The world’s largest coffee producers will request that the European Union delay the requirement that imported coffee beans come from areas not associated with deforestation, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) has announced.
The rule, set to come into effect by the end of the year, would ban the sale of coffee—as well as cocoa, soy, palm oil, timber, rubber, and cattle—if companies are unable to prove that the product comes from areas where forests have not been cleared in recent years.
“We cannot meet that deadline, it’s not possible. We believe that by working with EU leaders, we can achieve a postponement of that date,” said Vanusia Nogueira, the first woman to head the ICO, as reported by Reuters.
The ICO, an intergovernmental group linked to the United Nations, represents over 90% of global coffee production and over 60% of global consumption. Leading coffee producers such as Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia are member countries.
Nogueira did not specify how long the ICO wishes to delay the deadline. When asked about the potential consequences if coffee producers do not meet the deadline, the Brazilian said that the EU would find a solution.
“Europeans love their coffee… They won’t go without it,” concluded Nogueira.