CAVEC Connects: Sustainable bridges between Huila and Europe

We are in the midst of a growing global climate crisis, facing environmental challenges such as accelerated deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Agriculture remains one of the main causes of deforestation worldwide, affecting key ecosystems such as the Amazon. A recent study concluded that between 90% and 99% of tropical deforestation is directly or indirectly driven by agriculture (World Resources Institute, 2022). Agriculture is the single largest driver of terrestrial biodiversity loss, and estimates suggest it accounts for around 70% or more of projected biodiversity loss in terrestrial ecosystems (OECD, 2018).

In response to this situation, the European Union (EU) has turned to environmental regulations related to international trade to address these issues through its supply chains—particularly Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products, known as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). EUDR is a pioneering law that aims to ensure that products entering the EU market (or manufactured for export) are deforestation-free (after the cut-off date of December 31, 2020, in the country of origin) and legally produced.

This transition represents an opportunity to reposition products in markets that prioritize sustainability, while also presenting a challenge, as value chains must adopt new systems for traceability, due diligence, and regulatory compliance. It is especially a technical and financial challenge for producers in origin countries, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives.

There is a risk that coffee producers in origin countries could be excluded from European markets if they do not adapt to the new regulation. The organization International Coffee Partners (ICP) has issued an urgent call for small producers to receive support in complying with EUDR (International Coffee Partners, 2024). It is important to support MSMEs to prepare them for the new regulatory frameworks—specifically EUDR—while continuing to strengthen their sustainable practices to mitigate environmental harm.

The regulation came into force on June 29, 2023, but its application will be gradual: obligations for large and medium-sized enterprises begin December 30, 2025, and for micro and small enterprises (SMEs), the deadline is June 30, 2026. Recent proposals by the European Commission to amend the regulation are currently under discussion, with potential responses expected in November 2025.