Von der Leyen to propose solution on EU anti-deforestation rules, says EPP agriculture chief
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to propose a solution to the enforcement deadlock on the new anti-deforestation regulation, as revealed during a European People’s Party (EPP) meeting. MEP Herbert Dorfmann, the EPP’s Spokesperson for Agriculture, confirmed that a proposal could be presented in the coming days.
The regulation in question aims to ensure that products imported into the EU, such as cocoa, livestock, coffee, and soy, are not sourced from deforested land. Companies are required to provide geolocation data for farms as proof of compliance.
Von der Leyen’s remarks at the EPP meeting may explain the recent influx of letters received by the Commission regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Various political groups have expressed their opinions on the matter, with some calling for the maintenance of the current implementation timeline and others urging the immediate release of guidelines and FAQs to assist companies in preparing for the regulations.
The major question now is how von der Leyen will address the enforcement issue, considering that the regulation officially came into force in June 2023. One potential solution could involve postponing the enforcement or introducing a new regulation that extends the compliance date. However, any changes would need to go through the legislative process, which could be time-consuming.
It remains to be seen how von der Leyen will proceed with finding a resolution on the enforcement deadlock surrounding the anti-deforestation regulation.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.