Our position on the EUDR - (European Union Deforestation Regulation)
Today we saw an eventual announcement on the postponement of the implementation of the much awaited bill on deforestation.
To explain some context - this has been voted into implementation in the EU to apply to all imports of key products (of which cocoa is one) that are considered responsible for deforestation. This was due to come into force from 30th December 2024 but to date no guidance on implementation of enforcement has been issued by the EU which has put viable cocoa trade in doubt.
"We have been forced to watch from the sidelines as the impending EUDR regulations are batted around like a political ping pong ball.
We are overwhelmingly for transparency and traceability. But it’s important that we consider why.
Traceability for us is about relationships and accountability - for cocoa traders, chocolate makers, for chocolatiers, for retailers and for consumers.
For us to have this level of traceability we must have transparency - this is why we built our own Manufactory - York Cocoa Works as an open and engaging Cocoa transformation centre.
Our journey has taught us that there is still a long way to go to align our ideals with conventional practices.
Fundamentally we welcome the EUDR regulations and the shared ambition for accountability this entails.
However - we have seen a range of fall-outs - not least because of the prevarication and procrastination with which the EU have conducted themselves together with the lack of clarity and engagement.
Despite not being in the EU, and our own U.K. legislation not applying to our own portion of the industry we can not help but be impacted as many of our Cocoa supply routes come via the EU and all online and commercial opportunities within the EU must have the ability to comply.
The saddest of implications is the cost and uncertainty this has had on farmers we have struggled to advise and engage with due to the lack of clarity regarding regulation.
I believe direct trade and relationships enable us to create new and reimagined shared value chains, not just supply chains. So when we see farmers not sure if they can make the investments in their own farm viable due to this uncertainty we see the opposite of the intention of this regulation.
Inevitably those with most to lose and with most power to implement have bullied this delay into being - they could have lobbied for clarity and guidance, instead they lobbied for avoidance and delay.
If we had any voice in this at all it would be to urge the EU to define guidance as quickly as possible, implement a soft structure, monitor and take accountability for the adverse impacts that are unfolding and evolve the regulation so that together we are cultivating better Cocoa practices and celebrating and rewarding the contribution they create.
And stop fostering a situation where the farming community are getting increasingly punished for our own behaviours and demands."
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