Coffee is a beloved beverage in Europe, making it the largest consumer of coffee globally. However, the coffee industry significantly contributes to deforestation, which is a major source of carbon emissions. To combat this, the European Union has introduced the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective June 2023. This regulation mandates that companies disclose the exact origin of their coffee beans, impacting both large and small producers.
• Starting December 30, 2025, large companies must specify coffee bean production locations.
• Smaller companies will face similar requirements beginning in June 2024.
• Many small farmers in developing countries lack access to necessary geolocation technology.
• Compliance costs could burden small, family-run farms that depend on the European market.
This regulation is crucial for reducing deforestation but poses challenges for small farmers. The European Commission is working to simplify the guidelines and support farmers to ensure they can continue supplying coffee without excessive costs. The balance between environmental goals and supporting small producers is vital for the future of coffee.
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