Groups representing EU farm organisations and the forestry industry have welcomed the European Commission's move to pause the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months.

Under the EUDR, companies will only be allowed to sell products in the EU if the supplier provides a “due diligence” statement confirming that the product did not come from deforested land, or did not lead to forest degradation, after December 31, 2020.

The regulation was meant to come into force at the end of this year, but last week the commission announced a 12-month extension, meaning it will come into force on December 30, 2025 for large companies and June 30, 2026 for micro and small enterprises.

Several groups - including Copa Cogeca, which represents EU farm organisations and agricultural co-operatives - issued a joint statement welcoming the commission's decision to delay the implementation of the regulation.

"European primary producers and various industries welcome the European Commission's proposal to extend the implementation period of the EU Deforestation Regulation by an additional 12 months," the joint statement said.

"While we fully support the regulation objective to combat global deforestation, it is crucial to ensure that it is implemented under the right conditions to be effective and feasible," it added.

Apart from Copa Cogeca, the other organisations involved in the joint statement are:

CEI-Bois (European Confederation of Woodworking Industries);
CEPF (Confederation of European Forest Owners);
Cepi (Confederation of European Paper Industries);
ELO (European Landowners' Organisation);
EOS (European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry);
EUSTAFOR (European State Forest Association);
FEFAC (European Feed Manufacturers' Federation);
UECBV (European Livestock and Meat Trading Union).

The statement said: "For many months our organisations have raised concerns about the regulation's practical applicability and the substantial administrative burden it imposes."

These groups are calling on the European Parliament and Council of the EU (also known as the Council of Ministers) to consider the issues that have been raised by some member states, non-EU member countries, and other stakeholders, and to approve the commission's proposal for a one-year postponement.

"The focus must now shift to addressing the practical challenges associated with the EUDR's implementation to prevent uncertainties and avoid supply chain disruptions," the statement said.

It added: "We will carefully review the guidance document published [by the commission] and remain committed to further dialogue to ensure workable solutions for all impacted sectors."