EU Proposes To Delay Landmark Anti-Deforestation Law By 12 Months – CoffeeTalk

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The European Commission has proposed delaying the implementation of a law banning the import of commodities linked to deforestation by a year, following calls from industries and governments worldwide. The law is hailed as a landmark in the fight against climate change but is seen as protectionist and could exclude millions of poor, small-scale farmers from the EU market. Industry warns that the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR) would disrupt the European Union’s supply chains and push up prices. Some 20 of the EU’s 27 member states asked Brussels in March to scale back and possibly suspend the law, fearing it would harm the bloc’s own farmers.

The proposal would require the approval of the European Parliament and member states, and it is also publishing additional guidance documents. EU leaders have watered down numerous environmental measures this year to try to quell months of farmers’ protests over issues including the bloc’s green policies and cheap imports. Environmental campaigners slammed the move, while WWF cast doubt on the Commission’s commitment to delivering on the EU’s environmental promises.

The EUDR would have required companies importing soy, beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, timber, rubber, and related products to prove their supply chains did not contribute to the destruction of the world’s forests or face hefty fines. Critics argue this is exceedingly complex in supply chains that span the globe and involve multiple intermediaries whose data is not easily verifiable. Eurocommerce, representing the European retail industry, expressed gratitude for the Commission acknowledging its concerns regarding compliance and possible supply chain disruptions.

Read More @ Reuters

Source: Coffee Talk

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