1 – 2pm, Wednesday 2 April
John B. Henderson Lecture Room in the University of St Andrews Business School, Castlecliffe Building (CAC: F2)

Deforestation and the EU Deforestation Regulation with Christopher L. Gilbert Christpher L. Gilbert (SAIS Europe, Johns Hopkins University)

  • What do we mean by “deforestation”? How do we measure it? Why should we be concerned about it?
  • What is the extent of deforestation over the course of the current century? Which countries have seen the most deforestation?
  • The evidence shows that agriculture is the most important driver of deforestation. Which crops have been most closely associated with deforestation?


The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) limits the import and sale of crops originating from deforested land. It covers four tropical crop commodities (cocoa, coffee, natural rubber, and palm oil) plus two temperate climate commodities (beef and soybeans) and timber and comes into effect at the end of this year.

  • There has been little deforestation in Europe this century. However, Europe has been an importer of products from deforested land. What is the extent of Europe’s “imported deforestation”.
  • The EUDR has been seen as administratively complex and costly. What are these costs and how are they shared between developing country farmers, supply chain intermediaries and European consumers? Are their collateral costs (specifically
    increased supply chain concentration) and collateral benefits (improved product traceability)?
  • How does the EUDR affect post-Brexit Britain?
  • Will the EUDR be effective in reducing deforestation or will it simply provide European citizens with the assurance that is not we who are responsible for deforestation? Could any deforestation reductions have been achieved by alternative, less costly, means?