NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. agriculture still faces uncertainty from the European Union’s (EU) deforestation regulation, even after the European Commission released a simplification package. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service says the package does not resolve key U.S. concerns over due diligence statements and geolocation data.
The EU says its changes could reduce annual company compliance costs by about 75 percent compared with the original rule. The package includes updated guidance, revised questions and answers, product-scope changes, and information system updates.
The concern for U.S. agriculture is that low-risk suppliers may still face paperwork and traceability burdens. USDA says operators sourcing from low-risk countries must still collect the required information and provide geolocation coordinates for production plots.
USDA says U.S. agricultural and timber production is not driving deforestation, with forest cover remaining stable and extensive across the country. The rule could affect $9 billion in U.S. agricultural exports, including beef, soy, wood, rubber, and derived products.
The regulation is scheduled to take effect on December 30, 2026, leaving U.S. exporters and farm groups watching whether the EU makes further changes.
Farm-Level Takeaway: EU simplification may reduce some paperwork, but U.S. exporters still face costly traceability requirements.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
·
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
December 22, 2025 12:45 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
December 19, 2025 01:56 PM
·
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
December 19, 2025 01:43 PM
·
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
December 19, 2025 01:14 PM
·
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
December 19, 2025 01:05 PM
·
