- GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono has published a piece in EU news journal Euractiv, calling on the EU to delay implementation of the EUDR;
- Martono writes that changes are needed to smallholder exemptions, risk benchmarking and recognition of certification for the regulation to be workable.
In the Euractiv piece, Martono points out that Indonesia’s palm sector doesn’t have objections to the regulation and its objectives, but how it is being implemented, and the potential exclusion of smallholders from global supply chains.
Key excerpts:
“The European People’s Party environmental spokesperson, Peter Liese MEP, has called for a two-year delay in the implementation process and a review. The Indonesian palm oil sector and government echo these European sentiments, calling for a delay. This is essential. If a delay is agreed upon, that time should be used for a constructive discussion on improving EUDR.”
“The EUDR offers an ‘exemption’ for smallholders that is of no practical help. The EU’s arbitrary definition of smallholders differs significantly from that used elsewhere. This must be changed, and a genuine exemption included.”
“The controversy around the EUDR could have been avoided. Consultations with trading partners must now take place, and they must be meaningful. This is precisely what Indonesia’s delegates are seeking this week in Brussels.”
Read the full article here.