and deforestation-
free value chains for
people and planet
Photo Credit: GIZ/Nyani Quarmyne
Welcome to the Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-Free Value Chains
Discover our mission and get a glimpse of the work behind our flagship projects.
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Global Gateway in Action
Facts and Figures on Team Europe's Support for Deforestation-Free Value Chains
12.600
Farmers
until 2025
© Nyani Quarmyne / GIZ
until 2025
© Nyani Quarmyne / GIZ
12.600 farmers included in traceability tools in Burundi
In Burundi, coffee is a key source of income for millions of rural households, yet smallholder producers often face extreme poverty, low productivity, limited market access, and increasing pressure from climate change. At the same time, new international requirements such as the EUDR demand stronger traceability, posing additional challenges for farmers with limited technical and financial resources.
Through the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project, more than 2,000 farmers were trained in agroforestry and climate-smart agricultural practices. In parallel, nearly 14,000 coffee plots were geolocated to strengthen traceability, improve transparency, and giving farmers a better position in the value chain.
This has improved producers’ access to certification and export markets, while generating higher premiums and investments in community infrastructure. The initiative demonstrates how sustainable coffee value chains can go hand in hand with forest protection while strengthening livelihoods and economic resilience.
440.000
People
until 2025
until 2025
440.000 people reached in Zambia
In many rural areas of Zambia, deforestation is driven by everyday land-use practices and at times limited awareness of sustainable alternatives, to the detriment of both forest ecosystems and local livelihoods.
Under the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project, a community-centred campaign mobilised thousands of people across Mumbwa, Itezhi-Tezhi and surrounding districts. Through school events, roadshows and a radio drama series, the initiative combined music, games and theatre to bring forest conservation into daily life. It reached nearly 5,000 young people, over 2,500 community members, and around 431,000 radio listeners, promoting dialogue on sustainable farming and forest protection.
This approach strengthened local ownership of forest stewardship and encouraged behaviour change across generations. It contributed to greater awareness of the link between healthy forests and resilient livelihoods, laying the foundation for more sustainable and climate-resilient rural communities
“What makes me proud, is how diversified my farm is. I’ve grown to a level where I compete with men in similar value chains.”
Racheal Chiyabi,
Farmer in Zambia
© Luke Kasemba / GIZ
© Luke Kasemba / GIZ
Seeds of Change: How Racheal Chiyabi Grew her Business
For over a decade, Madam Racheal Chiyabi farmed in Mumbwa District, Zambia, navigating a male-dominated sector with limited access to training, markets and decision-making power. Recurrent extreme droughts and unpredictable rainfall made it difficult to sustain and grow her livelihood.
Through the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project, implemented by GIZ in partnership with COMACO, she received training in climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry. With access to improved soya seeds, farmer savings groups and market linkages, she diversified her farm and strengthened her role within the value chain. As head of her cooperative, she promotes equal participation in decision-making.
Her progress reflects wider impact: over 2,000 farmers have been trained in sustainable practices, while efforts contribute to protecting 450,000 hectares of community forest. Strengthened market access and local cooperation are building more resilient livelihoods and inclusive, sustainable rural communities.
37.000
Farmers
until 2025
© Nyani Quarmyne / GIZ
until 2025
© Nyani Quarmyne / GIZ
5 new agribusiness cluster formed in DRC with 37.000 farmers
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, cocoa and coffee farmers work in a volatile environment marked by conflict, economic uncertainty, weak infrastructure, and limited access to markets and support services. These challenges make it difficult for smallholders to organise collectively, strengthen their bargaining power, and adapt to international requirements such as the EUDR.
Despite this context, the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project formed five agri-business clusters bringing together 20 cooperatives, representing 37,298 smallholder farmers, nearly one third of them women. The cooperatives develop business plans, improve sustainable agricultural practices, receive training on land rights, and adapt to international regulations. As a result, 15,000 cocoa farmers can now sell directly to companies in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands benefitting from access to international market and better prices.
The project strengthens market access, organisational capacities, and supports more sustainable cocoa and coffee production. It also reinforces inclusion, resilience, and long-term participation in international value chains.
