The representative groups of European farmers and foresters (Copa-Cogeca, ELO, CEPF; UEF, FECOF and USSE) have made a joint statement expressing the need for the simplification of the European Deforestation Regulation, EUDR, to be a viable reality.
The regulation, with which the European Union intends to minimize the contribution of the 27 to global deforestation and forest degradation, was delayed by the Commission with the aim of simplifying the procedure and correctly activating the computer system that guarantees that imported products do not come from land that has been deforested after December 31, 2020.
The European agricultural and forestry sector welcomed both the delay and the specific simplification for micro and small primary operators, however, they consider that more effort is needed in the work being carried out.
Proposed measures
Farmer and forester organizations propose different measures.
- That micro-operators and small operators are not required to submit the simplified declaration and that Member States ensure the linking of their national systems and the improvement of their interoperability with the EUDR information system.
- Strengthen cooperation with forestry and agricultural associations, producer groups and cooperatives to coordinate the submission of simplified declarations by Member States.
- Consider including some information in the simplified declaration when certain requirements, such as the declaration of estimated quantities, prove difficult to implement and this information does not significantly improve traceability.
- Reduce the intensity of controls for primary operators by substantially amending the relevant articles of the Regulation so that constant updates are not required.
- Extend the simplified regime to all primary producers, regardless of their size in countries classified as low risk.
European agricultural and forestry communities maintain their commitment to the objectives of the EU Land Use Regulation and are willing to collaborate with EU institutions and national authorities, but they consider that simplification guarantees a practical, proportionate framework that is in line with reality.