Brazil Races to Meet EU Deforestation Rules: A New Era for Commodity Exports
Brazilian authorities are making a concerted effort to help commodity exporters comply with the European Union’s upcoming deforestation regulation (EUDR), set to take effect at the conclude of 2026. The EUDR aims to curb deforestation linked to products consumed in Europe, including soy, cattle, rubber, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and timber. A key component of this effort is a newly developed mapping technology from Brazil’s National Space Research Institute (INPE).
The Challenge of Geolocation and Data
The EUDR requires suppliers to provide precise, geolocalized data proving their products weren’t sourced from areas illegally deforested after December 31, 2020. Previously, Brazil’s official deforestation data, collected by INPE’s PRODES system, used a one-hectare threshold. To meet the EU’s more stringent requirements, INPE has created technology capable of generating deforestation data in polygons as small as half a hectare (1.2 acres). What we have is the first time Brazil has mapped deforestation at this level of detail.
Overcoming the Amazon’s Rainy Season
Tracking deforestation in the Amazon is particularly challenging during the rainy season, which begins in December. Persistent cloud cover hinders satellite imagery. To address this, INPE developed the Brazil Data Cube (BDC). This innovative tool captures all remote sensing images over a period, then uses radar technology and artificial intelligence to assemble cloud-free images, enabling accurate mapping even during periods of heavy rainfall.
Agro Brasil + Sustentável: A Centralized Platform for Compliance
Responding to pressure from the agriculture industry for a reliable data source, the Brazilian agriculture ministry launched the Agro Brasil + Sustentável platform in late December 2025. This platform integrates information from public and private databases, providing rural producers with a centralized resource to generate compliance reports. The platform aims to offer a “universal, free tool” for producers to demonstrate adherence to EUDR standards.
Beyond EUDR: A Boost for Domestic Sustainability
The platform’s benefits extend beyond EUDR compliance. It also supports Brazilian producers seeking preferential access to rural credit with lower interest rates by demonstrating sustainable practices. The initiative aims to showcase the sustainability of Brazilian agricultural production to both domestic and international markets.
Traceability Concerns and Ongoing Verification
While the platform is a significant step forward, concerns remain about whether European authorities will accept the documentation provided. Industry representatives, like André Nassar of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (Abiove), emphasize the need for clear alignment between Brazilian data and EU interpretation of compliance requirements. Abiove reports that many soy exporters are already implementing 100% traceability systems.
The Role of Technology in Sustainable Agriculture
The development of the Brazil Data Cube exemplifies the growing role of technology in monitoring and combating deforestation. The BDC utilizes advanced computational platforms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and time series analysis of images to provide accurate and timely data. This technology is applicable not only to the Amazon but to all of Brazil.
FAQ: EUDR and Brazilian Exports
- What is the EUDR? The European Union Deforestation Regulation aims to ensure that products sold in the EU are not contributing to deforestation globally.
- When does the EUDR take effect? The regulation is scheduled to come into effect at the end of 2026.
- What commodities are affected by the EUDR? Soy, cattle, rubber, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and timber are among the key commodities targeted by the EUDR.
- How is Brazil preparing for the EUDR? Brazil has developed new mapping technology and a centralized platform, Agro Brasil + Sustentável, to help exporters comply with the regulation.
Pro Tip: Exporters should proactively engage with the Agro Brasil + Sustentável platform and familiarize themselves with the EUDR requirements to ensure a smooth transition.
Did you know? The EUDR requires not only proof of deforestation-free sourcing but also verification that production areas are free from social, land, and labor issues.
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What challenges do you foresee for Brazilian exporters in meeting the EUDR requirements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
