige Bauernverband (UBV) calls for the end of the EU Deforestation Regulation, the EUDR. These regulations, which are aimed at preventing deforestation, are considered by the UBV to be impractical and burdensome for Austrian forest owners. The regulation requires detailed GPS recording of every tree harvested, which the UBV says amounts to a dismantling of property rights and a bureaucratic nuisance. Despite intentions to combat deforestation worldwide, the UBV believes these measures are unfair to European foresters, especially as Austria already has strict forest laws.
Read the article “UBV fordert Stopp der EUDR”” (Bauernnetzwerk, 13-05-2024, German).
Vietnam strives for sustainable wood production
Vietnam’s timber industry faces the challenge of meeting the global demand for sustainable timber. The United States and the EU in particular have strict sustainability standards, forcing Vietnamese companies to adapt. FSC certification provides a competitive advantage and opens markets thanks to the Free Trade Agreement with the EU. Currently, Vietnam has approximately 310,000 hectares of FSC-certified forests. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes into effect at the end of 2024, requires that timber products come from legal and deforestation-free sources. This offers opportunities for the Vietnamese timber industry to strengthen its market position.
Read the article “Vietnam’s wood industry strives to match sustainable wood demands” (Vietnamnet, 14-05-2024, English).
Cocoa
EU regulations threaten the future of artisan chocolate makers
The new EU regulations on deforestation, which come into effect at the end of 2024, could cause major problems for artisanal chocolate makers. These regulations require that products linked to deforestation are not placed on the EU market. It is difficult for small manufacturers to meet these requirements due to complex and expensive compliance processes. Compliance with these regulations can lead to higher costs, disruption of relationships with cocoa farmers and a limitation of the diversity of flavor profiles.
Read the article “How the EUDR Could Spell Trouble for Craft Chocolate Makers” (The High Five Company, 08-05-2024, English).
Cocoa prices and climate change: an appeal to the EU
At the World Cocoa Conference in Brussels, the largest cocoa producers, Ghana and Ivory Coast, emphasized the urgent need for fair prices and environmental protection. They called on the EU to ensure transparency and create a level playing field for cocoa farmers. Key themes were the impact of climate change and the need for fair compensation for farmers to reduce poverty. The conference, attended by more than 1,000 stakeholders, focused on combating exploitation and promoting sustainable practices.
Read the article “Pricing, planet and level playing field crucial, world’s two biggest cocoa producers tell EU” (MyJoyOnline, 09-05-2024, English).
Sustainable cocoa: the future of Cameroon
The new EU regulations on deforestation pose major challenges for cocoa producers in Cameroon. This law, which will come into effect in December 2024, requires that products consumed in Europe do not cause deforestation. During a workshop in Brussels, experts discussed how agroforestry can contribute to sustainable cocoa production and address the concerns of smallholder farmers. Discover how innovative solutions and international collaboration are needed to achieve this transformation and why agroforestry is key to the future of Cameroonian cocoa.
Read the article “Navigating Sustainability: Cameroon’s Cocoa Agroforestry in the Face of EU Regulations” (FAO, 10-05-2023, English).
Government support crucial for Nigeria’s cocoa industry
Nigeria’s National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC) has asked the government for support to address the challenges facing the cocoa sector. During a visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Patrick Adebola, Secretary of the NCMC, the importance of funding and legislative support. He called for the establishment of a National Cocoa Council, following the example of countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast, to strengthen the sector. In addition, he pointed out the urgent need to prepare the sector for European regulations against deforestation (EUDR) and access carbon credit funds. Recognizing the economic potential of the cocoa sector, Minister Kyari pledged support in obtaining financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to implement the National Cocoa Plan (2023-2032). implement.
Read the article “Cocoa management committee seeks govt support”" (Tribune Online, 16-05-2024, English).
Navigating the EUDR: Monitoring deforestation in the cocoa chain
The video “Navigating the EUDR: Monitoring deforestation in the cocoa supply chain” discusses the challenges and solutions for companies that need to comply with the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Caroline Busse, CEO of Nadar, explains how satellite technology can help monitor deforestation and compliance with regulations. She emphasizes that while cocoa is not the biggest cause of deforestation, it is the biggest culprit in West Africa, where 70% of global cocoa production takes place. The EUDR requires companies to prove that their products have not caused deforestation after December 31, 2020. Companies must collect accurate geographic data and could face significant fines if they do not comply. The video provides insight into how technology, such as radar and optical satellite imagery, can help ensure compliance and reduce deforestation.
Watch the video “Navigating the EUDR: Monitoring deforestation in the cocoa supply chain” (YouTube, 16-05-2023, English).
How EUDR regulations are changing the cocoa sector
The video “Panel discussion: EUDR regulation” discusses how the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) affects the cocoa chain. The panelists, Sander Reuderink, (CEO of Carble) and Thea Parson (Forest and Climate Associate at Mighty Earth), explain that these regulations require companies to prove that their products do not cause deforestation. This applies to sectors such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil and more. Companies must provide detailed GPS data from their farms and demonstrate compliance with national laws. They emphasize that while cocoa is not the biggest deforestation factor, it is a significant problem in West Africa. The discussion highlights the need for satellite technology and transparent data sharing to effectively monitor and combat deforestation. These measures should support farmers and ensure fair and sustainable cocoa production.
