In the heart of Southeast Asia lies Vietnam, a land of green landscapes and vibrant cultures. Known for its unique blend of traditions, Vietnam has a captivating treasure that has captured the hearts of coffee enthusiasts worldwide: its coffee production. The country proudly claims the title of the second-largest coffee producer on the global stage. Sprawling across 705 thousand hectares of fertile land, the coffee cultivation area is a testament to the dedication and hard work of around 600,000 smallholder farmers, producing in 1.4 million plots of coffee land. Coffee has become more than just a drink; it is a source of livelihood and pride for countless families.
Vietnam’s Coffee Sector faces rigorous EU regulations
Amidst the prosperity of Vietnam’s coffee industry, the tightening of market regulations and growing sustainability concerns have become significant hurdles to overcome. The picturesque Central Highland landscape now faces challenges due to changing demands and environmental pressures.
One such critical challenge emerges from the European Union’s deforestation regulation (EUDR), which took effect on June 29, 2023. This regulation requires traders and supply chain partners to prove that their coffee products are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, with a cut-off date set on December 31, 2020. The burden falls on Vietnam, categorized as a standard-risk origin, to submit due diligence reports on product data, risk assessment, and risk mitigation measures when exporting to the EU market.
In this context, Vietnam embraces a national plan to comply with the EUDR.
Access the the documents here:
Implementing the Action Framework to comply with EU Deforestation Regulation