UNEP-WCMC's TRADE Hub project contributed to advancing sustainable agricultural research and policy practice across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. 

The Trade, Development and Environment Hub (TRADE Hub) was a five-year project that significantly advanced research on agricultural commodities, wild meat and wildlife trade. Not only did it conduct research in over nine countries, but it also contributed to policy solutions and on-the-ground practice. One major area of impact was its work in advancing socially responsible and environmentally sustainable agricultural supply chains. 

We reflect on two major achievements of the Hub: its work in informing the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) and in amplifying the voices of smallholder farmers to promote environmentally sustainable outcomes that work for those most reliant upon, and affected by, agricultural trade. 

Recognizing the importance of rubber  

Rubber production causes substantial deforestation, but this was not always known. TRADE Hub researchers uncovered the scale of this issue by generating and assessing high resolution maps of rubber-related deforestation in Southeast Asia. This research was picked up by Nature, with over 52,000 readers worldwide. Yet its relevance extended past the halls of academics and towards policymakers. 

Rubber included as a key commodity in the EUDR 

The TRADE team was invited to provide evidence at the EU negotiations in December of 2022, encouraging the addition of rubber to the EUDR, a regulation ensuring suppliers seeking access to EU markets follow stringent reporting requirements. Rubber was later included in the EUDR, with requirements preventing rubber tied to deforested, or recently deforested land from entering EU markets.  

The EUDR will enter into force for large operators and traders from 30 December 2025, and small companies have until 30 June 2026 to comply. As companies get to grips with the new regulation, there will be abundant opportunities to support compliance, using a range of methods from technical assistance to tailored training sessions. UNEP-WCMC remains committed to staying at the forefront of developments in this space, with supply chain expertise across a variety of our impact areas. 

Listening to the perspectives of smallholder farmers 

Micro and small companies will also be affected by the EUDR. Of these, smallholder farmers are some of the most affected by international trade, relying on profits for their socioeconomic livelihoods and wellbeing. TRADE Hub partnered with the film company What Took You So Long to create the documentary ‘A Smallholder’s Voice’. Researchers and filmmakers spoke directly to cocoa and oil palm smallholder farmers in Mbangassina, Cameroon, a region rich with tropical forest.  

The film follows the lives of Jean-Marie, Chantal, Jean-Jacques and Mama Mary, exploring the challenges they face in navigating global cocoa and oil palm markets, and in meeting the sustainability requirements of the EUDR. While Western markets are moving towards demand for deforestation-free imports, these desires must be balanced with ensuring fair economic returns for smallholders. Farmers are connected to the forest; it is their lifeline, providing what is necessary for survival and spiritual wellbeing. Yet, the smallholders shared that they are often forced into unsustainable practices due to high demand and low profit margins. 

Policy recommendations for socially and environmentally sustainable supply chains

Just and sustainable supply chains ensure both positive environmental and social outcomes. One effort towards this vision is the rise of certification standards for agricultural commodities. For example, there is a range of oil palm certifications, including the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil. Companies involved in production can sign up to these schemes and, subject to inspection, receive a sustainability certification if they meet specific criteria. These schemes often refer to social impacts, however TRADE Hub researchers found a need for stronger consideration of social dimensions across certifications. 

It is not just the farmers in ‘A Smallholder’s Voice’ who face barriers to meeting sustainability requirements; it is also many smallholder farmers across the world. The EUDR sets strict requirements for companies; however, what is possible for a large business to implement may be impossible for smallholders with limited time, capacity, and no voice in the decision-making process. This is an opportunity for collaboration – in understanding the barriers faced by smallholders, regulation can be applied more inclusively and effectively, alongside plans for capacity building, financial support, and outreach to enable smallholders meet the EUDR requirements.  

TRADE Hub researchers returned to Mbangassina, hoping to understand the smallholders’ perspectives on the documentary and its impacts. Farmers featured in the film expressed their joy in being able to share their story, knowing it was launched at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in 2022, met by international interest. However, the WTO is a long way from Cameroon, and they shared their hopes for continued technical assistance and financial investment. Most importantly, they desire to keep having their voices heard. 

This is a sign of hope: as policy moves towards implementing the EUDR and supporting the long-term flourishing of landscapes, projects must continue to engage those most affected by these changes. 

Main image: IIS | Thomas Mendel