Cattle Australia has welcomed the European Commission’s 12-month delay to the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes as a direct result of international pressure.
CA led Australian calls for better recognition of local environmental management methods and legislative protections, which was backed last month by a bi-partisan motion in the Senate calling for the EU to delay the regulation.
“This is a victory for common sense with the EC recognising that the EUDR needs more work and stronger international cooperation if it is to play a role in protecting both the environment and global food security,” CA Chief Executive Officer Dr Chris Parker said.
Dr Parker said CA’s Land Management Commitment Strategy (LMC), which provides a definition of agricultural land and deforestation that is cognisant of the unique Australian landscape and production systems, was a critical component of the international debate, demonstrating that Australian cattle producers abide by the some of the strictest vegetation management laws in the world.
The European Commission stated several global partners had “repeatedly expressed concerns about their state of preparedness, most recently during the United Nations General Assembly week in New York”.
“CA thanks Minister Farrell, Minister Collins, their departments, Senator Raff Siccone and the Opposition, in particular the efforts of Coalition Senator Matt Canavan, for their support in making the case to the EC and the international community,” Dr Parker said.
The EC is now proposing to make the law applicable on 30 December 2025 for large and 30 June 2026 for micro- and small enterprises.
“While the delay is needed at a practical level to provide beef supply chains time to prepare their businesses, the EU must also use this time to clarify compliance regulations and accept the equivalency of Australian definitions of agricultural land and vegetation laws, including 136 pieces of legislation across the State, Territory and Federal Governments, as well as mapping and agricultural land management practices as detailed in the LMC,” Dr Parker said.
“CA will continue working with the Australian Government to strengthen the advocacy for the Australian LMC to be accepted on the international stage in order to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of our environment.”
- The CA Land Management Commitment Strategy is available at www.cattleaustralia.com.au/land-management