Watch the video “Panel discussion: EUDR regulation” (YouTube, 17-05-2023, English).
National cocoa commission calls for emergency measures due to EUDR
Nigeria’s National Cocoa Commission (NCMC) has called for urgent action in response to the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The commission emphasizes the need to meet EUDR environmental standards to maintain access to the EU market and to qualify for carbon credits. The EUDR requires large companies to prove that their products do not contribute to deforestation. Nigeria’s cocoa sector faces significant challenges in implementing these requirements.
Read the article “EUDR: National Committee Seeks Emergency In Cocoa Sector” (Leadership News, 17-05-2024, English).
Coffee
The Impact of EUDR on the Coffee Industry: What to Expect
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will come into effect from 2024 and requires coffee producers to prove that their products do not contribute to deforestation. This means companies will need to provide detailed data on their supply chains and may need to deploy new technologies for tracking and monitoring. The regulations are expected to increase production and export costs, but also provide opportunities for sustainable brands to differentiate themselves. Read more about how the industry is preparing for this change and what challenges and benefits are expected.
Read the article “EUDR & Deforestation: Coffee – What to Expect” (Perfect Daily Grind, 21-03-2024, English).
Sustainable Coffee Production in Honduras: A Journey to EU Compliance
The video “Complying with EUDR: A Coffee Journey in Honduras” follows Bran Maldonado and Elvin Alex on their mission to comply with the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Bran, a commercial partner of Dimitra, helps coffee farmers like Elvin document and certify their farms to meet strict EU requirements. Elvin proudly talks about the sustainable practices on his four-hectare coffee farm, where reforestation is central. Dimitra’s technology plays a crucial role in geo-referencing farms and assessing deforestation levels. The ultimate goal is to export the first certified container of coffee according to the EUDR. This video offers an inspiring look at how technology and collaboration contribute to sustainable coffee production and environmental protection.
Watch the video “Complying with EUDR: A Coffee Journey in Honduras” (YouTube, 16-05-2023, English).
Deforestation-free coffee production: a sustainable future
The coffee industry is making great strides towards sustainability with the introduction of deforestation-free coffee production. This innovative process minimizes the impact on forests, promotes biodiversity and supports farmers. Deforestation-free coffee ensures that coffee beans are grown without damaging forests, which helps preserve crucial ecosystems and combat climate change.
Koltiva, a leading sustainable agricultural solutions company, plays a key role in this transformation. By using advanced technologies and providing support to local farmers, Koltiva helps implement sustainable practices. This not only improves the living conditions of farmers, but also guarantees high-quality coffee for consumers.
Read how these initiatives contribute to more sustainable coffee production and discover the benefits of deforestation-free coffee in the article “Deforestation-Free Coffee Production” ( Koltiva 13-05-2024, English).
How coffee roasters can comply with EU deforestation rules
In June 2023, the EU introduced the Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR), which requires companies to prove that their supply chains are free of deforestation. From December 2024, medium and large companies must meet these requirements or risk fines of up to 4% of their annual turnover. While these rules present challenges such as geolocation of plantations and the preparation of due diligence statements, they also provide opportunities for closer cooperation and access to premium markets. Technology plays a crucial role in simplifying this process.
Read the article “How coffee roasters can successfully meet European Union deforestation rules” (St John Shopon, 13-05-2024, English).
Palm oil
Possible postponement of EU’s deforestation-free regulations
The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has indicated that the introduction of the European Deforestation Free Regulation (EUDR) is likely to be further postponed. This slowdown is due to increasing regulatory rejection by not only Indonesia and Malaysia, but also countries such as the US, Brazil and Argentina. At a meeting in Jakarta, GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono emphasized that a third meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the EU will take place in September to discuss the EUDR. The EU is considering the postponement due to the objections of several countries and internal criticism from agricultural organizations within the EU.
Read the article “GAPKI: EU May Delay EUDR Implementation” (GAPKI, 06-05-2024, English).
Criticism of EU-funded analysis of Malaysian palm oil certification
Experts have criticized a new EU-funded analysis that identifies shortcomings in Malaysia’s national palm oil sustainability certification system. The analysis, conducted by the European Forest Institute (EFI), revealed four major information gaps in the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, including geolocation, deforestation-free, legal and traceability issues . MSPO is working on solutions, but the question remains whether the EU will accept the certification as ‘sustainable’ according to their standards under the EUDR.
Read the article “Experts blast new EU-funded gap analysis touting ‘shortcomings’ in Malaysian palm oil certification scheme” (FoodNavigator-Asia, 08-05-2024, English).