4
DPI – Due Diligence Process Implementation tools
over 2 years
© EFI
over 2 years
© EFI
Four Tools, One Goal: How EFI Is Making the EUDR Work in Practice
Four DPI tools were developed by EFI to support countries in adapting to the EUDR. They cover the full due‑diligence chain:
- WHIMO, an open-source traceability solution, collects and shares geolocation data throughout the supply chain.
- GeoRoots is an open‑source toolkit to prepare and validate EUDR‑compliant geospatial data.
- The Legality Navigator operationalises legality due diligence at the country level.
- The Cocoa Deforestation Monitor, a forthcoming platform, enables civil society to flag deforestation alerts.
Together, these tools translate EUDR requirements into practical solutions for public authorities, supply‑chain actors and civil society. They demonstrate tangible progress by strengthening traceability, legality verification and independent monitoring—essentials for credible and inclusive EUDR implementation.
1 + 9
1 Legality Navigator
9 Legality Due Diligence tools
over 2 years
9 Legality Due Diligence tools
over 2 years
A Navigator for Due Diligence Recommendations
The Legality Due Diligence Navigator is a tool that has been in use for over two years to support companies, EU competent authorities and stakeholders in applying the EUDR legality criterion. EFI developed it as astructured framework to interpret and operationalise national legal requirements for due diligence.
Using a multistakeholder approach, it turns national legal frameworks into practical due diligence recommendations for supply chain operators.
The framework has been applied in nine countries across Africa and Latin America, covering cocoa, coffee and palm oil.The tools improves transparency, reliability and shared understanding of legal framework beyond EUDR implementation.
4
EUDR dry runs preparedness exercises
Rehearsing Reality: How Dry Runs Are Improving EUDR Readiness Across Three Continents
EFI facilitated four EUDR preparedness exercises – commonly known as ‘dry runs’ –in 2025 to asses preparedness for EUDR implementation and identify challenges, and potential solutions. The voluntary exercises connected EU Competent Authorities and companies importing EUDR-relevant commodities. into the EU. Simulated checks on the operators’ due diligence systems and shipments used real data and information to replicate future checks as closely as possible. The assessment also included the EU Information System for transferring geolocation data.
The four dry runs covered coffee and palm oil engaged five EU Competent Authorities and four operators. Products originated from 10 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Additional exercises will be conducted in 2026.
The four dry runs covered coffee and palm oil engaged five EU Competent Authorities and four operators. Products originated from 10 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Additional exercises will be conducted in 2026.
"To address the complex challenges of the global cocoa value chain, policies and investment should be evidence-based and rooted in rigorous analytical work."
Alessandro Marini,
West and Central Africa Service Chief
© FAO
© FAO
Filling in the Blanks: 11 Studies building an Evidence Base for Fairer Cocoa
Limited availability of socio-economic and environmental data constrains decision-making in the cocoa value chain, affecting the design of targeted and sustainable interventions.
Under the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative, the FAO Investment Centre carried out 11 key analytical studies covering topics such as living income, cocoa pricing, child labour, deforestation, agroforestry systems, cocoa processing, European consumer markets and global value chain analysis to strengthen the evidence base across major producing and consuming countries.
This work contributes to inform policy dialogue, investment planning and more targeted interventions. As a result, stakeholders can make more informed, sustainability-oriented decisions, contributing to greater policy coherence and a more resilient and sustainable global cocoa value chain.
Under the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative, the FAO Investment Centre carried out 11 key analytical studies covering topics such as living income, cocoa pricing, child labour, deforestation, agroforestry systems, cocoa processing, European consumer markets and global value chain analysis to strengthen the evidence base across major producing and consuming countries.
This work contributes to inform policy dialogue, investment planning and more targeted interventions. As a result, stakeholders can make more informed, sustainability-oriented decisions, contributing to greater policy coherence and a more resilient and sustainable global cocoa value chain.
© FAO
From Satellite to Supply Chain: Tracing Deforestation-Free Cocoa in West Africa
The entry into force of the EUDR establishes standards for deforestation-free cocoa entering the EU market, creating challenges for producing countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon.
Since 2022, the FAO Investment Centre, in close collaboration with the European Forest Institute and the Joint Research Centre, has supported technically and financially both countries under the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative (SCI). The initiative helped equipping them with operational tools,to monitor deforestation-free cocoa supply chains,strengthened capacities in geospatial mapping, land-use monitoring, traceability systems, and due diligence. Training on satellite imagery, forest-risk assessment, and early warning systems was combined with the adoption of ARS 1000 certification standards.
