The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is reshaping global trade for coffee producers by ensuring that products reaching the EU are free from deforestation, forest degradation and legally produced. Its ultimate aim: to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity.

As part of the EUDR Engagement project, forestry advisors led a 3-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on the EU Deforestation Regulation in Pakse, Champasak Province. The event gathered 28 key players from the Lao coffee sector – cooperatives, processors, associations, and government representatives – for an intensive and hands-on learning experience. 

The training provided participants with a deep understanding of the regulation, and further created space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and group work. The idea is to cascade this knowledge further on the ground – reaching company staff, government officials, and ultimately farmers – so the regulation can be effectively applied on the ground. 

The first two days of the training aimed at building knowledge around the key requirements of the EUDR, obligations for different actors, the role of agroforestry, traceability and transparency in supply chains. On the third day participants had the chance to take the role of an EUDR-trainer, preparing training plans and detailed learning sessions for various audiences, such as smallholders, company staff and government officials. The 3-day training included theoretical as well as practical elements during which participants were able to exchange, discuss and apply their learnings in real life situations.