Last week we learned thatthe European Commission proposed a postponement of the application of the EUDR with one year. This message was received with mixed feelings, also amongst the members of our National Soya Initiatives (NSIs). On the one hand, companies already thoroughly prepared and made investments to comply with EUDR, despite uncertainty about key topics such as demonstrating legal compliance. On the other hand, the delay might provide an opportunity to test, learn about, and improve EUDR implementation without risking penalties for non-compliance.
We, the National Soya Initiatives of Europe, have had ambitious agendas for sustainable soy before the EUDR came into place. We have welcomed EUDR and worked together to understand its meaning and role in the transition. EUDR is part of a smart mix of tools and solutions. We do believe that halting deforestation is only one piece of the puzzle. All NSIs have committed to responsible, deforestation and conversion-free soy consumption in our countries. That ambition is still in place. We see EUDR as a step on the way, but the route is longer. We do welcome that in its new guidance, the European Commission recognized that third-party verified certification systems play an important role in the EUDR. These systems often include criteria for preventing the conversion of other ecosystems and also various other sustainability criteria, for example, the responsible management of chemicals- important both for biodiversity and human health. This holistic approach to sustainability is important and meets our national ambitions.
We as National Soya Initiatives want to sharethis message with the world that our ambitions for responsible, deforestation, and conversion-free soy and real impact on the ground have not changed. Together with our members we will make the best of recent developments, continue the implementation of an ambitious soy sustainability agenda, and make the positive impact on our worlds ecosystems and the climate that is so urgently needed.