The European Commission adopted a new framework of actions to protect and restore the world\'s forests. The reinforced approach addresses both the supply and demand side of the issue. It introduces measures for enhanced international cooperation with stakeholders and member states, promotion of sustainable finance, better use of land and resources, sustainable job creation and supply chain management, and targeted research and data collection. It also launches an assessment of possible new regulatory measures to minimize the impact of EU consumption on deforestation and forest degradation. The main drivers of this deforestation are demand for food, feed, biofuel, timber and other commodities.

EU grain and oilseed trade, crushing and feed industry sectors represented by COCERAL, FEDIOL and FEFAC acknowledge and support the European Commission’s ambition to raise public attention on deforestation and related climate change commitments at EU and international level, which are also reflected in the recent EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement chapter on trade and sustainable development.  They consider that setting up a permanent and effective multilateral institutional dialogue with exporting countries is the most effective way to address sustainable forest management and assist value chain partners to build responsible supply chains for agricultural products.

Conscious of their role and responsibility, the trade, crushing and feed sectors have been extensively engaged in initiatives and commitments aiming at removing products at risk of causing deforestation from their supply chains. Over the recent years, companies have made sourcing commitments in an effort to contribute to mainstream market transformation for responsibly produced oilseeds and feed grain products, both from imported and home-grown origin.

Download here the European Commission communication.