Adapting to the EU Deforestation Regulation: A Path to Sustainable Coffee Production

The coffee industry is facing a significant transformation with the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR 1115). This shift requires producers, exporters, and stakeholders to adopt new practices to ensure compliance. In a recent webinar hosted by Fundación Natura and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), experts and producers discussed the challenges and opportunities of deforestation-free coffee. Here’s what we learned.

Understanding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR 1115)

The European Union enacted EUDR 1115 in May 2023 to prevent the commercialization of commodities linked to deforestation and land degradation. Coffee is one of the key products affected by this regulation. Producers exporting to the EU must provide proof that their coffee was not cultivated on deforested land after December 2020. Non-compliance could result in restricted market access.

The Importance of Monitoring and Traceability

Monitoring and traceability are crucial for compliance. According to Julián Gómez, IT Manager at SAN, compliance goes beyond geographic coordinates—it requires continuous monitoring of social, environmental, and economic risks.

Key strategies include:

Community-driven monitoring: Local farmers actively collect and manage data to ensure transparency.
Technology-enabled tracking: Digital tools integrate field data collection with satellite imagery and risk analysis.
Accurate farm records: Producers must maintain detailed documentation to support their compliance efforts.

Learn more about SAN's efforts in community-driven monitoring through our CMAS project here

Why Compliance Matters for Producers

César Echeverri, an agronomist specializing in sustainable agriculture, emphasized that compliance is not just an obligation—it’s an opportunity. Producers who adapt quickly will have a competitive advantage, gaining better market access, stronger supply chain trust, and higher premiums for sustainable coffee.

Benefits include:

Environmental protection: Sustainable practices help mitigate climate risks, prevent soil erosion, and protect water resources.
Social responsibility: Improved labor conditions and fair wages strengthen the entire coffee community.
Economic stability: Market differentiation through compliance ensures long-term profitability.

A Case Study: ASOPEP’s Journey to Compliance

Camilo Enciso Suárez, Manager of ASOPEP (Association of Ecological Producers of Planadas), shared his experience adapting to EUDR:

Leveraging existing certifications (Fair Trade, organic) to align with EU regulations.
Partnering with organizations like Fundación Natura and SAN to implement digital monitoring tools.
Investing in youth education to build awareness around sustainability.

Key Takeaway: Producers already engaged in sustainability initiatives find it easier to comply with new regulations.

Risk Assessment & Mitigation Strategies

César Echeverri outlined how producers can identify and mitigate risks through a structured risk matrix, which includes:

Environmental risks: Monitoring soil degradation, water pollution, and deforestation threats.
Social risks: Ensuring fair labor practices and respecting land rights.
Economic risks: Strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring fair market access.

The EU will validate compliance through satellite monitoring (Copernicus Program) and require producers to provide detailed reports, making proactive risk management essential.

Tools like SAN's IHUB provide easy monitoring capabilities for supply chains, to ensure compliance and traceability.

How Can Producers Prepare?

Implement digital monitoring systems: Tools like SAN’s IHUB provide accessible compliance tracking.
Join producer associations: Collaboration reduces costs and strengthens advocacy efforts.
Stay informed: Understanding evolving regulations ensures ongoing market access.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Coffee Sustainability

EUDR 1115 presents challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to redefine coffee production. Producers, organizations, and governments must collaborate to build a resilient, sustainable, and competitive coffee industry.

As César Echeverri concluded: “We must embrace these changes as a step toward sustainability. If we work together, we can ensure coffee that is not only delicious but also responsible.”