Coffee Farmers Call for Urgent Talks Amid EU Regulations and Coffee Bill Changes

The coffee industry in Kenya, a critical sector for the country’s economy, is undergoing significant transformation. The introduction of new European Union (EU) regulations and the proposal of the Coffee Bill (Senate Bill No. 10 of 2023) have created a sense of urgency among small-scale coffee farmers. They are calling for broad consultations to ensure the sector’s growth is aligned with both environmental sustainability and farmers’ livelihoods. As these developments unfold, farmers, policymakers, and key stakeholders must engage in a collaborative process to safeguard the future of Kenya’s coffee industry.

Background: The Importance of Coffee in Kenya

Coffee farming in Kenya is deeply rooted in the country’s agricultural landscape, providing livelihoods to millions. Kenya is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Arabica coffee, prized for its rich flavor and aromatic profile. The country’s coffee sector employs about six million people, either directly or indirectly, with 1.2 million small-scale farmers forming the backbone of this industry. These small-scale farmers operate within cooperatives, allowing them to pool resources and access international markets.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU), representing 17 coffee unions and 1.2 million smallholder farmers, produces roughly 70 percent of the country’s coffee. As the umbrella body for these farmers, NACCU plays an integral role in representing their interests, ensuring they have access to lucrative markets, and advocating for favorable policies that sustain the sector.

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): A New Challenge for Coffee Farmers

One of the major challenges currently confronting Kenya’s coffee industry is the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes into effect on December 30, 2024. The EUDR is part of the EU’s broader effort to combat deforestation globally, ensuring that imported products, such as coffee, are not linked to deforestation or land degradation.

The regulation mandates that companies importing coffee into the EU provide clear and detailed evidence that their supply chains are free of deforestation. While the regulation seeks to address environmental concerns, it poses significant challenges to coffee farmers, particularly small-scale growers in Kenya, who may struggle to comply with the new requirements due to limited resources, technical capacity, and access to traceability systems.

The Potential Impact of EUDR on Kenyan Coffee Exports

Europe is a major market for Kenyan coffee, and the EU’s stringent deforestation rules could drastically affect Kenya’s coffee trade. If coffee farmers cannot meet the EUDR requirements, the potential consequences include reduced access to EU markets, price depression, and an increase in poverty levels among small-scale farmers who rely on coffee sales for their livelihoods.

Addressing a press conference in Nairobi, NACCU chairman Francis Ngone expressed concern about the uncertainty created by the EUDR, warning that the exclusion of Kenyan coffee from the EU market would have a devastating impact on the farmers and the national economy. Ngone emphasized that while environmental protection is essential, policies that disproportionately harm smallholders must be revisited and discussed in consultation with all stakeholders.

“We must advocate for regulations that not only address environmental concerns but also protect our livelihoods,” Ngone stated.

NACCU is calling for broad consultations between the government, coffee farmers, and international stakeholders to address these regulatory changes and ensure that small-scale farmers are not left behind in the global transition to environmentally sustainable practices. Without proper support, many Kenyan coffee farmers may find it difficult to comply with the new EU standards, threatening their market access.

The Coffee Bill: A Critical Moment for Reform

In addition to the EUDR, the Coffee Bill (Senate Bill No. 10 of 2023) has also contributed to the current atmosphere of uncertainty. The Bill seeks to overhaul the regulation and governance of Kenya’s coffee industry by shifting regulatory responsibilities from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to the Coffee Board of Kenya. It is also aimed at modernizing the coffee sector, streamlining trading practices, and providing more efficient oversight.

While the Bill represents an important step towards reform, it has raised some concerns among farmers and stakeholders. Ngone noted that certain proposed amendments to the Coffee Bill could create challenges for smallholder farmers. He expressed fears that some of the changes could lead to non-compliance among growers, as the policy reforms may be disconnected from the realities that farmers face on the ground.

“The Bill presents a significant opportunity for legal reforms in the coffee sector, but it must be inclusive and reflect the practical challenges our farmers face,” Ngone stated. He further cautioned that unless there is meaningful consultation with stakeholders, the new laws could inadvertently harm the very people they are meant to protect.

Proposed Amendments and Their Implications

One of the key provisions in the Coffee Bill is the transition of regulatory functions to the Coffee Board of Kenya. The Coffee Board will be tasked with overseeing the entire value chain, from production to marketing. This shift is intended to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the industry.

However, concerns have been raised about how the proposed transition will be managed and whether it will lead to increased bureaucracy. Farmers have also voiced concerns about potential changes to how cooperatives operate and whether they will retain autonomy in the new regulatory environment.

Ngone emphasized that farmers must be fully involved in discussions about the proposed amendments. He stressed the need for policies that are practical, ensure compliance without imposing undue burdens on smallholders, and promote sustainable practices.

The Way Forward: Collaborative Solutions for the Coffee Sector

The coffee sector is at a critical juncture, with both the EUDR and the Coffee Bill presenting significant challenges. However, these challenges also offer an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and chart a path forward that benefits both the environment and Kenya’s coffee farmers.

NACCU has called for a collaborative approach, where all stakeholders—government, farmers, international organizations, and industry experts—work together to find solutions. Ngone reiterated that this is not a time for division but for unity and innovation.

“Together, we can navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger,” Ngone declared during the press conference.

The Role of Government Support

For small-scale farmers to comply with the new EU regulations and adapt to the changes proposed in the Coffee Bill, government support will be crucial. The Kenyan government must play a proactive role in ensuring that farmers have access to the necessary tools, training, and technology to meet international standards.

One area of support could include investment in traceability systems that allow farmers to track the environmental impact of their coffee production. Additionally, access to financing and technical assistance will be critical in helping farmers transition to more sustainable practices.

By working closely with NACCU and other key organizations, the government can ensure that the Coffee Bill reflects the interests of farmers while also promoting the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Sustainable Future for Coffee Farmers

The new European Union regulations and the proposed Coffee Bill present both challenges and opportunities for Kenya’s coffee sector. As one of the country’s most important industries, the future of coffee farming hinges on the ability of stakeholders to navigate these changes in a way that benefits both the environment and small-scale farmers.

NACCU has sounded the alarm, calling for urgent talks and wider consultations to address these critical issues. By fostering collaboration between government officials, farmers, and international stakeholders, Kenya can ensure that its coffee industry continues to thrive while also meeting global standards for sustainability.

As the world moves towards more environmentally conscious consumption, it is essential that Kenya’s coffee farmers are not left behind. With the right support, they can adapt to the new regulations and continue to produce some of the world’s best coffee, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.