Malaysia’s indigenous palm oil farmers fight against EU deforestation rules
Indigenous palm oil farmers in Malaysia are fighting for justice under European deforestation rules. They claim the regulations threaten their livelihoods and do not recognize their traditional farming methods. EU directives require detailed documentation and certification, which disproportionately affects small farmers. Farmer representatives are calling for a review of the rules and emphasizing the importance of inclusive and fair trade practices that take into account the unique circumstances of indigenous communities.
Read the article “Malaysia’s Indigenous Palm Oil Farmers Continue to Fight For Justice in European Union’s Deforestation Regulations” (EIN Presswire, 09-05-2024, English).
Soy
EU feed industry concerned about disruption of the supply chain
The EU feed industry is concerned about the growing risk of disruption to the supply chain of soy and palm products to EU livestock farming, due to ambiguities in the implementation of the EUDR regulations. FEFAC, the representative of the European compound feed industry, points to the lack of a robust IT system and sectoral guidelines as major obstacles. These uncertainties lead to the lack of supply offers from important export countries, which could potentially harm the competitive position of European livestock farmers due to rising feed costs.
Read the article “EU feed industry concerns about growing risk of feed supply chain disruption” (FEFAC, 08-05-2024, English).
Rubber
Thailand implements traceable rubber trading system to comply with EUDR
Thailand has introduced an integrated traceable rubber trading system in response to the European Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Developed in collaboration with the Thai Rubber Authority, this system ensures that packaged rubber sheets are standardized before being sent to factories for further processing. This measure, which will be fully implemented from January 2025, should make the origin of rubber products more transparent and safeguard exports to the EU.
In 2022, the total value of Thailand’s non-oil exports to the EU was US$22.63 billion, of which US$1.73 billion was rubber and derivatives. This represented 7.65% of total non-oil exports to the EU. The new tracking system also significantly increased rubber prices, with the auction price rising to 94.01 baht per kilogram, for a total transaction of 41.2 million baht.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is developing a National Commodities Dashboard to comply with the EUDR, focusing on export products such as: rubber, palm oil, cocoa, coffee and timber.
Read the article “Thailand Implements Traceable Rubber Trading System to Meet EUDR Requirements” (Headtopics, 12-05-2024, Indonesian).
Impact of the anti-deforestation regulation on the rubber industry
The European Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) sets strict requirements for the import of rubber, which must be demonstrably free of deforestation. The Dutch rubber industry must ensure full traceability of rubber throughout the chain. This has major consequences for companies, which work closely with government agencies to comply with regulations. Despite information meetings, many questions remain about the practical application of the EUDR.
Read the article “Anti-Ontbossingsverordening: Impact op de Rubberindustrie” (NVR-TRA, 12-05-2023, Dutch).
Thai and Indonesian rubber industry under pressure from EUDR
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) poses challenges for the rubber industry in Thailand and Indonesia. The new regulations require that rubber products exported to the EU are deforestation-free. This forces manufacturers to thoroughly monitor and adapt their production chains, which has both logistical and financial implications. The regulations put pressure on industries to quickly meet strict EU standards to maintain their access to the European market.
Read the article “Thailand and RI Rubber Roads Face EUDR” (Head Topics, 12-05-2024, Indonesian).
Vietnamese rubber sector ready for EUDR implementation
Vietnamese rubber producers are preparing to comply with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The industry has taken steps to ensure the sustainability and traceability of their products. With improved agricultural practices and strict compliance measures, producers want to ensure that their exports to the EU comply with the new regulations, which come into effect from 12/31/2024. This is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of rubber production.
Read the article “Vietnam’s rubber sector is ready to implement EUDR regulations” ( Vietnam Agriculture, 15-05-2024, English).
Sri Trang Agro-Industry shows EUDR readiness
Sri Trang Agro-Industry, one of the largest rubber producers in Thailand, organized an event to assess their readiness for the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). to show. The company highlighted their commitment to sustainability and traceability in the supply chain, meeting strict EU standards. The event also highlighted the benefits of EUDR compliance for the future of Thailand’s rubber industry.
Read the article “Sri Trang Agro-Industry Hosts Thank You Party and Shows EUDR Readiness” (Khaosod English, 15-05-2024, English).
Cattle
EUDR: track the batch, not the individual hide
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) sets new requirements for the traceability of leather. According to LaConceria, companies should track the provenance of entire batches of leather rather than individual hides. This simplifies compliance with the EUDR, which requires full traceability to ensure leather does not contribute to deforestation. The focus is on improving transparency and accountability within the leather industry.
Read the article “EU Deforestation Regulation: track the batch, not the individual hide” (LaConceria, 16-05-2024, English).
Italian leather possibly deforestation leather from Brazil
A new report from the Rainforest Foundation Norway reveals that almost half of the leather imported into the EU is untraceable and may be linked to deforestation and land grabbing in Brazil. Brazilian livestock farming, which causes 80% of deforestation in the Amazon, poses a major threat. The report calls on companies to ban the world’s largest meat processor, JBS, from their supply chains until it complies with the EUDR.
Read the article “Your ‘Italian’ leather could be deforestation leather from Brazil” (The Rainforest Foundation, 21-05-2023, English).
