Last Updated: Friday, September 26, 2025 at 1:45pm
The European Commission has announced that it will recommend delaying the implementation of its anti-deforestation law, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), for a second year. According to Reuters, EU Environment Commissioner proposed the recommendation, which now requires approval by the European Parliament and EU member states.
This regulation was designed to prevent commodities such as soy, beef, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and wood from entering the EU market if they are linked to deforestation or forest degradation. If approved by the EU Parliament, the regulations, which are currently scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2025, would push enforcement into 2026.
Georgia’s Track Record of Sustainability:
“Georgia’s forests are growing, not shrinking. With more trees today than a century ago, we have built a model of sustainability where working forests provide clean air, clean water, abundant wildlife habitat, and family wage jobs,” said Tim Lowrimore, President & CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association. “We believe this track record makes Georgia a trusted partner positioned to support the growing needs for sustainable products for both global and domestic markets.”
Key Points on Georgia’s Forestry Sustainability:
Science-Based Practices: Over 24 million acres of Georgia’s forests are managed under modern, scientifically-vetted forestry practices. Each year, Georgia forests grow more than 50% more wood volume than is harvested each year and planting 250–300 million tree seedlings annually.
Land Stewardship: Ninety percent of forests are privately owned, and policies that overburden small landowners risk undermining rural communities and discouraging reinvestment in forestry.
Accountability & Support: Georgia’s forestry model includes strong oversight and professional standards supported by government, academia and non-profit leadership. The Georgia Forestry Commission reports on forest sustainability every five years. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Master Timber Harvester program trains and certifies 1,500 loggers annually in best management practices. The Department of Natural Resources supports landowners with resources and education to protect wildlife habitat while ensuring landowners have the tools to steward their forests responsibly.
Why a Delay Matters:
The Georgia Forestry Association, together with the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), continue to advocate for:
- Aligning forest degradation definitions with FAO guidance
- Removing geolocation requirements for low-risk countries such as the U.S.
- Improving data tools like the EU Observatory to strengthen credibility without overburdening landowners.
Looking Ahead
A one-year extension is not a pause on progress—it’s an opportunity to get this regulation right. Georgia’s forests are a global example of sustainability, and we encourage EU leaders to adopt the Commission’s recommendation to delay implementation until 2026 while working toward a framework that recognizes the U.S. South as a trusted, low-risk supplier of sustainable wood products. Read more from NAFO’s recent announcement linked here.