The initiative gives access to verifiable data, improves readiness for EUDR compliance, supports smallholder livelihoods, strengthens land governance and contributes to protecting forest ecosystems.
40.000
farms mapped during the pilot phase
since February 2023
© GIZ
since February 2023
© GIZ
40.000 Farms, One System: Ghana's Cocoa Traceability Pilot Bears Fruit
The EUDR requires companies to prove that key commodities such as cocoa are not linked to deforestation and uphold human rights. This pressures producing countries such as Ghana to ensure transparent cocoa supply chains.
Together with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) the Sustainable Cocoa Program has piloted the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System that digitally traces cocoa from farm to port.
The pilot phase mapped 40,000 farms and registered over 20,000 farmers in the Assin Fosu district.
During the 2023/2024 lean season, the system enabled purchase, grading, and export of over 1,230 bags. That equals 77.3 tons of sustainable cocoa; enough for nearly 1 million standard 100-gram chocolate bars or over 1.5 million cups of hot chocolate.
24
Bi-regional Dialogues on Sustainable Value Chains
since October 2021
© Al INVEST Verde
since October 2021
© Al INVEST Verde
Lost in Translation: Aligning Latin America and the EU on Sustainable Value Chains
Different sustainability standards and regulatory requirements make it difficult for countries to align with the EUDR, especially regarding traceability and legality.
To address this, 24 bi-regional dialogues between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean have been organised by AL-INVEST Verde since October 2021. They brought together public authorities, private sector, experts, and value chain actors to exchange knowledge and promote best practices. A key pillar has been the EU-LAC Agri-food Dialogues, with the support of the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships and European Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, fostering cooperation across sectors such as cocoa, coffee, beef, leather, and wood. These dialogues strengthen mutual understanding, improve policy coherence, and support more transparent and deforestation-free value chains, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems.
To address this, 24 bi-regional dialogues between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean have been organised by AL-INVEST Verde since October 2021. They brought together public authorities, private sector, experts, and value chain actors to exchange knowledge and promote best practices. A key pillar has been the EU-LAC Agri-food Dialogues, with the support of the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships and European Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, fostering cooperation across sectors such as cocoa, coffee, beef, leather, and wood. These dialogues strengthen mutual understanding, improve policy coherence, and support more transparent and deforestation-free value chains, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems.
5
Brazilian states supported in implementing the SeloVerde platform
since February 2023
© Al INVEST Verde
since February 2023
© Al INVEST Verde
The Missing Link: Closing Brazil's Traceability Gap
Reliable data remains a bottleneck for sustainable production. In Brazil, dispersed information and disconnected systems have limited the ability to track commodities, assess risks, and ensure compliance with the EUDR across diverse value chains.
With support from AL-INVEST Verde, the SeloVerde platform is being scaled across five states since February 2023: Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Tocantins and Acre. It connects data across coffee, cocoa, soya and cattle supply chains, integrating automation, risk analysis and system interoperability. SMEs, cooperatives and public institutions are equipped to generate and use traceability data more effectively.
The result: clearer visibility of supply chains, stronger verification of legal compliance, and improved monitoring of deforestation risks. This strengthens the foundation for transparent, sustainable production and supports Brazil’s alignment with international market requirements.
1.969
Stakeholders certified in traceability within the Ecuadorian cocoa value chain
since May 2025
© Al INVEST Verde
since May 2025
© Al INVEST Verde
From 1.969 Trainers to 30,000 Operators: Scaling Cocoa Traceability Across Ecuador
In Ecuador, fragmented data systems and limited coordination across the cocoa value chain have made it difficult to ensure reliable traceability and compliance with emerging sustainability requirements such as the EUDR.
To bridge this gap, a “Training of Trainers” project led by AL-INVEST Verde and Agrocalidad has been implemented across nine provinces since May 2025, covering coastal, highland, and Amazon regions. A total of 1,969 stakeholders have been trained and certified, including actors from the public, academia, civil society, and cocoa cooperatives and companies. Trainers replicate their knowledge locally, strengthening capacities in traceability, geo-referencing, and EUDR compliance. They also support registering up to 30,000 operators in the GUIA system and field verification of geolocation data for 3,000 cocoa plots.
