ICSA president Sean McNamara has welcomed the European Parliament's decision to propose changes to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), including the creation of a new 'no risk' category to minimise the compliance burden on farmers in areas with little or no deforestation. "This is a common-sense step at a time when excessive regulations are making it harder for farmers to stay in business," he said.

"The introduction of a 'no risk' category is a critical move to ensure that farmers in low or zero deforestation regions are not weighed down by unnecessary bureaucracy. This is exactly the kind of balanced approach we need more of - one that supports farmers while still delivering on sustainability goals.

 This is a straightforward and sensible move - if a country has stable or growing forests, it is only logical to simplify the compliance process. The existing risk classifications - high, standard, and low – do not reflect Ireland's situation, or indeed the situation in most of Europe, where deforestation simply isn't a problem. That is why introducing a 'no risk' category makes complete sense."

 Mr McNamara said that while it is vital for Europe to hold imports to the same standards it expects from its own producers, it is equally important to simplify compliance for those already operating in sustainable, low-risk systems. "Farmers are fully committed to sustainable practices, but the EUDR must be practical and fair. We need regulations that support our farmers, not ones that threaten to regulate them out of business."