Preferred by Nature, an international non-profit organisation, has taken steps to support Ghanaian farmers and exporters as they prepare for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to take effect in December 2025.

The organisation, in collaboration with the Danish Embassy, hosted a seminar to raise awareness and educate stakeholders on the new law and its implications for Ghana’s agricultural exports.

The EUDR aims to curb deforestation by restricting the import of commodities linked to forest loss — such as cocoa, rubber, timber, and palm oil — into the EU. Under the new rules, exporters will need to prove that their products are not contributing to deforestation through strict traceability systems and due diligence processes.

Speaking to JoyNews at the event, the Global Director of Regional Engagement and Communication at Preferred by Nature, Sandra Razanamandranto, explained the importance of preparing early for the regulation and pledged the organization’s support in ensuring compliance.

"At the end, we expect stakeholders to provide due diligence contracts to ensure that commodities like cocoa, coffee, or timber are sourced responsibly and comply with anti-deforestation rules. This is crucial in ensuring sustainable farming practices. Thus, we are working to create awareness and educate farmers and exporters on what the regulation entails and how to comply with it to become ready."

One of the key challenges discussed at the seminar was the growing impact of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, which has destroyed vast farmlands across the country.

As a result, many farmers are forced to clear more forests for cultivation, increasing the risk of non-compliance with the EUDR. This raises concerns that Ghanaian exports could face restrictions if proper measures aren’t put in place.

The seminar also featured contributions from the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, who stressed the need for Ghana to use the extension period wisely. Initially set for December 2024, the regulation’s enforcement has been postponed by a year to allow for deeper assessments and the rollout of traceability systems.

"As a major consumer of commodities linked to deforestation, the European Union is taking action to promote the conception of deforestation-free products and reduce its contribution to global deforestation," Razaaly noted.

"The regulation has been postponed until December 2025, precisely to give room for more in-depth assessments, roll out traceability systems, and adjust some policies."

Ghana’s cocoa sector is already taking steps to adapt. The Deputy Director of Research and Development at COCOBOD, Michael Amoah, said the regulation has encouraged stronger collaboration between government agencies.

"The EUDR has helped ease tensions between the Forestry Commission and COCOBOD. We’re now working together to ensure proper land cultivation practices and align with the new standards," Mr Amoah revealed.

The impact of the regulation isn’t limited to cocoa alone. Rich Kofi Kofituo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Tree Crop Development Authority, sees this as a chance for Ghanaian farmers to embrace more sustainable practices.

"This is a trailblazing step that will push farmers to embrace sustainability. We believe this will not only improve environmental outcomes but also help farmers achieve better yields," Kofituo remarked.

With less than two years until the EUDR takes effect, Preferred by Nature is committed to helping Ghanaian farmers navigate these changes.

The seminar served as a call to action for collaboration and innovation, as stakeholders work towards ensuring compliance, safeguarding access to the European market, and building a more sustainable agricultural future.