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
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
December 08, 2025 03:49 PM
·
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
December 08, 2025 01:55 PM
·
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
December 08, 2025 01:29 PM
·
While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
December 08, 2025 01:16 PM
·
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
December 08, 2025 01:00 PM
·
Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.
December 08, 2025 12:04 PM
·