This cascading approach improves coordination, enhances data quality, and strengthens compliance. It contributes to more transparent, deforestation-free cocoa production while supporting a more resilient and inclusive cocoa value chain in Ecuador.
2.000+
Stakeholders engaged
2023–2025
2023–2025
From Brussels to Bangkok: Building EUDR Readiness Across Southeast Asia
Limited awareness and differing interpretations of the EUDR have made it challenging for stakeholders in Southeast Asia to understand and prepare for new due diligence and traceability requirements.
Between 2023 and 2025, more than 2,000 representatives from governments, producer organisations, smallholder groups, businesses, academia and civil society participated in 60 high-level and technical outreach events across five countries. Organised by EUDR Engagement, these dialogues clarified requirements, explored practical traceability solutions, and enabled exchange across sectors.
By bringing diverse voices together—including smallholders and SMEs—the initiative fostered a shared understanding of deforestation-free production in practice. It also informed national policy discussions and fed regional insights back to European decision-makers.
“I believe this trip is important for closer cooperation. Europe represents the end user, while we are the producers. By understanding each other, we can improve joint sales. Building mutual trust is especially important.”
Sophea Nhean, Department of Rubber Development, MAFF, Cambodia
© Javier Bernal Revert /GIZ
© Javier Bernal Revert /GIZ
Beyond the Regulation: How the Zero Deforestation Hub Is Building Trust Across Continents
The introduction of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) has raised questions among governments, producers and businesses in partner countries. Different interpretations of the regulation, compounded by delays in its implementation timeline, have created uncertainty around its practical application and implications for trade.
To support a common understanding, the Zero Deforestation Hub expanded its knowledge platform and organised numerous outreach events. Through the TEI EuroTrips, representatives from partner countries visited European institutions, ports and customs authorities to observe EUDR implementation in practice. Regional working groups further enabled continuous exchange across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
These efforts strengthened mutual understanding and trust between EU institutions and partner countries. As a result, many governments and private sector actors increased their commitment to deforestation-free production.
To support a common understanding, the Zero Deforestation Hub expanded its knowledge platform and organised numerous outreach events. Through the TEI EuroTrips, representatives from partner countries visited European institutions, ports and customs authorities to observe EUDR implementation in practice. Regional working groups further enabled continuous exchange across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
These efforts strengthened mutual understanding and trust between EU institutions and partner countries. As a result, many governments and private sector actors increased their commitment to deforestation-free production.
83.000
Plots in Colombia analysed for Deforestation-risk
© GIZ
© GIZ
What IS in That Plot? Whisp Is Redefining Deforestation Risk Analysis
Identifying whether a farm plot is linked to deforestation can be a complex task. Producers, companies and authorities often need to combine data from multiple sources, creating barriers to efficient due diligence and compliance with the EUDR.
To address this challenge, the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project supports the adoption of open-source digital solutions that strengthen traceability and interoperability. One example is FAO’s WHISP (What Is in that Plot?) tool, which combines publicly available earth observation datasets to generate reliable deforestation-risk assessments. The tool receives around 10,000 expressions of interest each month and is being considered for integration into national systems in Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Indonesia and Ethiopia. In Peru, SAFE supported the integration of nearly >strong>200,000 plots from the national farmer registry with WHISP and GFW Pro.
Today, WHISP is recommended by the European Commission and helps make deforestation-risk assessments more accessible and scalable, supporting governments, businesses and producers in implementing deforestation-free supply chains.
30.000
Farmers benefit from their purchasing companies
© GIZ
© GIZ
No Farmer Left Behind: How Private Sector Partnerships Are Making The EUDR Work For Smallholders
Meeting the requirements of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) requires companies to adapt their supply chains while ensuring that smallholder farmers are not left behind. For many businesses, establishing robust traceability systems and supporting producers through this transition remains a significant challenge.
To support this transition, the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project works with more than 20 private sector partners to strengthen supply chain traceability and support the practical implementation of EUDR requirements. The collaboration promotes human-centred and equitable approaches to compliance while helping farmers adopt sustainable land-use practices.
This partnership reduces compliance risks, safeguards continued and mutually beneficial trade and strengthens long-term resilience across supply chains. By embedding sustainable practices into business operations, SAFE helps create lasting impact well beyond the project's lifetime.
