EU Law Delays Could Endanger Global Forests, Agri-Food Giants Warn

Major agri-food companies, including Nestle and Ferrero, have raised alarms over the European Union's deferred enactment of its anti-deforestation law, warning it risks global forest preservation efforts.

The EU recently advocated for postponing the law's launch due to concerns over the preparedness of the required IT systems. The delay may extend the ban on importing certain forest-destructive commodities like palm oil by another year.

Despite opposition from various industries and trade partners such as the U.S. and Brazil, companies assert that transparent supply chains are crucial for managing risks. The law demands proof from operators that goods like soy and beef sold in the EU are deforestation-free.

(With inputs from agencies.)