According to the new EU regulation on products that do not cause deforestation (EUDR): 100% of agricultural products of Vietnam (as well as worldwide) when imported into the European market need to have positioning information (GPS) to each garden, based on which confirmation of the risk of deforestation by remote sensing monitoring systems.
Late afternoon June 29, 6, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; The Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam and IDH jointly organized the conference “Production and supply of agricultural products without deforestation in accordance with European Union regulations”.
VIETNAMESE FARMERS WILL NOT DESTROY FORESTS FOR FARMING
Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director General of the European Commission’s Environment Department, said that on May 16, 5, the European Parliament adopted the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation takes effect from 2023/12, so countries will have 2024-18 months to prepare proposals for implementation.
“According to this Regulation, 100% of Vietnam’s agricultural products, especially coffee, when imported into the European market, require GPS information to each garden, based on which confirmation of the risk of deforestation by remote sensing monitoring systems.” Florika Fink-Hooijer emphasized.
According to Florika Fink-Hooijer, 90% of global deforestation is caused by agriculture. As a major consumer market, the European Union sees its important role in this regard. That is why, the EU recently adopted a European Union Regulation aimed at combating deforestation. Due diligence obligations and traceability requirements will apply strictly and irrespective to all products involved.
“Vietnam is ready and will take an approach in line with the European Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). If the price of coffee increases, farmers are also not allowed to plant, expand the area encroaching on forest land. The compliance with this Regulation is not only to meet the export requirements of agricultural products, but also an opportunity to develop Vietnam’s agricultural sector in the strategic direction of transparency, accountability, sustainability and green growth”. Mr. Le Minh Hoan, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Ms. Florika Fink-Hooijer said that wood and wood products, coffee and rubber are the main export sectors of Vietnam affected when this Regulation is applied. More than 2.3 billion euros from Vietnamese products exported to Europe mainly fell on coffee products (accounting for 47.5%); wood (35.2%) and rubber (17.1%).
“The EU is committed to supporting Vietnam in its sustainable development process. By combining the strengths of both sides, the EU and Vietnam aim to address environmental challenges more effectively, contributing to the prosperity of the Vietnamese people as well as preserving the country’s unique natural heritage.” Florika Fink-Hooijer said.
Mr. Le Minh Hoan, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development emphasized: “When the regulation comes into effect from December 12, commodity supply chains will face many challenges to meet EUDR, especially in the issues of location data, traceability, monitoring system, anti-deforestation response”.
NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESPONDING TO EUDR
With technical solutions, it is necessary to develop and recognize a national database on growing areas; Develop mechanisms for sharing and responding to information. Then develop and implement traceability and develop and implement mechanisms to strengthen forest surveillance protection, strengthen community patrols/surveillance to protect forests. At the same time, develop and implement sustainable livelihood transformation models in risk areas.
Along with that, building a channel for regular dialogue with the EU, synthesizing and sharing information periodically. Another important issue is mobilizing financial and technical support from international organizations and the private sector to support EUDR-adaptive value chains.