The Australian agriculture sector has welcomed the European Commission’s recent decision to delay the implementation of its deforestation restrictions by 12 months.
NFF (National Farmers Federation) President David Jochinke welcomed the EU’s decision, highlighting that it reflects growing international pressure and concerns, particularly from the United States.
Jochinke stated, “It is pleasing to see the EU has listened to governments and made a sensible decision to delay implementation.”
The NFF also acknowledged the support from the Australian government, which played a pivotal role in advocating for this delay.
On Oct. 2, the European Commission announced that feedback from international partners indicated a need for additional preparation time for its European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
If approved by the European Parliament and the Council, the EUDR will instead, apply from Dec. 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for micro- and- small enterprises. This additional time will serve as a phasing-in period to ensure effective implementation.
The EUDR requires companies importing products like soy, beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, timber, and rubber to prove their supply chains did not contribute to deforestation.
Failure to comply could result in hefty fines, making the regulations a significant component of the EU’s climate action agenda to combat biodiversity loss.
However, critics within the industry argue that these regulations could disrupt supply chains and potentially harm biodiversity.
Senator Matt Canavan also took to social media, declaring that Australian farmers have achieved a rare victory with the EU’s decision to defer the Deforestation Regulations by a year. He thanked all those involved in advocating for this outcome.
According to Reuters, in July 2024, the U.S. government and industry groups, including the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), called for a delay in implementing the deforestation policy.
They raised concerns that the EU’s systems for managing the ban was not fully operational. In a letter to CEPI members dated July 2, European Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius acknowledged these concerns but did not suggest that Brussels contemplated postponing the policy.
Meanwhile, the Australian NFF expressed its displeasure that the EU was not looking to repeal the EUDR or redefine confusing definitions on what a “forest” was.
NFF also understands that a process to establish the next European Commission is currently underway. Once that process is finalised early next month, NFF seeks renewed government engagement with cabinet leaders.
“If this proposal is nothing more than a stay of execution, then we should be contemplating other avenues of resolution, such as the World Trade Organisation processes, in concert with other jurisdictions,” Jochinke said.