© GIZ
Brewing Tradition: Vietnam's Thái Communities Are Blending Culture and Sustainable Coffee
In Sơn La Province, Vietnam, coffee farming is the backbone of many livelihoods, particularly for the Thái ethnic minority. However, increasing sustainability requirements and changing market demands have made it important to strengthen both farmers’ resilience and the long-term viability of their traditional way of life.
Working together with the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project, local communities combined cultural preservation with sustainable coffee production. Community-specific hospitality training and co-created tourism experiences—including barista workshops and homestays—help Thái households diversify their incomes. At the same time, farmers received training in sustainable agricultural practices, while a user-friendly farm log app was developed and piloted to improve traceability and support compliance with the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR).
The approach creates new economic opportunities while preserving local culture. It also strengthens community-based traceability and supports a more resilient, sustainable coffee value chain that is better prepared for international market requirements
“Before cocoa started to improve, houses here were all run-down. Once cocoa started to succeed, everything changed completely”
Luther Bongga, Cocoa farmer in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
© Nyani Quarmyne /GIZ
© Nyani Quarmyne /GIZ
Fit for the Future: Mapping Indonesian Cocoa Farms
For more than 25 years, Luther Bongga has cultivated cocoa in Indonesia. Like many smallholder farmers, he depends on stable buyers and fair prices to secure his family's livelihood. At the same time, growing demand for deforestation-free cocoa means farmers need practical ways to demonstrate that their production meets international sustainability requirements.
Working together with the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project and private sector partners, Luther's farm was GPS-mapped and integrated into a traceability system aligned with the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR). Selling to Guan Chong through the Mondelez Cocoa Life programme provides transparent market access and an additional sustainability premium.
Today, Luther earns a premium for sustainable production. Together with partners, the SAFE Project has mapped 3,000 Indonesian cocoa farmers and trained them to make their cocoa traceable, strengthening climate resilience and improving market opportunities for smallholders.
2.000
Stakeholders across Mercosur now see the EUDR as a market opportunity
© Erika Villano/GIZ
© Erika Villano/GIZ
Mercosur Had Questions About the EUDR. 50 Dialogues Provided Answers.
The EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) sparked intense discussions across the Mercosur beef and
soy sectors. Moving from debate to practical implementation required a common understanding of the regulation and its implications for different value chain actors.
Through the Inclusive Dialogues project, part of the Team Europe Initiative Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Project, more than 2,000 stakeholders participated in over 50 dialogue events. They included representatives from governments, producer organisations, the private sector and academia. Participants discussed EUDR preparedness, commodity-specific challenges, traceability and the results of dry runs. The dialogues helped identify practical solutions and share good practices.
The dialogues strengthened preparedness for EUDR implementation and built lasting partnerships across the value chain. They also shifted perceptions: many livestock producers now see the EUDR as a market opportunity rather than a compliance burden.
142.000
Hectares
© GIZ
© GIZ
From Pilot to National Standard: Satellite Monitoring Ensures Deforestation-Free Palm Oil in Colombia
Demonstrating that agricultural production is free from deforestation requires reliable evidence at scale. For many producer countries, monitoring large areas and verifying compliance with sustainability commitments remains a significant challenge.
To address this challenge, the AgriChains project (INCAS Global+), funded by BMZ, supported a pilot initiative with the Colombian Palm Oil Federation (FEDEPALMA). Using satellite technology, more than 142,000 hectares across over 1,400 farms were monitored to support compliance with zero-deforestation commitments and emerging requirements under the EUDR.
The pilot demonstrated the potential of satellite-based monitoring to provide credible evidence of sustainable production. Its success encouraged FEDEPALMA to expand the methodology across more than 18 million hectares nationwide. Today, Colombia’s palm oil sector reports that 99% of its production is deforestation-free, helping position the country as an example of sustainable palm oil production and maintain access to international markets.
