Coffee's Regulatory Blend

The coffee industry is facing a pivotal moment as new mandatory sustainability regulations come into effect across Europe.

Even though these regulations establish a level playing field that prioritises human rights and environmental preservation, the sector has been pushing back instead of stepping up compliance. Immediate action is now required to ensure a sustainable future for coffee producers and businesses.

Key highlights

Mandatory Sustainability Regulations hold significant potential: New EU regulations including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), are designed to curb deforestation, protect human rights, and mandate living incomes for smallholder farmers. They will help companies build more transparent and sustainable practices, benefiting the environment and creating a stronger future for the coffee industry.
Industry resistance jeopardises the coffee sector’s long term resilience: Many companies have resisted or delayed action, leaving them unprepared for compliance. The sector must now mobilise to meet regulatory demands, particularly around traceability, accountability, and cost-sharing.
Support for Small Farmers is essential: The regulations require significant support for smallholder coffee farmers, who face challenges in meeting compliance requirements. It is essential that both businesses and regulators provide the necessary financial and technical support to ensure these farmers are not excluded from global markets.

In summary, these regulations are not only necessary, but long overdue. In this report, published by the Voice of Organisations in Coffee Alliance (VOCAL), we urge all stakeholders in the coffee supply chain, from businesses to governments, to embrace this change and take proactive steps to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future.

Read the report

Catégories: Reports, EU Regulation on deforestation-free products, Forest risk commodities