*Correction* Highlights Agrospecial 'Impact of EU Deforestation Regulation worldwide', week 24, 2024

As the EU’s largest importer and processor of commodities falling under the EU regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), the Netherlands plays a key role in global supply chains. Over the past years, the Netherlands has used this position to promote sustainability through multistakeholder processes, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation. To raise the bar within Europe and promote a level playing field, the Netherlands has welcomed the EUDR as a necessary next step in working towards sustainable supply chains and in meeting global biodiversity and climate targets.

EUDR is a necessary step towards sustainable supply chains; cooperation is key

The purpose of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is clear: reducing deforestation and forest degradation that are caused by the European Union's (EU) production and consumption. Additionally, the EUDR is designed to increase demand in the European market for products that are legally produced and deforestation-free. The pace of implementation is high. The goal is to be ready by the end of this year. Julius Seinen (Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, LNV), Kaj van de Vorstenbosch (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA), and Jouke Knol (LNV) elaborate on the implementation process thus far.

EU's new Deforestation Regulation set to transform global commodity trading

As global deforestation continues to grow at an alarming rate, the European Union (EU) has implemented Regulation 2023/1115 or the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a stringent measure mandating that all commodities such as soy, cocoa, coffee, beef, palm oil, rubber, or wood entering or leaving the EU must be certified as not contributing to recent deforestation or forest degradation. Enacted on June 29, 2023, this regulation is part of the EU's broader effort to combat biodiversity loss and climate change, reflecting its commitment to reducing its global environmental footprint. This article explores the development of this critical regulation, its current implications, and the forthcoming steps to ensure its effective implementation and extension.

EU takes responsibility for deforestation with European Deforestation Regulation

Gert van der Bijl of Solidaridad and Matthew Spencer of IDH highlight the implications and operational challenges of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Both discuss the central role of their organizations in advocating for sustainable agricultural practices and their strategic efforts to support small-scale farmers amid changing legislative frameworks. As the EUDR aims to minimize Europe's impact on global deforestation, Van der Bijl and Spencer provide an insider's perspective on the practical challenges and critical need for nuanced implementation strategies. This interview explores the balance between regulatory intentions and realities on the ground and highlights the efforts needed to ensure that environmental goals match the well-being of smallholder farmers.

IDH and Solidaridad advocate match between environmental goals and well-being of smallholder farmers

As global efforts intensify to halt deforestation, the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) leverages satellite technology to enhance compliance with the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Program Manager Ruud Grim sheds light on how Dutch organizations are using advanced earth observation to map deforestation, fostering innovative solutions that support the Sustainable Development Goals.

Advancing deforestation monitoring: Dutch space efforts power EUDR compliance

In Côte d’Ivoire (CDI), extensive deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and illegal mining threatens vital ecosystems, with 90% of natural forests lost since 1950. The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) offers hope by requiring traceability for commodities like cocoa entering the EU. The question is: how ready is CDI’s cocoa sector?

Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa sector ready to combat deforestation

Ethiopia's coffee sector confronts significant hurdles due to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation, crucial for combatting deforestation, could potentially disrupt Ethiopia’s economy where a third of the export earnings stem from coffee, primarily sold to the EU. That is why the government, along with international development partners, has rallied to devise strategies that safeguard both the environment and the livelihoods dependent on coffee.

Ethiopia's coffee crisis: navigating EU regulations amid sustainability challenges

If you mention the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in Ghana, there is a high chance you will see a worried or confused look on the face of the person you are talking to. The regulatory bodies know it will be challenging to be compliance-ready by the end of 2024. Farmers, on the other hand, often have not even heard of this new regulation. Despite these challenges, the EUDR can be a tool to make cocoa farming in Ghana more sustainable, fair, and innovative.

Sustainable cocoa growing in Ghana: how can EUDR be an opportunity in a challenging sector?

As Uganda faces rapid deforestation, with forest coverage dropping from 54% in 1900 to just 12.5% in 2020, the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) poses new challenges and opportunities for the nation's vital coffee sector. This regulation, requiring proof that exports like coffee do not originate from deforested land, presses Ugandan coffee traders to enhance traceability systems amid complex supply chains.

Uganda wrestles with EUDR compliance amidst coffee trade challenges

The European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) promises a significant shift in the global agricultural landscape. While it presents challenges for South American agribusiness, it also offers a powerful incentive for sustainable practices. In this context, the work of the LAN team in Argentina becomes even more critical. This article explores the potential impact of the EUDR, highlighting the developments and initiatives facilitating a smooth transition and fostering long-term sustainability for the most relevant value chains: soybean and derivates and beef production.

