European Union

The European Union is advancing a groundbreaking regulation to ban “deforestation-risk commodities” such as beef, soy, palm oil and cocoa unless producers can prove their products are not linked to forest loss. While this measure could help slow deforestation and advance global sustainability goals, advocates caution that a gender-blind approach risks reinforcing existing inequalities. Women make up the majority of small agricultural producers globally, especially in rural and Indigenous communities, yet they often lack access to capital, land rights, technology and market power. Without targeted support, the new rule could marginalize these women and strengthen the influence of powerful, export-oriented producers at their expense. Small-scale food production for local markets, which women largely drive, is already under pressure from global commodity systems. Expert voices argue that truly equitable implementation must go beyond compliance clauses to include gender-sensitive value chain analysis, safeguard local food sovereignty, regulate financial flows that fuel forest loss, and ensure women and communities meaningfully shape the process. With a gendered perspective, the legislation could support both forest protection and more just rural livelihoods.