Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan and Ms. Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director General of the Environment Department of the European Commission (EC) co-chaired the conference.

Conference scene.

The conference was held to share an overview of the EU's new regulatory requirements on deforestation-free products (EUDR), the opportunities and challenges that the new regulations may bring to the Vietnamese coffee industry, and to propose solutions to support the industry in meeting the new regulations within the 18-24 month preparation period set by the EU...

Coffee growing in Kon Tum province.

Speaking at the conference, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan emphasized: The European Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), when it comes into effect from December 31, 2024, will directly impact actors in the supply chains of the wood and wood products, rubber and coffee industries. The supply chains of the industry will face many challenges to comply with the EUDR, especially in issues of location data, traceability, monitoring systems, and anti-deforestation feedback. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development considers compliance with this regulation not only to meet the requirements of exporting key products to the EU market, but also to be an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the development strategy of Vietnam's agricultural sector towards transparency, responsibility, sustainability and green growth.

“The EU is committed to supporting Vietnam in its sustainable development. By combining the strengths of both sides, the EU and Vietnam aim to address environmental challenges more effectively, contributing to the prosperity of the Vietnamese people and preserving the country’s unique natural heritage,” Ms. Florika Fink-Hooijer emphasized the EU’s commitment in her speech at the conference.  

News and photos: NGUYEN KIEM