“Being a farmer also means taking care of the environment. That's why we formed the Wanoja Farmer Group—so women can be independent and help themselves. Our collaboration with SASCI+ taught us how to better care for the plants and protect the ecosystem”
Eti Sumiati, Coffee Farmer in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia and Chairperson of Wanoja Farmer Group
© Achmad Ubaidillah/GIZ
© Achmad Ubaidillah/GIZ
Growing More Than Coffee: Women Farmers in West Java Build Economic Independence
In Bandung, West Java, coffee cultivation has traditionally been passed down through generations without adaptation to modern agricultural standards. Women farmers, often excluded from formal land ownership and extension services, had limited access to training and market knowledge, leaving them structurally dependent on others to sustain their livelihoods.
The Sustainability and Value Added in Agricultural Supply Chains in Indonesia project (SASCI+) project trained women farmers in good agricultural practices for coffee cultivation, combining technical knowledge with capacity building for economic self-sufficiency. It also established 5 nurseries and 3 participatory demonstration plots, distributing 21,000 multi-purpose tree seedlings and 25,000 coffee seedlings.
As a result, across West Java, 1,000 coffee farmers were trained, with 94% reporting an increase in knowledge on coffee cultivation. Women farmers now generate independent income while applying sustainable practices that protect the surrounding ecosystem.
The expansion of agricultural areas drives up to 90% of deforestation worldwide. This poses an imminent threat to our planet’s biodiversity, climate, and the well-being of communities worldwide.
Mission
ZERO
DEFORESTATION
The mission for a world with zero deforestation requires a transdisciplinary approach. This can only be achieved sustainably and equitably if governments, the private sector, academia, civil society and local communities join forces.
Activities
There is no “silver bullet” to halt global deforestation, but we consider these non-exhaustive activities as a viable approach.
Given the global nature of deforestation, the European Union together with its partners aim to intensify the engagement with consumer and producer countries in an effort to jointly address the root causes of deforestation and safeguard the planet’s invaluable forests.
Commitment
Strengthening corporate commitments and implementation to minimise deforestation in agricultural value chains, e.g. through sustainability investments and proactive engagement with local stakeholders
Production
Developing and promoting policies to incentivise sustainable production and contribute to deforestation-free land-use planning, e.g. through strengthening producer organisations, providing EUDR training, and investing in cooperative infrastructure to facilitate improved market access
Land-use
Promoting sustainable land-use practices, e.g. by enhancing farmers’ land tenure security and providing training and documentation for customary landholders, especially for women
Research & Technology
Investing in research and technology, such as geolocation, as well as transparent and traceable value chains, e.g. by promoting inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to improve traceability, sustainability, and efficiency across supply chains
Support Communities
Supporting indigenous and local communities in their sustainable agricultural and forest management efforts, e.g. through technical assistance in sustainable practices and Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes
Strategy for this Team Europe Initiative
The Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-free Value Chains is a joint effort by the EU and its Member States designed to support global ambitions on decoupling agricultural production from deforestation in partnership with various stakeholders in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Through these activities and flagship projects, the EU and its Member States promote the inclusive and just transition of sustainable value chains, especially for smallholders and low-income countries. They do this by supporting partner governments with creating enabling framework conditions for corporate action to minimise deforestation, reducing risks in complex value chains and crowding-in private sector investments in sustainable agribusinesses. This initiative also supports smallholders with forest preservation and assists Indigenous peoples and local communities with protecting their rights.
This Hub for Deforestation-free Value Chains serves as a vital platform for improving outreach and coordination and disseminating knowledge to jointly tackle deforestation and forest degradation.
On the EU Deforestation Regulation
The European Union (EU) is an important market for agricultural commodities with a deforestation risk. EU citizens no longer want to contribute to deforestation through their consumption, instead they want to be part of sustainable and transformative change.
As a contribution to the European Green Deal, the EU has adopted the new EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) that aims to minimise the Union’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide, thereby contributing to a reduction in global deforestation.
The new EU Deforestation Regulation is a milestone in the fight against deforestation and forest degradation. It focuses on the value chains of the seven commodities that have the biggest impact: palm oil, beef, soy, coffee, cocoa, natural rubber, and wood.
What smallholders need to know about the EUDR in 5 Minutes
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What policymakers need to know about the EUDR in 5 Minutes
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Operators established in the EU who place relevant products on the EU market will need to exercise strict due diligence to ensure that the products are:
Deforestation-free
=
not produced on land that was degraded or deforested after 31 December 2020
+
Legal
=
produced in line with the relevant legislation of the country of production
Last updated on: January 2026
