Technology as an Enabler for Smallholder Inclusion and European Union Deforestation Free Regulation (EUDR)

The article discusses how small farmers, who are essential in global agricultural production, face significant challenges in meeting the EU's regulatory requirements (EUDR) This could potentially exclude them from the EU market and undermine deforestation reduction goals The focus is on Malaysia, where over 450,000 small palm oil farmers could experience increased poverty and reduced family incomes due to regulatory measures The proposal is to use technology as a facilitator for the inclusion of these farmers and EUDR compliance, suggesting the development of a free digital supply chain platform funded by the EU Emphasizing the crucial role of small producers in the palm oil industry, it argues that investing in sustainable practices and technological capabilities can benefit both farmers and the environment in the long term.