By Mohamed J Kargbo
EU Rep & stakeholders posing for photo
On December 2, 2024, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Sierra Leone organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue at the Radisson Blu Hotel to introduce the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR).
The event gathered key stakeholders, including the Minister of Agriculture, Henry Musa Kpaka, representatives from the EU Delegation, the Trade and Private Sector Development and Engagement (TPSDE) Facility, the European Forest Institute (EFI), state officials, private sector leaders, and civil society actors.
The dialogue focused on the implications of the EUDR for Sierra Leone’s vital export sectors—cocoa, coffee, and palm oil—and the steps needed to align these industries with international sustainability standards.
Adopted in June 2023, the EUDR aims to reduce the EU’s contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation.
The regulation mandates that commodities such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil comply with strict criteria, including traceability, deforestation-free production, adherence to local laws, and due diligence verification. Only products meeting those criteria can access the EU market, promoting responsible trade and sustainable development.
As an exporter of cocoa, coffee, and palm oil, Sierra Leone stands to benefit significantly by adopting sustainable practices in line with the EUDR. Those commodities are critical sources of income for many smallholder farmers in the country.
Aligning with EUDR standards not only ensures access to the lucrative EU market but also supports environmental conservation, preserving native vegetation and biodiversity.
Minister Kpaka highlighted the dual challenge and opportunity posed by the regulation, noting its alignment with Sierra Leone’s flagship “Feed Salone” program, which emphasizes sustainable and resilient agricultural development.
“The EU is a key market for our commodities, particularly cocoa, which boosts export earnings and enhances value chains,” he stated. The Minister also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address challenges, improve farmer productivity, and increase national income.
First Counsellor of the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, Holger Rommen, praised the country’s potential to serve as a model for sustainable commodity production. “The EUDR presents an opportunity for producer countries to build strong economies while protecting their valuable natural resources,” he remarked.
Rommen highlighted the environmental challenges associated with deforestation, such as soil erosion and climate change, which threaten both local and global crop production.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to partnering with Sierra Leone to promote sustainable production, preserve ecosystems, and foster economic growth for future generations.
The dialogue underscored the need for a collaborative approach to sustainable agriculture. Stakeholders agreed on the importance of strengthening policies and regulations that guide the agricultural sector, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Institutions in producer countries like Sierra Leone play a vital role in providing the credible data needed to meet EUDR requirements.
