EU deforestation law presents a major test for South American farmers

New European legislation, in force since the end of June, bans the import of products associated with deforestation and human rights violations. It particularly impacts Mercosur countries, the EU being its largest trading partner. The regulation addresses products such as palm oil, soy, cattle, timber, cocoa, coffee and rubber, as well as derivatives. These account for most of the deforestation linked to EU imports. The law could improve supply chains, but some warn of possible damage migration to biomes not covered by the law, and Mercosur considers it protectionist.