Co-organized by IFPRI, CGIAR, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
In June 2023, the European Union (EU) adopted its Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR)—a landmark policy designed to reduce global deforestation and forest degradation driven by EU consumption. Under the regulation, key commodities with the biggest impacts on deforestation—soy, cattle, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, wood, and natural rubber—cannot be placed on the EU market or exported unless they are free of deforestation and legally produced.
Join us for this virtual event convening policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss the strategic implications of the EUDR and address critical implementation questions that will inform its success, with a particular focus on rural economies and smallholder agriculture.
As countries and companies prepare for EUDR implementation, this seminar will examine how they can seize upon opportunities and mitigate risks associated with it. Leading voices from government, research, industry, and civil society will discuss how to ensure equitable and inclusive production aligned with EUDR requirements across diverse production systems, and how to address knowledge and technology gaps to support data-driven, smallholder-friendly solutions.
Moderator Welcome Remarks
- Charlotte Hebebrand, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, IFPRI
Setting the Scene
- Rationale and Scope of the EUDR: Lisa Kirfel-Rühle, Deputy Head of Division 122 Agriculture, Rural Development, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
- Global Deforestation Trends & Outlook, and Key Considerations Arising from EUDR Implementation: Beria Leimona, Theme Leader, Climate Change, Energy and Low-Carbon Development, The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
National and Regional Frameworks for reaching zero deforestation
- Considerations for Mercosur Countries: Valeria Piñeiro, Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), IFPRI
- China’s Efforts to Source Zero Deforestation Soybeans from Brazil: Kevin Chen, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
MRV Frameworks, Use of Digital Tools and Focus on Inclusion
- Inclusive Pathways for Smallholders in Deforestation-Free Supply Chains: Izzana Salleh, Secretary General, Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC)
- Identification of Production Origin and Public Verification for Deforestation – Free Agricultural Supply Chains in Colombia: Sandra Durango, Postdoctoral Fellow, Alliance Bioversity and CIAT
For more information, please access The EU Deforestation Regulation: Policy Implications and Research Frontiers | IFPRI.
