Interviewer: Almut, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has stirred both urgency and uncertainty across agricultural value chains. What’s your take on the current landscape?
Almut Van Casteren: The EUDR is a landmark regulation — and rightly so. It’s designed to protect forests and promote sustainable trade. But the path to compliance has been anything but straightforward. After the first delay, we saw a worrying trend: major commodity traders and farmer cooperatives deprioritized EUDR readiness. Investments were postponed. Confusion set in. And now, with a second delay proposed, that uncertainty risks deepening.
Interviewer: That sounds frustrating, especially for organizations that have been proactive.
Almut: It is. At eProd, we’ve taken a different approach. We didn’t wait for clarity — we built it. Together with Buhler, ITC, FAO, and other stakeholders, we launched the Market Compliance Online training program. It’s already trained over 400 SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to meet EUDR requirements. And we’re just getting started — our next cohort begins October 6, free of charge thanks to support from KfW/DEG.
Interviewer: What makes eProd’s solution stand out in this space?
Almut: eProd is more than software — it’s a strategy. Our platform enables producers to share traceability data and proof of legal, non-deforested production electronically via GeoJSON files. We’ve integrated with ITC’s Deforestation-Free Trade Gateway, and we’re fully aligned with TRACES, the EU’s official system. But what truly sets us apart is our focus on affordability and local relevance. While others rely on expensive, complex tools, we’ve built on Digital Public Infrastructure and Open Source technologies. That means even smallholder Farmer-Based Organizations can participate — and lead.
Interviewer: How do producers actually engage with the system?
Almut: Producers know their land. They know where deforestation has occurred — and where it hasn’t. eProd empowers them to visualize and flag risks before any data is shared with European Operators. This proactive approach builds trust and long-term relationships. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about transformation.
Interviewer: What’s your message to policymakers and industry leaders watching this unfold?
Almut: Don’t underestimate the sector’s readiness. The tools exist. The training is underway. The partnerships are forming. Delays may buy time, but they also risk eroding momentum. We urge leaders to recognize the enormous progress already made — and to support those who’ve stepped up early. EUDR compliance isn’t just possible. It’s happening.
Interviewer: Final thoughts?
Almut: The EUDR is a challenge, yes — but it’s also an opportunity. For producers, for traders, for the planet. Let’s not lose sight of that. Let’s keep moving forward.
📢 Registration is now open for the next Market Compliance Online training, starting October 6. This free, sector-specific course equips producers, cooperatives, and SMEs with practical strategies for EUDR compliance. Delivered in partnership with Buhler and the African Milling School, and supported by KfW/DEG, the training is available at www.marketcomplianceonline.net.
🌱 Interested in a hands-on experience? Producers, cooperatives, and SMEs who want to explore EUDR compliance tools firsthand are welcome to request a free demonstration or pilot of the eProd system. This is an opportunity to see how affordable, locally relevant digital traceability can work in your context — including GeoJSON file generation, risk visualization, and integration with TRACES and the Deforestation-Free Trade Gateway. To schedule your demo or pilot, simply reach out via www.eprod-solutions.com or contact our team directly.