As the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaches its full enforcement deadline of December 30, 2024, the Coffee Board of India is proactively ensuring that Indian coffee farmers are able to meet these stringent sustainability and traceability standards.
The EUDR is a critical component of the European Union’s broader sustainability framework, which aims to combat deforestation and promote sustainable land use practices across various sectors. This initiative addresses compliance needs and emphasises sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and farmers. By aligning with the EUDR, Indian coffee producers can enhance their market access within the EU while contributing to global efforts to protect forests and biodiversity.
The EUDR mandates that all coffee entering the EU market must be sourced from deforestation-free areas, requiring producers to provide geolocation data to demonstrate compliance. This presents significant challenges, particularly for smallholder farmers who may lack the resources to maintain traceability throughout their supply chains.
Recognising these obstacles, the Coffee Board of India is taking proactive steps to support farmers and enhance the overall sustainability of coffee production. This includes implementing various initiatives designed to improve traceability and compliance, which will be essential for navigating the requirements set by the EUDR.
The Coffee Board of India has launched the Integrated Coffee Development Scheme (ICDS), aimed at enhancing coffee production through sustainable practices and technological advancements. Under this scheme, the Coffee Board offers a variety of subsidies. These subsidies support critical activities, including:
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- Replantation of ageing coffee plants.
- Construction of ring wells and water storage tanks to improve irrigation.
- Purchase of irrigation equipment to enhance water efficiency.
- Construction of coffee godowns (warehouses) and drying yards for better processing and storage.
- Installation of mechanised driers and pulping units to streamline production
Additionally, financial assistance is provided for eco-pulpers and for obtaining eco-certifications or organic certifications, further aligning with global sustainability trends. The subsidies under the ICDS are not restricted to individual coffee growers but are also available to Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) that consist of at least 100 coffee farmers. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the bargaining power of smallholders but also facilitates collective access to resources and training.
Dr. D. R. Babu Reddy, Deputy Director (Research) of the Coffee Board, recently highlighted the board’s collaboration with a technology partner to develop a mobile application designed for geo-tagging and mapping plantation areas. This initiative enhances supply chain digitalisation and ensures traceability from producer to consumer. Key features of the application include QR labelling, ledger maintenance, and transition tracking via blockchain technology.
In collaboration with ACVISS, the Coffee Board also successfully implemented Origin, a blockchain-powered track and trace solution. It enables the creation of immutable records of coffee transactions, ensuring that coffee can be traced from farm to cup. According to ACVISS, with the help of this technology, over 4,000 farmers have been able to connect their products to the right customers, thereby increasing their earnings. Importantly, the Origin solution also provides verifiable proof of compliance with the EUDR’s deforestation-free requirements, allowing farmers to export their products to Europe.
Furthermore, the Coffee Board conducted a comprehensive training program at the Coffee Research Sub Station (CRSS) in Chettalli, Kodagu, aimed at providing valuable insights to coffee growers and exporters. According to officials from the Coffee Board, the training covered essential aspects of building a coffee brand, registering estates for Geographical Indication (GI), and exporting coffee, all while ensuring compliance with EUDR standards through the India Coffee App.
Through these initiatives, the Coffee Board of India is not only working towards EUDR compliance but also empowering coffee producers with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable business practices. By integrating technology with education, the Coffee Board is laying a solid foundation for the future of Indian coffee in the global market.