Argentina: balancing production with nature conservation and restoration

The high level of required transparency by the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) presents both opportunities and challenges. Even for a country like Brazil, which has a long history of transparency in its supply chains, it will be a test. Will the EUDR bolster confidence in Brazil’s sustainability efforts and contribute to forest preservation, or will it lead to trade disruptions, deviation of trade, and unintended social consequences? To answer these questions, four key persons from the Brazilian agriculture sector give their perspective on the complex situation surrounding the regulation.

Brazil concerned about implementing EU Deforestation Regulation

The European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will encourage Chilean companies to improve their transparency, traceability, and accountability. It also inspires them to strengthen their position in the global market as actors committed to environmental conservation and long-term sustainability.

EUDR can help companies from Chile strengthen their reputation worldwide

Coffee, cacao, and palm oil are integral to the Colombian economy. As many livelihoods depend on these products, the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) could have serious consequences for many Colombians. By supporting traditional methods of sustainable agriculture and implementing strategies that integrate traceability technologies, the Netherlands tries to support Colombian growers in meeting EU regulations, but also to promote sustainable growth and environmental conservation.

Colombia wants to meet EU regulations while stimulating sustainable growth

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will strongly affect the US and Canada. In the US alone, it will limit market access for 3.5 billion dollars in US forest-derived products entering the European Union annually. This does not, however, change the fact that support for deforestation measures in North America is steadily growing and new opportunities may arise. For example, the EUDR is very progressive in its traceability requirements which can kickstart new ambitions in this area. It can also provide the perfect opportunity for companies in Canada and the US to identify their impact on the ground.

North America faces new trade challenges and opportunities under EU Deforestation Regulation

As a major producer and trader of coffee and cocoa on the world stage, Peru faces important challenges in adapting to the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This article explores the current landscape and solutions that the Peruvian Government is implementing to prepare for the implementation of the new regulation, as well as the involvement of the agricultural team in this important subject.

Peru's strategy for EUDR compliance: bridging production and environmental stewardship

The Netherlands has had a long-standing cooperation with Indonesia and Malaysia and is involved in facilitating a sustainable palm oil sector in both countries. This includes advocating and assisting all stakeholders in the value chain (not just smallholders), financing sustainability projects, promoting conservation compliance, and supporting action research. One notable example is National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS). The program’s key performance indicators correspond to the three dimensions of Climate-Smart Agriculture (livelihoods, climate change adaptation and mitigation) and involve all levels of the value chain, from harvest to transformation.

Indonesia and Malaysia seek active cooperation with the EU and the Netherlands to advance sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains

Thailand is actively preparing for the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Relevant governmental agencies together with the private sector have joined forces to take measures in reducing forest encroachment and deforestation and connecting to a sustainable agri-food system. Also, it is committed to traceability in the supply chain of EUDR-regulated commodities. As a result, Thailand is confident that it will succeed in navigating trade collaborations with its international partners under the EUDR ecosystem to reinforce the kingdom’s status as a key player in the international agri-food sector.

Thailand advances deforestation-free agri-food system amid EUDR implementation

In its efforts to comply with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Vietnam faces challenges with location data, traceability, forest monitoring systems, and deforestation-free supply chain management. This article explores how Dutch-Vietnamese collaboration is supporting Vietnam's coffee industry and helping transform these challenges from the EUDR into opportunities for sustainable development.

Dutch-Vietnamese collaboration for sustainable growth in Vietnam's coffee industry

Belgium ranks among the top three importers and exporters in the European Union (EU) of key deforestation-linked commodities, such as coffee and cocoa. When it comes to its deforestation footprint (deforestation per capita), Belgium comes in second position – right after the Netherlands – because of the many commodities that are shipped to the EU market through Belgian ports. This article outlines the impact of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on Belgium and what the country has been doing to prepare stakeholders by December 30, 2024.

Belgium amplifies support for EUDR, strengthening deforestation-free trade initiatives

Serbia is a significant soybean producer in the European Union’s (EU) backyard. Around 70-80% of the total annual production is exported to the EU with an export value of over 100 million euros. To ensure that trade flows continue after the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) takes full effect and that smallholders can comply with the EUDR, quite some work needs to be done. Together with its partners in the region, the agricultural team of the Dutch embassy in Serbia is working hard to ensure that no one is left behind in the EU’s transition towards a sustainable production deforestation-free soy.

Serbia on its way to a sustainable, deforestation-free soy supply chain

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