In a bid to address the alarming environmental impact caused by consumption habits, the European Union (EU) recently passed a law restricting the importation of products that contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. This development has raised concerns among coffee-producing countries in Latin America, particularly regarding the potential impact on small-scale farmers. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the new EU regulation and its implications for the coffee industry in the region.
The Need for Change:
The EU, responsible for 16% of global deforestation and a significant contributor to tropical deforestation, recognized the urgency to take action. The new regulation aims to encourage sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation, as well as push governments in coffee-producing countries to enforce stricter regulations and policies.
Understanding the Regulation:
The legislation initially focuses on seven commodities: soy, beef, palm oil, timber, cocoa, coffee, and rubber. Companies seeking to market these products in the EU must establish a due diligence system ensuring that their goods have not contributed to deforestation since December 31, 2020.
Implementation and Sanctions:
Once the regulation is formally adopted, operators and traders will have either 18 or 24 months (depending on the size of the enterprise) to comply with the new rules. Failure to adhere to the legislation may result in penalties of up to 4% of a company’s turnover in an EU member state.
Verification and Control:
To enforce compliance, competent authorities will have access to information provided by companies, including geolocation coordinates. They may employ satellite tracking tools and DNA analysis to verify the origin of the products.
Challenges Faced by Latin American Coffee Farmers:
For coffee-producing countries like Peru and Colombia, the new regulation presents significant challenges. A considerable portion of their coffee exports is destined for the European market. However, issues such as land ownership and the inability to fulfill the stringent requirements pose obstacles for small-scale farmers.
Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward:
While it is vital to tackle deforestation, it is crucial to ensure that the burden of compliance does not disproportionately affect vulnerable producers. Governments, both in importing and exporting countries, should design support programs to facilitate the transition and provide assistance to small-scale farmers.
Finding the Balance:
Experts have differing opinions regarding the new regulation. While some applaud the EU’s initiative to promote biodiversity conservation, others emphasize the need to find a balance between environmental sustainability and the socio-economic well-being of farmers.
The EU’s new regulation on imports, aimed at curbing deforestation, has significant implications for Latin American coffee-producing countries. While the regulation’s objectives are commendable, there is a pressing need to address the concerns of small-scale farmers and ensure their inclusion in sustainable practices. Collaborative efforts between governments, industry stakeholders, and the international community will be essential to strike the delicate balance between environmental conservation and supporting the livelihoods of coffee producers.
"*" señala los campos obligatorios
