France to Limit Imports of Non-Sustainable Agricultural Products

Five French ministries proposed 17 measures address deforestation caused by importion of non-sustainable forest or agricultural products, which may include palm oil. The five ministries cited  decline in the world’s forest area by 129 million hectares during the 15 year period to 2015 that led to 11% increase in greenhouse gas emissions and significant consequences in terms of preserving biodiverstiy and natural habitats.  The new measures include providing financial aid for developing countries to promote respect for non-deforestation criteria, launching a “zero deforestation” label for consumers by 2020 and pushing a European policy on imports posing a risk for forests next year.

Earlier in November, France joined six other EU countries to demand that the European Commission formulate an action plan by the end of the year to tackle global deforestation.  As part of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) adopted on 13 November, France is following the EU’s target to phase out the use of biofuels containing feedstocks that cause deforestation by 2030. France is allowing a limited use of palm oil at Total’s planned La Mede biofuel refinery, a controversial move which has caused an outcry among French rapeseed farmers who say that cheap palm oil feedstock would lead to unfair competition.