Ethiopian coffee farmers struggle with costly EU origin regulations

New European Union regulations aimed at combating deforestation are posing significant challenges for Ethiopia's coffee producers. With a third of their output destined for EU markets, farmers and exporters are grappling with stringent requirements to prove the origin of every coffee consignment. Whilst the regulations aim to promote sustainable agriculture, they place a heavy burden on small-scale farmers in developing countries who have contributed least to climate change. The new rules have led to an extensive mapping effort of coffee farms across Ethiopia, but with millions of small-scale producers, the task is daunting. As the deadline for compliance approaches, concerns are mounting about the potential impact on Ethiopia's vital coffee industry and the livelihoods of its farmers.

Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Sidama, Ethiopia.

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