The Biden Administration’s stance on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has sparked controversy and debate within the environmental and agricultural sectors. In a recent op-ed, it was argued that if the Biden Administration is serious about a global zero-deforestation agenda while supporting U.S. agribusiness, it should actively support the EUDR abroad and provide assistance to U.S. soy farmers and cattle ranchers to comply with the regulation.
The EUDR is a crucial new European law aimed at protecting global forests, and it has garnered widespread support from companies and investors who see it as a vital step in combating deforestation. However, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimundo, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Trade Representative Katherine Tai sent a letter to the European Commission urging a delay in the implementation of the EUDR. This move has been criticized for siding with a small number of unethical producers and ignoring the majority of companies and investors who back the regulation.
The letter from the U.S. officials raised concerns about the impact of the EUDR on American producers, particularly in the soy and cattle industries. However, data from the supply chains expert group TRASE shows that the U.S. has minimal deforestation risk associated with its soy and cattle exports to the EU. In fact, the U.S. ranks significantly lower in deforestation risk compared to major producers like Brazil. This suggests that American producers are capable of complying with the EUDR without significant challenges.
The U.S. should be a strong supporter of the EUDR, given its low deforestation exposure on soy and cattle exports to the EU. By actively supporting the regulation, the U.S. can demonstrate its commitment to a global zero-deforestation agenda while also benefiting its agribusiness sector. The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association has even voiced support for a proposed U.S. equivalent to the EUDR, highlighting the potential benefits of such regulations for American producers.
In light of these findings, the Biden Administration should reconsider its stance on the EUDR and instead focus on assisting U.S. soy farmers and cattle ranchers in complying with the regulation. By proactively supporting the EUDR abroad and providing resources for domestic producers, the U.S. can align itself with global efforts to combat deforestation and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
In conclusion, the Biden Administration’s approach to the EUDR has raised questions about its commitment to environmental conservation and support for the agricultural industry. By embracing the EUDR and offering assistance to U.S. producers, the Administration can demonstrate its dedication to combating deforestation while also bolstering the competitiveness of American agriculture in the global market.