Civil society coalition supports timely enforcement of EU deforestation regulation

A newly formed coalition of civil society organizations, VOCAL (Voice of Organizations in Coffee Alliance), is advocating for the timely enforcement of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), despite requests for delays from coffee-producing nations like Ethiopia. The regulation, set to take effect on December 30, 2024, aims to combat deforestation linked to the global coffee trade, which plays a crucial role in Ethiopia’s economy, contributing around 30-35% of its annual export earnings.

VOCAL, an affiliate of the Netherlands-based VOICE Network, emphasized in its report, “Coffee’s Regulatory Blend,” the importance of swift regulatory action to ensure long-term sustainability in the industry. The report criticizes the coffee sector for its slow response to environmental challenges, calling the industry’s engagement with policy discussions “too little, too late.”

While Ethiopian officials and large coffee producers have voiced concerns over the short-term economic impacts of the EUDR, VOCAL highlighted the long-term benefits of preserving viable coffee-growing land and safeguarding the sector for future generations. VOCAL believes that with clear guidance and reliable compliance tools, coffee-growing nations like Ethiopia can adapt to the new regulations without sacrificing their economic well-being.

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Despite the challenges, VOCAL’s position underscores a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, suggesting that taking bold actions now will create a more resilient coffee industry for years to come.