Farmers in Ethiopia, known for their premium coffee, are racing to meet new regulations set by the European Union, which requires them to prove the origin of their coffee beans. This initiative, intended to curb deforestation linked to agriculture, mandates farmers to supply geolocation data ensuring their coffee doesn't come from recently deforested lands.
Starting January 1, any farmers unable to provide this documentation will lose access to the European market, a significant setback as Europe is the largest coffee-drinking region globally. The stricter E.U. Deforestation Regulation aims to promote sustainable practices but leaves many smallholder farmers struggling.
“With all this data needed, we need support,” said Dejene Dadi, chief of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union. The lack of resources and assistance raises concerns about the sustainability of these farmers, who have contributed minimally to climate change yet bear the brunt of its effects. The question remains: can policymakers strike the right balance between protecting nature and supporting the livelihoods of those most affected?
