A new report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) finds that smallholder farmers still struggle to meet the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The think tank interviewed and surveyed 333 farmers and producer groups across 16 countries, coffee growers among them, while noting that the sample is uneven and not statistically representative.
Land documentation, compliance costs, traceability and limited technical capacity top the list of barriers. Some 74% of respondents — rising to 79% among coffee farmers — believe stricter rules could drive growers toward less-regulated markets. Farmers linked to cooperatives or certification schemes reported far better preparation than independent producers.
The deadlines stand: 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators, and 30 June 2027 for most micro and small ones. IISD calls for shared responsibility among governments, companies, standards bodies and development partners.
Source: Daily Coffee News