EU Extends Support to Kenyan Coffee Farmers for Deforestation Regulation Compliance

By Catherine Muema On Dec 3, 2024

By Shadrack Nyakoe

The European Union (EU) has pledged to support Kenyan coffee farmers in meeting the requirements of its Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which aims to ensure products sold in the EU do not contribute to deforestation.

Introduced on June 29, 2023, the EUDR applies to all companies placing products containing the seven regulated commodities, including coffee, on the EU market. The regulation was initially set to take effect for large companies by December 30, 2024, and for micro- and small enterprises by June 30, 2025. However, the EU has proposed a one-year extension following appeals from partner countries and coffee producers.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting organized by Fairtrade and the Kenya Coffee Platform (KCP), EU First Counsellor and Head of Trade Section, Filipo Amato, confirmed the extension proposal is under review by the European Parliament and Council. If approved, large companies will now have until December 30, 2025, and smaller enterprises until June 30, 2026, to comply.

Amato noted the extension would provide time for technical support and capacity-building initiatives. “We are developing programs to help farmers meet the EUDR requirements, including capacity-building and enhancing traceability,” he said, adding that new initiatives under the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the regional MARKUP program would strengthen Kenya’s coffee value chain.

Kenya has already begun aligning with the EUDR. The Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS) is mapping and geo-locating farmers to demonstrate their coffee is not sourced from deforested areas. Felix Mutwiri from the AFA Coffee Directorate confirmed progress, stating that 22% of coffee-growing counties have been mapped, with data collection tools and compliance mechanisms in place.

Parliamentary Coffee Caucus Chair, Duncan Mathenge, emphasized Kenya’s proactive stance, including advocacy by President William Ruto within the African Union. “We are committed to compliance and have a roadmap led by the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure farmers meet the EUDR standards,” Mathenge said.

KCP Chairman Karugu Macharia lauded the collective efforts, emphasizing strategies like soil testing and input subsidies to boost production and restore Kenya’s coffee output to its historic highs.