Fairtrade launches new functionality for geolocation data sharing as EUDR deadline approaches
The approach of the EU Deforestation Regulation at the end of the year means cocoa and coffee importers and their suppliers are preparing for new practices that aim to show products coming into the European Union are deforestation-free.
With the launch of new functionality in Fairtrade’s sales tracking system (Fairtrace) this week, Fairtrade producers and trade partners now have a secure, direct way to share the farm geolocation data that is required as part of due diligence under the EUDR.
This functionality is the companion to Fairtrade’s Plot Insights system, launched in June for the use of more than 900 Fairtrade cocoa and coffee cooperatives.
How it works
Fairtrace and Plot Insights work together to provide both cooperatives and exporters and importers with information they need to prepare for the EUDR, while also better understanding and managing deforestation risk in their operations and supply chains.
In Plot Insights, coffee and cocoa cooperatives upload their members’ plot geolocation data, and get immediate data quality feedback aligned with EUDR as well as Fairtrade requirements. This could include flagging geolocation points that aren’t precise enough (to six decimal places), or implausible plot shapes that likely indicate an error in one of the data points. Once the plot data are corrected and validated, the plots are analysed by Satelligence’s satellite imaging and monitoring technology. Cooperatives then have a deforestation risk report that they can use for follow-up and in their deforestation prevention plans.
Over in Fairtrace, where traders already report their Fairtrade sales transactions, there is now a new feature to allow geolocation data sharing for supply chains that need it. Traders (usually exporters) create a contract record using the new Geolink Contract Registry and add the cooperative and importer partners linked to a particular sale. Cooperatives attach their plot data to the contract directly from Plot Insights.
Importers can then access the geolocation data back in Fairtrace, along with a Satelligence risk summary. This information is what importers need as “first operators” to conduct due diligence and create their due diligence statement in the EU’s digital platform, TRACES.
Fairtrade’s systems support quality, EUDR-aligned, ethical data sharing
There can be many challenges to accessing the right data, in the right format for the EU. Whether uncertain data quality, or incompatible file formats, or having producer partners that are not aware of EUDR requirements, Fairtrade works to address these challenges.
Quality geolocation data: Fairtrade’s Plot Insights system validates plot data according to EUDR requirements, and then converts it to the GeoJSON format so that importers have what they need to create their due diligence statement.
Supports deforestation risk monitoring and traceability: Plot lists come with a deforestation risk summary from Satelligence, confirming the number of plots analysed, and results. Cooperatives also have a full risk analysis from Satelligence, which they can use to support their own monitoring and prevention efforts. When it comes to traceability, Plot Insights and Fairtrace allow for an industry-relevant traceability reference can be assigned to the contract, such as the ICO number for coffee, export lot number for cocoa, or purchase or delivery order reference.
Ethically and securely shared: Cooperatives manage their own data in Plot Insights. and share it with consent. Systems are connected within Fairtrade’s digital ecosystem, and supply chain partners use systems they are already familiar with.
Building on benefits of Fairtrade sourcing: Buying Fairtrade is already an advantage when it comes to deforestation prevention and forest protection. The Fairtrade Standards include cut-off dates and geolocation data requirements that align with or exceed the EUDR. Fairtrade Minimum Prices and Premiums, plus optional Living Income Reference Prices and income diversification programmes, aim to reduce the economic pressure that drives land conversion. Fairtrade producer networks support cooperatives to adopt climate-resilient farming practices.
“EUDR is a reality, and it is a huge burden on farmers and cooperatives even though the due diligence responsibility lies with companies,” says Brenda Huerta García, Fairtrade International’s Senior Advisor for Climate and Environment. “Our digital systems are built to support supply chain partners working together toward EUDR readiness, backed up by Fairtrade’s approach to tackling deforestation more holistically.”
Learn more
Fairtrade certified supply chain partners can find resources and guidance materials on our website, both for using Fairtrace and Geolink, and in general on the EUDR for micro, small and medium enterprises.