National Farmers' Federation (NFF) President David Jochinke has welcomed a European Union proposal to delay implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months for large companies and 18 months for micro and small enterprises.
This proposal is complemented by the publication of additional guidance to provide global stakeholders, Member States, and third countries, with greater clarity to support preparation.
The NFF thanks Government for its support, underpinned by recent bipartisan action in the Senate, in seeking delayed implementation.
"Off the back of increasing international pressure and concern, including from the United States, it is pleasing to see the EU has listened to governments and made a sensible decision to delay implementation," Mr Jochinke said.
"We understand this will be subject to the EU Parliament and we urge that decision to be made swiftly," Mr Jochinke said.
Although this announcement is a step in the right direction, the EU has shown no inclination to repeal the EUDR or to redefine the troubling definitions of what it considers to be a forest.
NFF also understand that a process to establish the next European Commission is currently underway and seeks renewed Government engagement with cabinet leaders once that process is finalised early next month.
"If this proposal is nothing more than a stay of execution then we should be contemplating other avenues of resolution such as the World Trade Organisation processes, in concert with other jurisdictions," Mr Jochinke said.
