Navigating EU deforestation regulation compliance: challenges for coffee smallholders in Vietnam

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) imposes strict supply chain controls to combat deforestation and forest degradation. However, farmers in exporting countries face significant challenges in complying with the regulation’s requirements. This study, conducted in four provinces of Vietnam, explores land legality issues affecting coffee growers’ compliance with the EUDR, particularly among the majority Kinh and ethnic minority groups. Data were collected from 1,323 coffee growers, 20 government officials, 5 coffee experts, 14 businesses, and 6 cooperatives. Findings indicate that awareness of the EUDR is limited, though Kinh farmers have a significantly higher understanding. A key compliance barrier is the requirement for a land use rights certificate, a crucial document proving legal ownership. While most coffee plots have land use rights certificates, some lack documentation, putting those farmers at risk of exclusion from the supply chain. Additionally, ethnic minority farmers often own more plots, but with smaller total land areas, leading to land fragmentation that complicates geographic mapping. Enhancing farmer awareness, strengthening land administration, and encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration are essential steps. Without such measures, smallholder farmers may face significant challenges in complying with the complex regulatory standards introduced under the EUDR.