Coffee Industry Enhances Land Oversight to Comply with EU Deforestation Laws

Rwanda’s Coffee Industry Navigates EU Deforestation Regulations

Rwanda is taking significant steps to ensure its coffee exports meet the stringent requirements of the European Union (EU) Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). According to Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), authorities are closely monitoring the expansion of coffee plantations to prevent seedlings from being planted on deforested land. This initiative aligns with the new EU regulations that require agricultural exports such as coffee, cocoa, and palm oil to be deforestation-free and fully traceable.

The EUDR, initially set to take effect in December 2024 but postponed to December 2025, prohibits products from land cleared after December 31, 2020. Exporters must also submit a due diligence statement confirming compliance. “The EU regulations demand that our coffee is not produced on deforested land,” Bizimana said. “We’ve developed a reliable traceability framework and continue to work with farmers to make sure expansion occurs only where forests have not been cleared.”

Key Markets and Compliance Efforts

Europe remains a crucial market for Rwanda’s coffee exports, with Switzerland leading the way. In the 2023/24 season, Switzerland imported over 3,700 tonnes of Rwandan coffee valued at $18.4 million, accounting for about 23% of total export earnings. Other major buyers include Sweden, Italy, Germany, and Finland. The NAEB has engaged with the EU Delegation, international NGOs, and coffee buyers to ensure full compliance with the EUDR.

As a result, Rwanda has been classified as a low-risk origin under the EUDR. To enhance transparency, the NAEB has introduced a digital “Smart System” that tracks coffee from farm to export. The tool collects data on production, inputs, and farm management practices. A nationwide coffee census is also underway to gather geospatial data and socioeconomic profiles of farmers.

Adapting to New Standards

Farmers and exporters are already adapting to these new standards. In Nyamasheke District, coffee farmer Lambert Muhire verifies land records before expanding his plantation. “If we don’t comply, our produce could be rejected,” he said, adding that he plans to grow 5,000 trees on non-deforested land. Similarly, Wellars Karangwa, Manager of Muhondo Coffee, noted that compliance has been costly but necessary. “Mapping our 1,800 farmers with GPS coordinates cost us about Rwf2 million,” he said.

In the 2024/25 fiscal year, coffee exports generated over $116 million, a 48% increase from $78.7 million the previous year. Production rose by 25% to 21,000 tonnes, while the average export price increased 18% to $5.66 per kilogramme. Key drivers include replanting old trees, adopting high-yield varieties, and promoting private investment.

Boosting Specialty Coffee Visibility

The NAEB highlighted the Best of Rwanda competition as a major boost for specialty coffee visibility. In October, a batch from K-Organics Ltd in Huye District sold for $88.18 per kilogramme, nearly 14 times the average export price. This achievement underscores the growing global interest in Rwanda’s high-quality coffee.

Under the ongoing agricultural strategy, the coffee sector aims to grow export revenues from $78.7 million in 2023/24 to $115.5 million by 2029. This growth highlights both the sector’s resilience and the urgency to stay compliant with evolving global standards.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Ongoing discussions in Brussels could extend the compliance deadline by another year. Bizimana noted that Rwanda’s low-risk classification reflects a long history of smallholder coffee production and detailed data showing that recent expansions are environmentally compliant.

With the EU market remaining a critical destination for Rwandan coffee, the country’s ability to meet these stringent regulations will play a vital role in sustaining its economic growth. As the industry continues to adapt, the focus remains on maintaining environmental integrity while capitalizing on the increasing global demand for sustainable and traceable agricultural products.