NZ Beef & Wood Exports: EU Deforestation Rules & Costs
New Zealand Farmers Face Scrutiny Over Forest Removal Under EU Deforestation Rules
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New Zealand farmers are facing a significant obligation to comply with new European Union (EU) deforestation regulations, which could impact land use and agricultural practices. The regulations, aimed at preventing the import of commodities linked to deforestation, have prompted a closer look at land management across the country.
Understanding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
The EUDR prohibits the import into the EU of seven key commodities – cattle, soy, palm oil, wood, cocoa, coffee, and rubber – and their derivatives, unless they are deforestation-free and produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of origin. This means that any New Zealand farmer whose products are destined for the EU market, or whose products are part of a supply chain that includes the EU, will need to demonstrate that their land is free from deforestation.
Key Implications for New Zealand Agriculture
The regulations place a “reasonably onerous obligation on us all to achieve,” according to one industry expert. Modelling has revealed that as of October 2024, just under 14,000 hectares of beef production farmland had experienced forest removal. This includes 1,600 “affected Nait” farms.
The primary reasons for forest removal identified in the modelling were pine rotation, followed by woodlots and shelterbelts.
Focus on Indigenous forest Loss
A critical area of concern highlighted by the modelling is the removal of indigenous forest. The data indicates that 32 hectares of indigenous forest have been removed, affecting 24 farms.This specific figure is being closely monitored as it directly breaches the EU’s rules.
“Thirty-two hectares of indigenous forest in New Zealand has been removed that breaches that European rule,” a spokesperson noted at a recent conference.
Demonstrating Compliance
Owners of farms identified as having undergone deforestation will be required to prove to the relevant authorities, such as Prism, that the removal of trees was not for the purpose of converting land for agricultural use.
Farmers can mitigate the risk of non-compliance by implementing measures such as fencing or other controls to prevent cattle from crossing into deforested areas. They can also demonstrate that tree removal was undertaken for legitimate reasons, including:
Animal welfare
Erosion control
Health and safety
Conservation and biodiversity protection
Future Updates and Sector Engagement
The New Zealand Deforestation Map, a crucial tool for tracking thes changes, will be updated before december and later on an annual basis. Following these updates, the Meat Industry Association is expected to engage with the wider agricultural sector to ensure a coordinated approach to compliance.
This evolving regulatory landscape underscores the importance of enduring land management practices and clear record-keeping for New Zealand farmers involved in export markets.